Maurer Productions Presents AVENUE Q at Kelsey Theatre, 3/1-10

The award-winning theater company Maurer Productions OnStage (MPO) will present the irreverent and hilarious adult musical comedy "Avenue Q" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Dates and times are Fridays, March 1 and 8 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, March 2 and 9 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on March 1.

Winner of the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical, "Avenue Q" provides a look at real life in New York City, as told by a colorful cast of people and puppets. All 15 puppets are being created from scratch by the MPO team, modeling the look and feel of the original Broadway characters created by Rick Lyon.

"It's hip, it's crazy, it's adult and it's fun," said John M. Maurer of Ewing, who is directing the show and also serving as puppet master. "We're always looking for something exciting and new to bring to Kelsey Theatre, which is why we picked this show."

Through raucous, adult-oriented musical numbers, "Avenue Q" tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to New York with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone's looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a "purpose." Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that "the real world" isn't so bad, after all!

The cast of Avenue Q includes Michael Sundburg of South River as Brian; Stephanie Moon of Yardville as Christmas Eve; Shannan Gonzalez of Columbus as Gary Coleman; Zach Mazouat of Bridgewater as Princeton; Kyla Mostello Donnelly of Levittown, PA, as Kate; Kyrus Westcott of Hamilton as Nicky; Mark Applegate of Hamilton as Rod; Michael Schiumo of Horsham, PA, as Trekkie; Nicole Spadifino of Bethlehem, PA, as Lucy The Slut; and Bill Mercado of Hightstown as Mrs. T.

The show is produced by John M. Maurer, Diana Gilman Maurer and Dan Maurer, with musical direction by Laurie Gougher, choreography by Jane Coult, stage management by Alycia Bauch, costumes by Diana & John Maurer, lighting design by M. Kitty Getlik, sound design by Robert Terano, and set design by Jeff Cantor.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. For tickets, call the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333, or visit www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater. Please note: this show contains adult content and is inappropriate for children.

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