SEASON SPONSOR:

SHOW SPONSOR:

THE BRENK FAMILY

AVENUE Q
THE MUSICAL

Music and Lyrics by
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX

Book by
JEFF WHITTY

Book based on an original concept by
ROBERT LOPEZ and JEFF MARX

The world premiere of AVENUE Q was presented by the Vineyard Theatre and The New Group, New York City, February 2003. AVENUE Q premiered on Broadway at the Golden Theater on July 31, 2003, produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.

AVENUE Q IS presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 (#p) 212-541-4684 (#f) 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

Avenue Q has not been authorized or approved by the Jim Henson Company or Sesame Workshop, which have no responsibility for its content

The residents of Avenue Q may not have their lives figured out, but they know a good cause when they see one! All donations collected during "The Money Song" will go to the Market Theatre Scholarship Fund, helping provide summer camp scholarshipsfor local kids who might otherwise miss out on arts education opportunities.

You can also donate online here or via Venmo @themarketanderson!

Cast

PRINCETON/ROD – Seth Hilderbrand

KATE MONSTER – Taylor Baxley

NICKY/TREKKIE MONSTER – Joey McClain

LUCY – Lindy McCloy

THE BAD IDEA BEARS – Nikki Hagel & Lindy McCloy

MRS. T – Nikki Hagel

BRIAN – Jason Gerhard

CHRISTMAS EVE – Katelin Orr

GARY COLEMAN – Lyric Dukes

UNDERSTUDIES

KATE MONSTER U/S – Lindy McCloy

Content & Resources

Avenue Q is an adult musical that uses humor, satire, and puppetry to explore mature topics. Although presented comedically, the production includes content that may be sensitive for some audience members.

The show contains references to suicide and suicidal behavior, themes of alcohol intoxication and sexual consent, and simulated sexual activity with suggestive physical gestures.

These topics may be triggering or emotionally distressing for individuals with personal experiences related to suicide, substance use, or sexual violence.

Support Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. Visit 988lifeline.org.

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org for support related to sexual violence.

songs

Act I

“The Avenue Q Theme” – Company

“What Do You Do With a B.A. In English” – Princeton

“It Sucks To Be Me” – Brian, Kate, Rod, Nicky, Christmas Eve, Gary Coleman, Princeton

“If You Were Gay” – Nicky, Rod

“Purpose” – Princeton

“Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” – Princeton, Kate Monster, Gary, Brian, Christmas Eve

“The Internet Is For Porn” – Kate Monster, Trekki Monster, Brian, Gary, Rod, Princeton

“A Mix Tape” – Kate Monster, Princeton

“I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today” – Brian

“Special” – Lucy

"You Can Be As Loud As The Hell You Want (When You’re Makin’ Love)” – Gary, Bad Idea Bears, Princeton, Kate, Brian, Christmas Eve

“Fantasies Come True” – Rod, Kate, Princeton

“My Girlfriend, Who Lives In Canada” – Rod

“There’s A Fine, Fine Line” – Kate

Act II

“There Is Life Outside Your Apartment” – Brian, Princeton, Christmas Eve, Gary, Nicky, Trekki Monster, Lucy

“The More You Ruv Someone” – Christmas Eve, Kate Monster

"Schadenfreude” – Gary, Nicky

“I Wish I Could Go Back To College” – Kate, Nicky, Princeton

“The Money Song” – Nicky, Princeton, Gary, Brian, Christmas Eve

“The Money Song (Reprise)” – Nicky, Princeton, Gary, Brian, Christmas Eve

"There’s A Fine, Fine Line (Reprise)” – Kate Monster, Princeton

“B.A. In English (Reprise)” – New Kid

"For Now” – Company

Meet the Cast

Taylor Baxley (Kate Monster) is a 2020 Lander University graduate with a B.S. in Music Education (Choral Emphasis). After teaching elementary general music in Laurens and Greenwood for six years, she has made the switch to middle school choir as the new ACTS Voice Teacher at Brewer Middle School in Greenwood. If you made it out to Carolina Wren Park this summer for Market's production of Frozen, you may remember seeing her as Bulda and an ensemble member. Prior to that production, Taylor performed with the Greenwood Community Theatre this year in their productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Florika/Ensemble) and Annie (Grace Farrell). Her last time performing in the Market Theatre space was as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show. Taylor is thrilled to be back with Market as Kate Monster in Avenue Q, a dream role and show that she hopes you have just as much fun watching as she has had performing!

