Horizon Performing Arts announces its highly anticipated production of the Broadway hit musical Avenue Q, running October 19-22 at Riverside Arts Center. Directed by Connor Thomas Rhoades, this production of Avenue Q brings humor and heart to Downtown Ypsilanti. Rhoades’ excellent puppetry direction and skilled staging will be brought to life at Riverside’s intimate stage and is sure to delight audiences.
“Connor is an excellent puppeteer, and he has a deep understanding of the art-form, as well as the material. Our actors have been working so hard to bring the pieces together, and our audiences are in for a real treat when they come to see this show,” says Horizon’s Executive Director, Brynn Arnall. “I have been so impressed with how hard everyone has been working and the new skills that have been learned as a result of this production. I’m so grateful we’ve been able to bring Avenue Q to both the Horizon and Ypsilanti communities!”
The lead role of Princeton/Rod will be portrayed by David Culliton, who was seen as Anthony in Sweeney Todd last fall. Joining Culliton is Michelle Smith, a Horizon veteran, who takes on the role of Kate Monster/Lucy. Connor Thomas Rhoades plays the versatile role of Nicky/Trekkie/Bad Idea Bear/Others, accompanied by right hander, Olivia Sulisz, as Bad Idea Bear/Mrs. T/Others. Vheena Villareal takes on the heart of the show as Christmas Eve, while Horizon newcomers, Drew Dyer and Melissa Paschall, portray Brian and Gary Coleman, respectively. The show is music directed by Megan Smania-Watts and assistant directed by Melissa Stewart.
Winner of the Tony Award “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, it is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. “Avenue Q serves as a valuable source of learning for twenty and thirty somethings, just as its children’s television counterpart teaches its preschool-aged audience,” says Rhoades. “The show brilliantly illustrates the trials and tribulations that come with one’s emergence into adulthood, in an insanely funny package!”
Avenue Q will run from October 19 to October 22 at Riverside Arts Center (76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti). Evening performances begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday matinees begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at horizonpa.yapsody.com or at the door. Seating is limited, so we encourage patrons to purchase their tickets in advance. This production is rated R for puppet nudity, adult content, and strong language. Children should be left at home.
About Horizon Performing Arts: Horizon Performing Arts was founded in 2017 to be a welcoming and inclusive community theatre organization for the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor communities. We exist to produce quality art that is unique and educational for a variety of ages. We strive to encourage passionate artists who are looking to improve their skills while being a part of an inclusive, inventive, and encouraging community. We believe that no matter who you are there is always room to widen your horizons through the performing arts. For more information, visit horizonperformingarts.org.
