The Jeff Marx-Bobby Lopez musical is now the 25th longest-running production in Broadway history, having already surpassed the original runs of South Pacific (1,925) and Pippin (1,944).
The Broadway company currently features Jennifer Barnhart (Mrs. T, Bear and others), Nicholas Kohn (Brian), Ann Sanders (Christmas Eve), Matt Schreiber (Trekkie Monster, Nicky, Bear and others), Rashidra Scott (Gary Coleman), Howie Michael Smith (Princeton, Rod) and Sarah Stiles (Kate Monster, Lucy and others).
About the June 3 performance, Avenue Q denizen Rod, the Republican investment banker, said in a statement, "I think those of us who live and work on 'The Ave' always knew we would reach this fabulous milestone. People love our show and we love doing it! In fact, 2,000 almost equals the number of chorus boys who have visited my dressing room since Avenue Q landed on Broadway. You wouldn't believe how many unmatched leg warmers I have stacked in the corner."
Rod's co-star, Lucy added, "2,000 is impressive, yeah, but it's just half the number of sailors who dropped into my dressing room — during Fleet Week alone."
Avenue Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, a book by Jeff Whitty and direction by Jason Moore. The musical is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, The Vineyard Theatre and The New Group. Puppets were conceived and designed by original cast member Rick Lyon. The production has musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.
After an acclaimed Off-Broadway run at the Vineyard Theatre, Avenue Q began previews at the Golden Theatre July 10, 2003, and officially opened July 31. The original cast included Jennifer Barnhart, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Jordan Gelber, Ann Harada, Rick Lyon, John Tartaglia and Natalie Venetian Belcon. The musical won 2004 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Jeff Whitty) and Best Original Score (Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx).
For more information visit www.avenueq.com. For tickets call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.
