“Avenue Q” on stage starting November 9

The Yakima Valley College Drama Department’s fall production of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Avenue Q,” opens November 9 in Kendall Hall Auditorium (Building 12) on the college’s Yakima Campus. Performances will be held November 9 – 11 and November 16 – 18 at 7:30 p.m. Ray Pritchard, drama instructor, directs the production with musical direction by Steven Slusher, director of choral music. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for seniors/students. Purchase tickets online.

Winner of the Tony Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, the hilarious “Avenue Q” tells the timeless story of a recent college graduate trying to find his way in the world. Set in New York City all the way out on Avenue Q (he couldn’t afford anything better), we are introduced to fresh-faced Princeton as he struggles to find his purpose: meeting friends, finding love, losing love and finding it again, along the way. Inspired by the beloved children’s show “Sesame Street,” “Avenue Q” creates a puppet-filled world that is a little more reflective of the difficult, R-rated realities that we face when we learn that real life isn’t as simple as we dreamed it might be —  but perhaps, suggests “Avenue Q,” life is all the more colorful and worthwhile for it.

“‘Avenue Q’ is a play that I’ve known for many years. I’ve always loved it,” says Pritchard. “Its edginess, raunchiness and inappropriateness makes people think. The show covers topics like racism and purpose and others that people will experience in the real world.”

YVC’s production includes cast members Kaya Luppino (Kate Monster), Alex Aweburn (Princeton), Cheyenne-Michelle Stefano (Gary Coleman), Greyson Malsam (Brian), Seiko Inada Werts (Christmas Eve), Randy Peltier (Rod), Chase Miles (Nicky), Noah Price (Trekkie Monster), Skylar Thomas (Lucy), Aimee Hostetler (Mrs. T/Ensemble), Katie Guthrie and Ivan Valencia (Bad Idea Bears), along with puppeteers Chris Mercy, Angel Saucedo, Duke Walker and Matt Marquez. Additional production support provided by Angel Saucedo (choreographer), Elizabeth Lopez (stage manager), Carlee Richard, Dalilah Nelson and Desi Quenzer (assistant stage managers), Elizabeth Rivera (costume/puppet design), Ruth Veselka (puppet design) and Brittany Winn (lighting design).

This production is rated “R” and features adult topics, offensive language and sexual content. For more information call 509.834.4554.

Press Release Contacts:
Dustin Wunderlich / 509.574.6870 / dwunderlich@yvcc.edu
Stefanie Menard / 509.574.4646 / smenard@yvcc.edu