Lyric Dukes (Gary Coleman) is overjoyed to be making her Market Theatre debut in Avenue Q. She is a recent alumna of the University of South Carolina-Upstate, earning a BA in Theatre-Performance. Her recent credits include Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream (USF), John in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) (Centre Stage), and Maureen in RENT (USC-Upstate). She is so excited to do another musical and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this incredible cast!

Jason Gerhard (Brian) is making his Market Theatre debut! Jason earned his BFA in Theatre Performance from The University of Memphis. He moved to the Greenville area after working as an actor and educator in Orlando, FL, and Memphis, TN, where he was the former Director of Theatre Education for Playhouse on the Square. South Carolina credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (Greenville Theatre), Come From Away (Centre Stage), The Full Monty (Spartanburg Little Theatre), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (South Carolina Children’s Theatre), and more. He performs on the “Improv All Stars” improv team with Alchemy Comedy Theater and is a teaching artist for The Warehouse Theatre and SCCT. Jason works as a freelance theatre artist and educator. jason-gerhard.com 

Nikki Hagel (Bad Idea Bear/Mrs. T/Puppeteer Second Hand/Puppet Hair Stylist) is thrilled to be returning to Market after previously performing in Jagged Little Pill. Other notable roles include the stepsister Charlotte in Cinderella at Spartanburg Little Theatre, Little Red in Into the Woods, Princess Pamela in Head Over Heels, and Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show, all performed at New Phoenix Theatre in Fort Myers, FL. Huge thank you to Clare for the opportunity and to the cast for being so wonderful. Enjoy the show!

Seth Hilderbrand (Princeton/Rod/Vocal Captain) is delighted to return to the Market Theatre stage. You may have seen him last in Kinky Boots as George or in various 24 Hour Musicals over the years, including Rooster in Annie, Davey in Newsies, and George in Godspell. Originally from Aiken, Seth graduated from the Clemson University Theatre Department and decided to stick around the Upstate! He is frequently found in Falls Park over the summer in the Upstate Shakespeare Festival and has appeared in Much Ado About Nothing, Loves Labours Lost, and more. You may have also caught him singing the National Anthem for the Greenville Drive or just some karaoke all over Greenville. Other roles include Charlie in Kinky Boots (SLT and Proud Mary), Principal Gowan in Heathers (SLT), and Michael in Bridges of Madison County (Mill Town Players). Thanks to his parents and his partner for their continued support! Enjoy the show!

Joey McClain (Nicky/Trekkie Monster) is thrilled to be making his Market Theatre debut in Avenue Q — an all-time favorite show of his! Originally born and raised in Lugoff, SC, Joey now calls Greenwood home and has been active on local stages regularly since 2023. Some of his favorite past credits include Constable Joe in Tuck Everlasting, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray, and Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  

Lindy McCloy (Bad Idea Bear/Kate Monster (u/s)/Dance Captain) is so excited to return to Market Theatre with Avenue Q! You may have seen her as Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show here at Market, or more recently as the Jailer's Daughter in Two Noble Kinsmen with the Upstate Shakespeare Festival and Frances in Melancholy Play with the SC Experimental Theatre Initiative. She has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of puppeteering and hopes you enjoy it too!

