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Community News

Tony-Award-Winning Broadway Hit "Avenue Q" in San Jose
May 19, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Smash Tony-Award-Winning Broadway Hit "Avenue Q"
In its San Jose Stage Company Debut
 
San Jose, CA - May 16, 2011 --- San Jose, Calif.
 "Avenue Q" is the smash Broadway musical hit about real life in New York City as told by a cast of people and puppets through a hilariously irreverent musical score. The three-time Tony Award-winning musical will make its debut at San Jose Stage Company with performances beginning June 1, running through July 3.
 
San Jose Stage Company's production of "Avenue Q" tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a 'purpose.' Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that "The Real World" isn't so bad after all.
 
The New York Times hailed "Avenue Q" as a "breakthrough musical of a very different stripe. Savvy, sassy and delicious." And Entertainment Weekly claimed it was "one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see!"
 
"Avenue Q" features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and is directed by Rick Singleton.  Puppet design by Rick Lyon, musical direction by Spencer Williams, choreography by Dottie Lester-White, scenic design by Adam Puglielli, costume design by Jean Cardinale, lighting design by Selina G Young, and sound design by Grant Huberty.
 
As Producing Director Rick Singleton said,  "Avenue Q is part South Park and part Muppets in one musical. " It has been called London's funniest musical.
 
"Avenue Q" has been called 'brash, vulgar, and sometimes downright obscene,' by the Sunday Times. "I loved every minute of it."
 
Another reviewer called it an X-rated Sesame Street with a Muppet Show.
 
"To call it a puppet show does it a disservice," added Singleton. "However, it is safe to say that if you are an adult with a good sense of humor, hen Avenue Q is right up your street!"
 
Cast members include Rinabeth Apostol*, Robert Brewer*, Martin Rojas-Dietrich*, David Colston Corris, Monique Hafen, Cheryl B. Scales and Halsey Varady.
 
NOTE:  Mature audiences will find Avenue Q hilarious, however it contains scenes (including full-puppet nudity) that may be unsuitable for children under 12.
 
The Stage is located at 490 South First Street in downtown San Jose.
"Avneue Q" previews Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 PM and again Friday, June 3 at 8 PM. The Opening Gala is Saturday, June 4 at 8 PM.
Performances continue Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM through July 3, 2011.
 
Tickets range from $25 - $50. Student and Senior Group rates are available. Tickets are now on sale at The Stage Box Office. Visa/MasterCard accepted; handicap accessible.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets www.thestage.org  or call the Box Office at 408.283.7142.
 
#       #       # 
 
*Member of Actors' Equity Association
 
 
About San Jose Stage Company:
Founded in 1983, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as The Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre, and known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent. In 1986, San Jose Stage Company set precedence as the first arts organization to negotiate and receive support from the Redevelopment Agency and the City of San Jose when over $500,000 was appropriated in support of the development of a new 200-seat theatre featuring a 3/4-thrust stage, which opened in 1990. Now in its 28th Season, SJSC continues to center its operations in this facility and has successfully produced over 135 productions and premiered 44 new works, including 11 world premieres and is acclaimed for maintaining high artistic standards, investing in local talent and supporting the region's community of working artists while taking artistic risks. In addition to its core programming, San Jose Stage Company offers five core education and outreach programs and has housed over 200 independent performance groups. San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community and has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high-quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. San Jose Stage Company serves an audience base of 25,000 and is recognized as a leader in the arts for a theatre of its size. For more information www.thestage.org   
 
 
 
 
Contact Information:
Jill Arnone,
Media Relations San Jose Stage Company
The Arnone Group  408 315 5121
OR
Randall King,
Artistic Director San Jose Stage Company
Attn: Critics:  For Media Pass Tickets to the Saturday, June 4 Gala Opening, please reply to Jill Arnone, jilla@thearnonegroup.com for reservations and box office arrangements.
Photos available upon request by end of May.
 

Jill Arnone
The Arnone Group
408 315 5121
jilla@thearnonegroup.com

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