The Drama Group to stage ‘Avenue Q — The Musical’
October 3, 2012 3:33PM
In this scene from "Avenue Q — The Musical," Brian (Frank Hattula) is confronted by Christmas Eve (Nikki Dizon). | Diane and Chuck Kaffka photo
‘AVENUE Q —
THE MUSICAL’
◆ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-6 and 11-13, and
2 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14
Some performances are already sold out
◆ The Drama Group Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights
◆ Tickets, $20 for adults, $19.00 for ages 65 and older and $15 for students with identification and groups of 25 or more
Group discount rates also are
available
◆ (708) 755-3444; dramagroup.org
◆ The show contains adult themes, language and content
Article Extras
Related Stories
Maps
Updated: November 6, 2012 6:11AM
Some performances of the Drama Group’s production of “Avenue Q — The Musical” already are sold out.
Billed as “part flesh, part felt and packed with heart,” the show will be staged from Oct. 5-14 at the Studio Theatre in Chicago Heights.
“Avenue Q” is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the story of Princeton, a recent college graduate who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q.
There he meets Kate Monster (the girl next door), Rod (the button-down Republican), Trekkie Monster (the Internet sexpert), Lucy and other colorful characters (some human, and some of the talking, friendly, furry monster variety) who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life.
“The Drama Group is excited to be presenting the Chicago Southland premiere of this much-talked about, groundbreaking and award-winning musical,” officials said.
The New York Times called “Avenue Q” “sweetly satiric and surprisingly fresh” while Variety said, “Of all the musicals hatched in the post-2000 age of irony, ‘Avenue Q’ has remained the freshest and funniest.”
In addition to a six-year Broadway run and national touring success, “Avenue Q” won Tony Awards for best musical, best book and best original score in 2004.
The show features book by Jeff Whitty, and Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx conceived the musical for which they wrote the music and lyrics.
“While adults love ‘Avenue Q,’ they may seem a little, er, fuzzy on whether it’s appropriate for kids,” officials said.
“ ‘Avenue Q can be great for teens because it’s about real life, but it may not be appropriate for young children because it does address issues like sex, drinking and porn on the web.
“It’s hard to say what exact age is right to see ‘Avenue Q.’ Parents should use discretion based on the maturity level of their children.
“Come see what all the fuzz is about.”
WHO’S WHO
The cast
MRS. T: Fara Lynn Bingham, of New Lenox
BOY BAD IDEA BEAR: Ron Bowden Jr., of Hazel Crest
GIRL BAD IDEA BEAR: Amy Dettmann, of Tinley Park
CHRISTMAS EVE: Nikki Dizon, of Chicago
ROD: Benjamin Golay, of Alsip
BRIAN WHITING: Frank Hattula, of Indiana
GARY COLEMAN: Wanjiku Kairu, of Chicago
KATE MONSTER: Jeannie Markionni, of Chicago Heights
LUCY: Julie Martin, of Frankfort
PRINCETON: Jeff Pastiak
TREKKIE MONSTER: Rick Rapp, of Chicago
NICKY: Rick Schuler, of Chicago
The crew
DIRECTORS: Curt and Tammy Lang, of Crete
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Tom Venutolo, of New Lenox
CHOREOGRAPHER: Tammy Lang, of Crete
THE DRAMA GROUP’S 2012-13 SEASON
NOV. 30-DEC. 9: “12 Angry Men” at the Drama Group Studio Theatre in Chicago Heights
FEB. 15-24: “Superior Donuts” at the Drama Group Studio Theatre
SPRING: “The Wiz” at the Bloom High School Workman Auditorium in Chicago Heights
JUNE 7-16: “God of Carnage” at the Drama Group Studio Theatre
AUG. 2-11: “West Side Story” at the Drama Group Studio Theatre
Subscriber savings
A Drama Group 2012-13 season ticket is $75 for six shows, or $12.50 per show. Season ticket-holders also receive the subscriber discount card, which can be used at local businesses, shops and restaurants through August.
Card sponsors include:
◆ Balagio Ristorante & Banquets in Homewood.
◆ Bizios Fresh Market in Olympia Fields
◆ CanvasDirect.com at canvasdirect.com/thedramagroup at (877) 462-2621.
◆ Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery in Flossmoor.
◆ Francesca’s Fortunato in Frankfort.
◆ Homewood Florist in Homewood.
◆ Karen Forsythe Photography in Homewood.
◆ Nix Nax in Homewood.
◆ Parmesans Wood Stone Pizza in Frankfort.
◆ Silpada Designs Jewelry.
◆ SPahhs skincare & bodyworx in Homewood.
Information: (708) 755-3444.
THE HISTORY OF ‘AVENUE Q’ IN NEW YORK
“Avenue Q” opened off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in March 2003, where it gained rave reviews and was extended four times.
The show won the 2003 Lucille Lortel Award for outstanding new musical as well as a nomination for the 2003 Outer Critics Circle Award for outstanding off-Broadway musical.
“Avenue Q” began previews at the Golden Theatre on July 11, 2003, with a July 31, 2003 opening.
“Avenue Q” played its final Broadway performance on Sept. 13, 2009.
The show currently is playing off-Broadway at New World Stages.
Source: avenueq.com
