Character Outlines - ‘’

Synopsis 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 , on Avenue Q, we are introduced to fresh-faced Princeton as he struggles to find his purpose. Inspired by the beloved children’s show , 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, life is all the more colourful and worthwhile for it.

Puppets

Despite featuring puppets, Avenue Q is R-rated, featuring adult topics, offensive language and an onstage portrayal of puppet sex. The themes and language within the play are not suited for any actor under the age of 18. There are three types of puppetry required in the show: ‘rod’, ‘live hands’ and ‘trigger’. For the audition, actors will have a brief workshop on the puppetry involved and will have an opportunity to perform a small section of the audition with a puppet. This is a chance for the actor to have some experience operating a puppet and for the audition panel to gauge how comfortable the actor is with this skill. It would be advisable for the actor to do a little bit of research on puppetry. However, experience is not necessary as there will be workshops and training throughout the rehearsal process. Similarly to “”, the characters in Avenue Q are American and have specific accents. This means that the production team will be looking for actors that are able to create the right accents and sounds for each character without mimicking and overtly copying any previous Avenue Q recordings.

“We feel that Avenue Q’s humour largely depends on a less-is-more approach. Of course the musical has its outrageous moments, but as authors we encouraged everyone who produces the show to keep the world rooted in reality. While most of the characters are puppets, it’s for this very reason that they need a strong and human foundation.

We could examine all of the characters, but we’d keep hitting the same point: the show is based on a solid and grounded foundation. If that reality exists, then you can suddenly burst out into “The Internet is for Porn” or “My Girlfriend, who lives in Canada” – all of the outrageous, explosive moments – and they will sing because they have somewhere real to come from. If the production is antic wackiness from beginning to end, there’s no sense of proportion and you’ll lose the heart of it, besides. Give it humanity, give it heart…”

(, Lopez and ) Main characters:

Puppet Characters Puppet Characters ages are an indication of the puppet age in the show. Not necessarily the age of the actual .

Princeton (early 20’s) One rod puppet. A fresh-faced kid just out of college. He is looking for his “purpose” in life and is pursuing a career, love and life satisfaction. He is a little naïve to the realities of life, as most people are at that age. Bb2 – G4 Tenor

Kate Monster (mid 20’s) One rod puppet. A kindergarten teaching assistant, a bit older than Princeton. She is kind, considerate but can have a feisty side. “She’s not weak and she’s definitely not a generic ingénue who gets all swoony and dizzy when it comes to matters of the heart.” F#3 – F5 Soprano (Mezzo)

Nicky (20’s) Live hands puppet. A bit of a slacker, who lives with Rod. They are best friends but have a fiery relationship and can often be found arguing. B2 – B4 Tenor

Rod (20’s/30’s) Two rod puppet. A Republican investment banker with a secret…he is struggling with coming to terms with his homosexuality. He comes out over the course of the show. “Rod carries a huge amount of the heart of the show. The actor playing him can have a ball even with the responsibility with keeping him true.” A2 – G4 Tenor

Trekkie Monster (20’s/30’s) Live hands puppet. A reclusive creature obsessed by the Internet. Although he appears abrupt and rude, a sensitive side is revealed during the show. He has a “” growl to his voice which would need to be maintained. Bb2 – F#4 Baritone

Lucy (20’s/30’s) Two rod puppet. A vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge. She has starred in “Girls Gone Wild: Parts 2, 5 and 7”. During the show she seduces Princeton which causes a showdown with Kate. F3 – D5 Alto (Belt)

The Bad Idea Bears (1 x Male, 1 x Female) Two rod puppets. Two snuggly, cute teddy-bear types who convince people to do bad things!! “The bears always work better when they’re cute cute cute and positive. Diabetes inducing sweet.” Male – Baritone Female - Mezzo

Mrs T. (Ancient) Live hands puppet. Kate’s boss. She is cranky and bossy.

Human Characters

Brian (early 30’s) A laid-back guy married to Christmas Eve. Unemployed but dreams of becoming a famous ‘smutty’ comedian. “Calling a character “ordinary” is never helpful for any actor – but Brian does live in a relaxed, easy-come easy-go world.” B2 – F#4 Baritone

Christmas Eve (20’s/30’s/40’s) A therapist who has moved here from Japan. Wears the trousers in her relationship with Brian. “She’s super smart. If you go for the easy stereotype the audience won’t find her funny after about eight minutes.” B3 – F#5 Soprano

Gary Coleman Yes, that . He lives on the Avenue, too! He’s the superintendent. He is a washed up Z-list celebrity who has had a public personal life. The part can be played by a black male/female. D2 – Bb4/D3 – Bb5* Tenor/Alto (Belt) *Main range alto, top Bb appears as part of a riff

There are also smaller characters which can be doubled up with the actors who are second- handing.