Avenue Q: Original 'Christmas Eve,' Ann Harada, to return to musical. Larsen, McClure and Thomas to also join company

Just weeks prior to the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q's 6th anniversary on Broadway, one of the stars of the original cast, Ann Harada, will return to the role of 'Christmas Eve' on 6 Jul at the John Golden Theatre.

On 6 Jul 2009, Harada - who created the role on Broadway and played 'Christmas Eve' in the London production - will be joined in the Broadway cast by members of the U.S. national tour of Avenue Q, which recently concluded a two-year run. Robert McClure will assume the roles of 'Princeton/Rod,' along with Anika Larsen as 'Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut,' and Danielle K. Thomas as 'Gary Coleman.'

Robert McClure was previously featured in the Broadway cast of Avenue Q in the roles of 'Nicky/Trekkie Monster.' He takes over the roles of 'Princeton/Rod' having played both characters on the Avenue Q tour. He also appeared on Broadway in the 2002 revival of 'I'm Not Rappaport.'

Anika Larsen appeared on Broadway in 'Xanadu, 'All Shook Up' and 'Rent,' and played the roles of 'Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut' in the national tour of Avenue Q.

Danielle K. Thomas has appeared in touring productions of 'Seussical,' 'Big River,' 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar.'Seussical,' 'Big River,' 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar.'

Avenue Q, the winner of three 2004 Tony Awards - including Best Musical, celebrates its 6th anniversary on Broadway on Broadway on 31 Jul 2009.

Avenue Q currently features Christian Anderson (Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Bear and Others), Jennifer Barnhart (Mrs. T, Bear & Others), Nicholas Kohn (Brian), Ann Sanders (Christmas Eve), Carla Renata (Gary Coleman), Howie Michael Smith (Princeton, Rod) and Carey Anderson (Kate Monster, Lucy & others).

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 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.