Rollins College presents ‘Avenue Q’ at Annie Russell Theatre
Veteran actor Tim Williams will direct the puppet musical “Avenue Q” at Rollins College in Winter Park. The adult comedy won the Tony “Triple Crown” in 2004, taking home awards for best musical, best score and best book.
The title calls to mind another popculture phenomenon in which humans act side by side with puppets — “Sesame Street.” While that TV program is for preschoolers, the stage musical deals with coming to terms with adulthood as a group of twentysomethings learn valuable life lessons.
Williams has his own thoughts on how the TV show — which is unaffiliated with “Avenue Q” — relates to the stage production.
“‘Sesame Street’ represents a world that could or should be, whereas ‘Avenue Q’ is a satire of the world that is,” he says. “‘Sesame Street’ aimed to give children a better way to treat each other. The show painted a hopeful picture of what the world could be. The characters set pure examples.” But then, Williams says, life happened. “We all grew up and realized that the real world is so much messier than that. The musical is grounded in this complicated reality,” Williams says. “Watching puppets go through the scary and poignant moments makes it less terrifying. It’s a very funny celebration of the struggles we have in common that reminds us we’re not living this life alone.”
Assisting Williams is Rebekah Lane, who is director of puppetry. Rollins students make up the cast.
There are eight performances between Nov. 16 and Dec. 1 (no shows Thanksgiving week). Tickets cost $20, with discounts available for students and seniors.
An opening-night ticket includes admission to a post-show reception, with light appetizers provided by The Roque Pub, a champagne toast and live music.
For more information, go to rollins.edu/annie or call 407-646-2145.