March 9 – April 2, 2023
43rd Season
148th Production

Music Theater Works in association with Music Theatre International

KYLE A. DOUGAN
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
Avenue Q

Original Production Directed and Staged by Jason Moore

AVENUE Q
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 
www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

JOYCE SAXON is the 2023 Music Theater Works Season Sponsor.

Director
Chris Pazdernik

Music Director
Eugene Dizon

Music Contractor
Linda Madonia

Choreographer
Chris Pazdernik

Dramaturg
Peter Jacob Ruiz

Dialect Coach
Ian R. Q. Slater

Puppetry Trainer
Kristi Martens

Assistant Puppetry Trainer
Andrew Lund

Scenic Designer/Paint Charge
Ben Lipinski

Costume Designer
Justin LeBlanc

Assistant Costume Designer
Alexis Lotspeich

Props Designers
Bob Silton
Mak Cole

Lighting Designer
Andrew Meyers

Lighting Programmer
Chelsea Lynn

Lighting Board Operator
Ethan McIntosh

Master Electrician
Cameron Koniarski

Technical Director
Nick Zabel

Scene Shop Technical Director
Will Hughes

Sound Designer
Rick Sims

Head Audio/A1
Forrest Gregor

Media Designer
David Sajewich

Media Engineer
Tony Churchill

Media Operator
Allison Gonzales

Stage Manager
Elena Patterson

Assistant Stage Manager
MaK Cole

Wardrobe Crew
Kristin Brinati

Company Manager
Jennifer King Russell

Production Manager
Chris Chase

Producing Artistic Director
Kyle A. Dougan

Dear friend of Music Theater Works,

While I was living and working in London in 2008 I would leave my office above the Ambassadors Theater and walk past the theater where AVENUE Q was playing at the time. Whenever I had a long day of work or (if STOMP had a matinee--on Wednesdays my office background music was a live production of STOMP) I would pop in and grab a ticket to see Ave Q.   What I remember most from those evenings was how difficult it was to catch my breath in between laughter; one surprising instant after another, mounting in hilarity. The show's witty script and those deliriously funny puppets sang their way into my heart. It was the first show I would take anyone who visited me in London.

As a millennial who loves the wit and specificity of Gilbert and Sullivan or “G&S” (Yes we do exist!) I saw a similar reflection of society, of our culture, of timely humor that stings with home truths. AVENUE Q is our “G&S”-- reflecting and lampooning all of us Sesame Street-loving Gen X and Millennials.

The musical's lead character Princeton and his friends in AVENUE Q learn that relationships, friendships, and community give ambition its higher purpose.  Each of us is lost and life a little meaningless without the community and relationships that shore us up. That may seem a lot to put on what  feels like a simple, irreverent show; but the creators of AVENUE Q were doing to Sesame Street what G&S did for the shibboleths of their time, and like G&S,  with love and respect to reflect us back at ourselves. This show reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. And, like Sesame Street, begun way back in 1969 to educate the first group of Gen Xers, it anchors us in the importance of a diverse community as part of the development of strong  individuals.

Like Princeton, I can feel how my generational cohort is striving for a purpose beyond ourselves, something to make us worthy: collectively, of following the Baby Boomers and their incredible contributions to America; and individually, of fulfilling a promise to our parents to build on the world they gave us.

Kyle Dougan
Producing Artistic Director

P.S. We love how North Shore Center allows Music Theater Works  to program such a diversity of shows for our growing audience. From reimagined musicals like PIPPIN, to beloved classics like BRIGADOON , to  hilarious musicals like AVENUE Q. I'm glad you're with us on the journey. I’ve been getting to know so many of you in person and via email- whether we’ve met or not, please drop me a line at kdougan@musictheaterworks.org and let me know what you think of the show! 

Conductor / Piano 1: Kevin Disch

Piano 2: Stephen Boyer

Reed: Sophie Creutz

Guitar: Cesar Romero

Bass: Marcel Bonfim

Drums/Percussion: Lindsay Williams

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)

It is with inexpressible grief and sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Michael “Mike” Kotze. Mike passed away unexpectedly on February 1 at New Lenox’s Silver Cross Hospital.

 Mike was a fixture at Music Theater Works for more than 30 years, starting in the 90s as a Light Opera Works cast member. He appeared in many shows, notably THE RED MILL and THE NEW MOON and joined our staff in 2000 as business manager while remaining active theatrically, co-directing YOU NEVER KNOW in 2001, and the 2003 productions of DIE FLEDERMAUS and MY NIGHT AT JACQUES’. Dedicated and creative, Mike also directed productions and appeared on stage at many local musical theater and opera companies. 

Mike was instrumental in the transition to the Music Theater Works name, and guided us through many changes and challenges with steadfast professionalism, calm grace, and ready wit. 

We extend our deepest condolences to his large family and especially to his wife Ann McMann, and his sons Joe and Jack, who are both following careers in music. Mike was extremely proud of his boys, often sharing their musical triumphs with us in the office through YouTube or videos on his phone. 

A memorial service will be held on February 20 in Frankfort IL. The family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Kotze Memorial Fund at Green State Credit Union, 1260 Book Rd., Naperville, IL, 60540, attention Andrew Haas. 

Any gifts sent to Music Theater Works in his name will be forwarded to the fund. He will be so profoundly missed.

Rest in Music, Mike.