MUSICAL COMEDY IS ADULT SESAME STREET
8:00 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 1-3, Forum Theatre
Tickets: $5 -Students; $8-General Public
The reality of life after college and finding your place in the world is the backdrop for "Avenue Q," a coming-of-age musical comedy at Penn State New Kensington. The play's three-night run begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 3, in the campus' Forum Theatre.
Bill Mitas, instructor in theatre at the New Kensington campus, directs the campus Drama Clubs' fall production. The student cast includes Jimmy Baker, Danielle Dortenzo, Chris Capo, Natalie Maretti, Steve Warhola, Elena Rose, Matt Mlynarski, Reid Rotzler, and Carla Clark.
Based on a book by Jeff Whitty, with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, the play revolves around Princeton, a recent college grad who just moved to New York, and his eclectic group of neighbors. They live on Avenue Q, a downtrodden street on the outskirts of the Big Apple.
The winner of three Tony awards, the play can be likened to an adult version of Sesame Street, where animation, replete with puppets and puppeteers, interact with the human characters. The show is rated R and not suitable for children under the age of 18.
Tickets for the Forum Theatre production are $5 for students and $8 for the general public and are available at the door. For more information, call 724-334-6032.
For more about the play and a video clip, visit http://ppc.broadway.com/shows/avenue-q-off-bway/ online.
STUDENT CAST
PUPPETS
Princeton-Jimmy Baker
Kate Monster- Danielle Dortenzo
Nicky- Chris Capo/Natalie Maretti
Rod- Jimmy Baker
Lucy- Danielle Dortenzo
The Bad Idea Bears- Steve Warhola, Elena Rose
Trekkie Monster- Matt Mlynarski (Voice)
Puppeteers-Reid Rotzler, Steve Warhola
Mrs. T- Natalie Maretti
Rickie- Steve Warhola
Newcomer- Chris Capo
HUMANS
Brian- Matthew Mlynarski
Christmas Eve- Natalie Maretti
Gary Coleman- Carla Clark
CHARACTERS
BRIAN: A laid-back guy married to Christmas Eve.
CHRISTMAS EVE: A therapist who moved from Japan.
GARY COLEMAN: Yes, that Gary Coleman. He lives on the Avenue and is the superintendent.
KATE MONSTER: A kindergarten teaching assistant, a bit older than Princeton.
LUCY: A vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge.
MRS. T: Ancient, Kate's boss.
NICKY: A bit of a slacker, who lives with Rod.
PRINCETON: A fresh-faced kid just out of college.
ROD: A Republican investment banker with a secret.
THE BAD IDEA BEARS: Two snuggly, cute teddy-bear types.
TREKKIE MONSTER: A reclusive creature obsessed by the Internet.