Katelin Orr (Christmas Eve) is tickled to be back at the Market Theatre in the show that stole the Tony from her beloved Wicked! She was most recently seen on the Market stage as Bella in Jagged Little Pill and Megan Jones in Puffs. Other recent credits include Joan in Melancholy Play (SCETI), Miriam in The Prince of Egypt (Mauldin Theatre Company), Ensemble in Waitress, Betty Jean in Winter Wonderettes, and Emory/Kelsey in ... And Getting Caught in the Rain (Centre Stage). When she's not at the theatre, you can find her hugging her roommate's cat or listening to Taylor Swift's Red album on repeat. Love and thanks to the bestianas and her incredible vocal coach, Erica Doran! IG: @katelinorr

Meet the Production Team

Anna Barnes (Scenic Artist) is happy to join the team for her second Market Theatre production, after working as a scenic assistant for The Music Man. She graduated from Anderson University with a BA in theatre and a BA in Spanish. Currently, she is keeping busy as the production stage manager of A Christmas Carol at Clemson Little Theatre. 

Dalton Cole (Technical Director) offers his skills as a scenic designer, master carpenter, and technical director to all of The Market’s productions. Dalton most recently performed on stage as Nick Massi in Jersey Boys (Market), Gomez in The Addams Family (Market), and Smudge in Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings (Mill Town Players). He made his directorial debut in 2017 with It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Market and recently directed The Market's Something Rotten!, Hands on a Hardbody, Bonnie & Clyde, The Great Gatsby, and Mamma Mia! in the park. He enjoys woodworking and tinkering with cars, and he loves his wife and all three of his daughters.

Julie Florin (Music Director) Musical direction and piano accompanying include— Greenville Theatre, The South Carolina New Play Festival, The Warehouse Theatre, Centre Stage, The Market Theatre, Mill Town Players, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Clemson Little Theatre, Electric City Theatre, and Mauldin Theatre Company in SC;  Burning Coal Theatre Company, Deep Dish Theatre, Meredith College, Raleigh Little Theatre, and NCSU University Theatre in NC. Puppets, wonderful earworms. And such a fun, clever score? Yes!!! She thanks her husband Greg for his love and support, and the Florin Felines for the extra purrs. 

Chris Liles (Sound Designer/Operator) is excited to be back with Market Theatre! Recent onstage credits with Market Theatre include Steve Healy in Jagged Little Pill, Lord Clapham in Something Rotten!, and Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys. Behind the scenes, Chris has served as Lighting Designer for The Little Mermaid, Frozen, Escape to Margaritaville, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, as well as Sound Designer for The Music Man and Tick, Tick… Boom!. Regardless of the role, Chris is always grateful to be a part of the Market Theatre community!

Isabella Mello (Costume Designer/Puppet Designer) is a freelance costume designer & prop maker based in Greenville, SC. Previous costume work includes Pippin (Mauldin Theatre Company), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Millinery, USF), Beehive, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Centre Stage), RENT (Mauldin Theatre Company), Cabaret (Centre Stage), and prop assistant for Waitress, Peter And The Starcatcher, and All Is Calm (all Centre Stage). She would like to thank Kasandra Bailey for her assistance and support, and her vacuum for not quitting after all of the faux-fur scraps.

Colin Moroney (Lighting Designer) is a current Stage Manager and Lighting Designer in the Upstate of South Carolina. He is a current senior at Clemson University studying Economics and Performing Arts. He has previously worked with the Market Theatre on the following productions: Frozen and Escape to Margaritaville. Select Upstate Credits: Dead Man's Cell Phone (CU), How It Feels to Fall From the Sky (CS), Guys and Dolls (MTP), Antigone (CU), My Favorite Sociopath (SCNPF), Assassins (WHT).

Brit Ricciardelli (Asst. Director/Asst. Stage Manager) is excited for her first show at The Market Theatre! Brit has enjoyed all elements of theatre from Stage management - Upstate Shakespeare Festival (‘25/‘26), RENT (MCC), Assistant Makeup Artist - Shrek the Musical (GT), Makeup and Hair design - Pippin (MCC). She has even occasionally made her way on stage, most recently as “inner child” in Medea (SECTI), and as a personal favorite, Milky White in Into the Woods. A special thanks to her family, friends, and a lifelong love of Muppets.

