Avenue Q: Howie Michael Smith assumes the roles of Princeton & Rod

Howie Michael Smith will play the roles of Princeton & Rod from the 3 Jul 2006 in the 2004 Tony Award winning musical Avenue Q.

Howie Michael Smith, who has understudied for the characters of Princeton and Rod for over a year, assumes the role from Barrett Foa.

Barrett Foa is leaving the show to join the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where he will play the role of Leaf Coneybear from the 25 Jul 2006.

Avenue Q also stars Rick Lyon (Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear and Others), Jennifer Barnhart (Mrs. T, Bear & Others), Haneefah Wood (Gary Coleman), Mary Faber (Kate Monster, Lucy & others), Evan Harrington (Brian) and Ann Sanders (Christmas Eve).

The musical is about a charming yet rundown outer-borough neighborhood, where the residents - both puppets and humans - deal with everyday New York challenges like getting a job, falling in love and discovering their purpose in life.

Avenue Q opened at the John Golden Theatre on the 31 Jul 2003, following previews from the 11 Jul 2003. The musical is currently booking to the 10 Dec 2006.

The show opened to terrific notices from the popular press in July 2003: BEN BRENTLEY of the NEW YORK TIMES says �eminently likable.� HILTON ALS of THE NEW YORKER says the show �has so much to recommend it.� CLIVE BARNES of NEW YORK POST says �Good dirty fun.� ELYSA GARDNER of USA TODAY says �warmth and wit that will disarm the most jaded grown-ups.� KATE BETTS of TIME MAGAZINE says �hip new musical comedy.�

Avenue Q is directed by Jason Moore and choreographed by Ken Roberson. It is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller.

The musical has music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.

Set design is by Mirena Rada with puppet design by Rick Lyon, costumes by Mirena Rada, lighting by Howell Binkley and sound by Acme Sound Partners

Avenue Q won three 2004 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.