Playhouse Stage Company Announces Casting For New
Production Of “Avenue Q”
COHOES, N.Y. (March 20, 2019) — Following the upcoming student production of the satirical “Urinetown: The Musical,” running March 21–31 at the Cohoes Music Hall, Playhouse Stage Company will begin work on the next professional production in their 31st Season, “Avenue Q.”
The hysterical Tony Award-winning musical will debut on Thursday, April 25.
“Avenue Q,” with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx and book by Jeff Whitty, tells the story of a group of neighbors muddling through young adulthood in the outer boroughs of New York City. The show, inspired by “Sesame Street,” is performed by a cast of actors and puppeteers with a wickedly funny adult edge. The original Broadway production, which opened in 2003, subsequently transferred for a long off-Broadway run at New World Stages.
Director Owen Smith and Musical Director Brian Axford will lead a cast made up almost entirely of performers who have earned praise for previous productions in Washington Park and at the Cohoes Music Hall.
Jason Jacoby (well received in Park Playhouse productions of “The Producers,” “Cabaret,” and “Beauty & the Beast”) has performed in “Avenue Q” for nearly seven years in the roles of Nicky & Trekkie Monster. As “Puppet Captain” for the New York production, Jacoby will be sharing his experience and expertise with the Playhouse Stage Company as the Puppet Coach.
Leading the cast in the roles of Princeton and Rod is Jefferson McDonald. McDonald returns after playing Jerry Lee Lewis in “Million Dollar Quartet” for Playhouse Stage Co. at the Music Hall this past fall. Playing opposite him in the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut will be Playhouse veteran
Molly Rose McGrath (“Always… Patsy Cline,” “Ragtime,” “Chicago,” and others).
After a well-received comedic performance as William Barfeé in “…Spelling Bee” last Spring (as well as roles in “Ragtime” and “Damn Yankees”), Christopher Frazier returns as Nicky and Trekkie Monster. Joining them will be local Playhouse regulars, Brandon Jones (“Little Mermaid,” “Ragtime,” “… Spelling Bee”) as Gary Coleman and Marc Christopher (“Hands on a Hardbody” and “Singin’ in the Rain”) as Brian. Playhouse newcomer Hiroko Yonekura will join the company in the delightful role of Christmas Eve.
Rounding out the cast in a variety of ensemble roles, and creating choreography for the production, is Playhouse Director of Education Ashley-Simone Kirchner, who has been featured in and on staff for many productions over the past ten years.
Avenue Q will run at the Cohoes Music Hall on Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, May 5, with 8 p.m. performances Tuesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $27 for all sections. The Music Hall box office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as two hours prior to each performance.
For tickets and more information, visit parkplayhouse.com or by calling (518) 434–0776.
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Park Playhouse augments the quality of life for a diverse audience in the
Capital District by producing FREE theatre in an outdoor setting, mounting high quality productions at venues throughout the region and providing arts education programs to young people in the community. We make theatre an all-inclusive art form, accessible to people from all walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds. parkplayhouse.com
