Avenue Q: Kelli Sawyer and Robert McClure to join cast on 30 Oct 2006

Kelli Sawyer, who plays Kate Monster, Lucy & others in the Las Vegas production of Avenue Q, will make her Broadway debut when she plays the same roles in the Broadway production of Avenue Q from 30 Oct - 18 Dec 2006.

Kelli Sawyer is assuming the roles from Mary Faber who is taken a temporary leave of absence from Avenue Q to star in the New York premiere of Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky by Jonathan Kreisberg and David Cale, which is to play at Playwrights Horizons from 10 Nov - 17 Dec 2006.

Also on the 30 Oct 2006, Robert McClure will join the cast of Avenue Q assuming the role of Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear and Others from Rick Lyon.

Robert McClure's previous appearance on Broadway was as understudy for the character Gilley in I'm Not Rappaport (Revival 2002).

The departure of Rick Lyon, leaves Jennifer Barnhart as the only remaining original cast member.

Avenue Q currently stars Jennifer Barnhart (Mrs. T, Bear & Others), Rick Lyon (Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear and Others), Mary Faber (Kate Monster, Lucy & others), Haneefah Wood (Gary Coleman), Howie Michael Smith (Princeton, Rod), 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 said �eminently likable.� Hilton Als of The New Yorker wrote the show �has so much to recommend it.� Clive Barnes of the New York Post said �Good dirty fun.� Elysa Gardner of USA Today praised the show as having �warmth and wit that will disarm the most jaded grown-ups.� and Kate Betts of Time Magazine said �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.