Broadway’s hit show “Avenue Q” comes to Fairfield University | Press Releases

Theatre Fairfield presents fresh laughs and fun April 22-26, 2015

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 6, 2015) – Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University’s resident production company, is thrilled to be closing its 2014-2015 season with the Tony Award-winning musical “Avenue Q” with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, and based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. This play will be performed in the Wien Experimental Theatre at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, April 22-25 at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday April 26. Tickets are $12 general admission, $6 for seniors and University staff, and $5 for students. Parents should be aware that this production contains mature content and language.

“Avenue Q” won the Tony Award’s “Triple Crown” in 2004 for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. This hilarious and unexpectedly touching story reminds audiences that even porn-addicted monsters, slutty nightclub singers, and washed-up child celebrities are searching for their purposes in life. “Of course I think this show is relevant for college students about to graduate, but I also think it’s universal,” said Director Jackob Hofmann. “Even though there’s a lot of satire, dirty jokes, and off the wall humor, there’s a heart to this play.” The musical tells the story of several unlikely friends, including Princeton, a puppet post-grad wondering what to do with a B.A. in English; Kate Monster, a boyfriend-less kindergarten substitute teacher; Brian, a broke, unemployed 33-year-old; and many other misfits, who live together on Avenue Q. Songs including “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” “If You Were Gay” and “The Internet is for Porn” can only begin to describe this laugh-out-loud comedy.

Bringing this show to life is a number of outstanding guest artists including Jackob Hofmann, director; David Harris, music director; and Linda Wingerter, puppet master. The artistic team is completed with a number of Theatre Fairfield regulars: Lynne Chase, lighting designer; Julie Leavitt, costume designer; Lynne Porter, scenic designer; and Jeremy Jenkins, technical director. The cast includes, Alec Bandzes ’15 (Bad Idea Bear) from Chester, Conn.; Lizzie Bateson ’16 (Bad Idea Bear) from East Greenwich, R.I.; Liam Cahill ’18 (Nicky) from Floral Park, N.Y.; Maggie Greene ’15 (Lucy the Slut/Mrs. Thistletwat) from Portland, Ore.; Franco Luzzi ’15 (Trekkie Monster) from New Haven, Conn.; Brendan McNamara ’17 (Gary Coleman) from Warwick, R.I.; Alex Mongillo ’16 (Rod) from Cheshire, Conn.; Katie Premus ’15 (Christmas Eve) from Staten Island, N.Y.; Tori Schuchmann ’16 (Ms. Q) from Oxford, Conn.; Cristelle Sens-Castet ’15 (Kate Monster) from Pearl River, N.Y.; Sean Switzer ’17 (Princeton) from Chatham, N.J.; and Danny Ward ’18 (Brian) from Stamford, Conn.

Theatre Fairfield is Fairfield University’s resident production company. The theatre program at Fairfield offers students a liberal arts education infused with the theoretical and everyday aspects of the theatre profession. Theatre Fairfield produces three or more productions every year and serves as a platform for community engagement as well a positive and professional learning environment.

AVENUE Q is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Tickets are $12 for general admission; $6 for seniors and university staff; and $5 for students. All tickets are sold through the Quick Center Box Office in person or at (203) 254-4010 or 1-877-ARTS-396. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

Photo caption:
Franco Luzzi ’15 as Trekkie Monster
Photo by Alejandro “Lex” Ulloa