Clare Shaffer (Director) is a local director who works across genres. Recent projects include HOW IT FEELS TO FALL FROM THE SKY and CABARET (Centre Stage), PIPPIN and RENT (Mauldin Theatre Company), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Upstate Shakespeare Festival), and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Spartanburg Little Theatre). Other favorite directing credits include ALABASTER (Kitchen Dog Theater), A DOLL’S HOUSE: PART 2 (Stage West Theatre), WEST SIDE STORY (Stolen Shakespeare Guild), and an actor-muso ASSASSINS (Pallas Theatre Collective). Thank you to our delightful cast and team for diving wholeheartedly into this puppet-filled adventure!

Noah Taylor (Producer/Scene Designer) holds a Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University as well as a BA in both Graphic Design/Theatre from the SC School of the Arts at Anderson University. He formerly served three years as the Community Theatre Chair for the SC Theatre Association and two years on staff with the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). He is the Executive Artistic Director at Market. Noah was selected as one of Anderson’s 20 Under 40 rising community leaders. As a high school student, Noah fell in love with the stage after having the opportunity to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Following a ten-year break from acting, he recently returned to the stage as Chip in Spelling Bee and in his all-time dream role, Mark Cohen, in Market’s landmark production of RENT. He enjoys directing, producing, and marketing in the theatre industry. Some favorite directing credits include Into the Woods (in Carolina Wren Park), Next to Normal, Sweeney Todd, Godspell, Almost Maine, The Fantasticks, Matilda, Shrek the Musical, and four 24 Hour Musicals. He is married to Market co-founder Carlie, and they have an eight-year-old son, Elias.

Eliot Thomas (Props/Puppet Designer) Previous works include PIPPIN and RENT (Mauldin Theater Company), A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Cabaret, and Peter And The Starcatcher (Centre Stage), amongst several more. Eliot specializes in unnecessary detail and creature fabrication. In his off time, he hyper-fixates on prop replicas and collections he has no space for. But enough of that. Welcome to Avenue Q!

Savvy Thompson (Dialect Coach) Past Market dialect coaching credits: Shrek the Musical, Matilda Jr: The Musical. Other dialect coaching credits include: Sweeney Todd (MTC), Come from Away, La Zafra, Cabaret, Peter & The Starcatcher, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Once (CS). A coastal kid at heart, Savvy is a Lowcountry transplant who’s called the Upstate home for 10 years. After graduating from Anderson University with a BFA in Acting, they have worked as a local artist on more projects than they can count. You may have recently seen them on stage as Soibhan in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at Centre Stage, or as Medea in MEDEA at the Playhouse at Furman with SCETI, which won the “2026 Best of Fringe” award at SETC. Savvy had an absolute ball working with this zany cast to make such a wacky show come to life, and they hope you enjoy all the laughs and insanity in store with the Avenue Q crew! Thank you to Clare for always tapping me in,  Jake for being my rock, the SCETI family for the support, & my old dialect professor Miranda Barnett for inspiring me to be what I am today. Keep up with what’s next for Savvy on IG @savvyrthompson & @SCETIensemble.

David Veatch (Stage Manager) is a playwright, director, dramaturg, and sometimes stage manager in the upstate. David is excited to work with Market Theatre. When not in rehearsal, David is playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, adding to their DVD collection, and spending time with Alfredo (David’s Cat). If David were a puppet, David would be an even gayer, eviler Miss Piggy. I hope you enjoy your time at Avenue Q.  

Roxanne Vogel (Choreographer) is a local actress/choreographer and theatre teacher. This year she was seen in Beehive at Centre Stage, Fiddler On The Roof at Greenville Theatre, and choreographed SC Upstate Shakespeare Festival’s Midsummer Night's Dream and Two Noble Kinsmen! This is her first show at Market Theatre, and she is thrilled to finally work with the team! This show has been an absolute riot, so she hopes you have as much fun watching this performance as she had choreographing it!