TONY-AWARD WINNING “AVENUE Q” OPENS AT DUNES
Dunes
Summer Theatre opens its 61st season with the blockbuster musical
“Avenue Q” on June 8 running for three weekends through June 24. It is a laugh-out-loud musical
that tells a timeless ‘coming of age’ story addressing and satirizing the
issues and anxieties associated with becoming an adult.
The story revolves around a recent college grad named Princeton who
moves into a shabby New York City apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There,
he meets Kate (a lovelorn kindergarten teacher), Rod (the investment banker), Trekkie
(the internet sexpert), Lucy The Slut (a nightclub singer) and other colorful
types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life!
The unique manner in which Princeton’s story is told, through puppets,
just like on “Sesame Street” when he was growing up, makes this sharp and funny
show a fresh entertainment for all but the very young. It is appropriate for
teens.
“Avenue Q” is the 2003 winner of the Tony Triple Crown for Best Musical,
Best Score, and Best Book. It continues running off-Broadway in NYC.
The Dunes stage has been transformed into Ave. Q, New York City and the
show is presented by an engaging ensemble group who not only sing and act, but
have learned puppetry as well. They consist of Melanie May of Michigan City
playing Kate Monster, Michael Glorioso of Valparaiso playing Trekkie, Andy
Polomchak of Valparaiso playing Princeton, Trish Sabocik of Portage playing
Gary Coleman, Trinidad Snider of Cedar Lake IN, playing Christmas Eve, Rachel
Steigely of Highland IN playing Mrs. Thistelwat among others, Jeff Schmidt of
Hobart playing Brian, and Eric Helmken of Michigan City playing Bad Idea Bear.
Lisa Lake directs “Avenue Q”, with Rebecca LaFollette as her assistant,
and Jim Mollin acts as music director. James Andresen is the stage manager.
Note that The Dunes is offering earlier starting times this season, and
all Sundays are matinees. A new feature is the first Sunday matinee of each
show is a ‘pay what you can’ show. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays
2:00pm. Prices range from $18 to $10. Tickets can be purchased online
(reservations@dunessummertheatre.com) or call the Box Office 219.879.7509 or
Dani Lane 269.449.8686.
