Avenue Q returns to The Strand

Event listing by: Tessa Elizabeth Scandizzo

In just two weeks, the long-anticipated return of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q will become a reality once more at The Strand Theater.

Avenue Q will open on March 17 at 7:30 p.m. There will also be performances on March 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., as well as two Sunday matinees on March 19 and 26 at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at a $5 discount in advance at 61 Coffee or online.

Remaining tickets can also be purchased at the door provided they are not sold out.

Avenue Q has won multiple awards for its charmingly relatable characters, catchy score and real-world topics. It can be described as Sesame Street for adults. Leave no room for doubt, although it looks like it would appeal to children, this R-rated, puppet-laden comedy is strictly for ages 17 and up.

It has been six years since the show first took the stage in Vicksburg. Fronted by the innovations and dedication of director Jack Burns, the show saw huge success years ago and anticipates another incredible run later this month. Jack Burns, who founded the Westside Theater Foundation, which currently operates from the Strand, is the real reason all of this is possible.

Director Burns, who handmade the puppets and built the set from the ground up, remains wholly positive about the performances that lay ahead. “We’re really excited to have the opportunity to bring the show back to Vicksburg,” stated Burns. “We know how popular it was last time and we look forward to entertaining audiences in Vicksburg one more time!”

Avenue Q, which will be performed again by local talent, including returning cast members, is being proudly produced this season by Paul Salgado. Salgado, who attended performances six years ago, knew that the show needed the chance to be shared with the city once more. He has invested not only in the production of the show but also in assisting rehearsals, making it a point to support cast members in a variety of ways, from learning lines to having extra practice time and more.

Included in the returning cast members, fans will once again see Brian Sessums reprising his role of Rod, a puppet with a secret who is struggling to come to terms with his true identity. Cameron Gates returns as Trekkie Monster, a big, furry, lovable monster with a unique addiction to the internet. Tessa Elizabeth Scandizzo will once again perform Kate Monster, the sweet monster next door who has a gigantic heart and terrible luck with boyfriends.

Gates, who was born to play the role of Trekkie, said, “Avenue Q has a special place for me because it’s the very first musical I was in at an acting capacity. I remember when we produced it last because of how popular this musical is, we had a packed house every night we performed. That made my experience that much more amazing that so many people were happy to see me,” He enthusiastically added, “I’m super excited to do this again.” His castmates are excited for his reprise as well.

The new cast members will consist of Crorey Lawton starring as the college grad looking for his purpose, Princeton. Crorey recently starred in Into the Woods as The Baker, which was a knock-out production with a powerful vocal cast. Another star of Into the Woods, Izvistia Robertson, who played Rapunzel and also Johanna in Sweeney Todd, is expected to wow the audience with her chilling vibrato and soprano range as Christmas Eve, a Japanese therapist who just wishes her husband-to-be would get a job.

Robertson, who is taking on a role that is close to her heart, said in an interview, “It’s been an honor to play Christmas Eve and I truly feel one with the character. I think growing up in an Asian-American household made me well-prepared for this role.” She continued, “The entire cast is incredibly talented with so much to offer. They’ve put their all into the characters and it shows. I can’t wait till the doors open so we can show everyone what we’ve worked hard on.”

Other starring cast members will include Hunter Weeks, a recent star of Freaky Friday, who will portray Brian, the unemployed, easygoing comedian engaged to Christmas Eve. Mark Jourdan, who recently made his mark as Mr. Mushnik in the sell-out hit Little Shop of Horrors, will be Rod’s happy-go-lucky roommate, Nikki. Ashley Schutt, who just starred in A Devil Inside, will perform as the sultry puppet, Lucy the Slut. Additionally, Nia Hurst will be joining the cast in her debut musical performance as the quick-witted superintendent, Gary Coleman.

Local artist Jim Biedenbach, who also recently starred in A Devil Inside and has run the music for several Westside productions, will lead the sound crew once more. Reba Causey will be returning along with him in the sound booth. Newcomers Bethany Young and Lily Pierson will be running tech and Cian Miller will be on the follow spot.

In a closing statement, producer Salgado said, “As a first-time producer, I am so impressed with the talent of the actors and the skill of the crew. They have made this new experience fun. I cannot thank The Strand, Daniel Boone and Jack Burns enough.”

61 Coffee owner Boone has been responsible for the program, webpage and sound integration alongside Biedenbach. He has been a major contributor to shows at The Strand and has even performed in a few productions.