The Robert Lopez-Jeff Marx-Jeff Whitty musical, which is set to begin previews at the Noel Coward Theatre June 1, will also feature Jon Robyns as Princeton and Rod, Simon Lipkin as Nicky and Trekkie Monster, Julie Atherton as Kate Monster and Lucy The Slut, Clare Foster as Mrs T. and Sion Lloyd as Brian. The company will also include Luke Evans, Matthew J Henry, Gloria Onitiri, Giles Terera, Gabriel Vick and Yanle Zhong.
Jason Moore will direct the London production, which officially opens June 28.
Avenue Q, according to London press notes, is "not the most upmarket of New York streets, and is about as far away from Park Avenue as you can get, but it is home to some lively and off the wall characters performed by an unholy comedic alliance of humans and puppets! Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery. Life may suck on Avenue Q but being jobless, homeless, politically incorrect, having sex (whether hetero, homo or porno… and that’s just the puppets) are just some of the topics featured in the terrific songs of this show."
Avenue Q began life in 2002 with an Off-Broadway run at the 200-seat Vineyard Theatre, where it was extended four times. It then opened at the Golden Theatre on Broadway in July 2003 to critical acclaim. The show went on to win three 2004 Tonys: Best Musical, Best Original Score of a Musical and Best Book of a Musical.
Ann Harada created the role of Christmas Eve in the Tony-winning musical Avenue Q. She has also been seen on the Main Stem in Seussical and M. Butterfly, and her other theatrical credits include Falsettoland; The Moment When; 1,2,3,4,5; Working; Golden Child; Scapin; and Das Barbecü. Harada was also part of the benefit concerts of Chess and Children of Eden. For more information visit www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk.
