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Puppets take to the stage in William & Mary’s “Avenue Q”

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“Avenue Q” is a coming-of-age musical with a twist: puppets take the stage alongside human characters.

Presented by The College of William and Mary’s Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance, the hit Broadway musical opens this weekend, running Nov. 12-15 and 19-22.

“Avenue Q” tells the comedic tale of Princeton, a recent college graduate, and his puppet buddies as they find their way in New York City.

In 2004, this critically acclaimed production snagged the “Triple Crown” of Tony Awards: Best Book, Best Score and Best Musical.

The musical has come to life on Off-Broadway and Broadway stages and still tours the country. It falls in the top 25 longest-running shows in Broadway history.

Director Laurie Wolf has prepped nearly a year for the production to take to Phi Beta Kappa Hall’s stage.

The show’s puppets are manned by unconcealed puppeteers, and Wolf brought in Kevin Noonchester, the official Avenue Q Puppet Camp director, to work with the cast for a week.

Blending heart and satire, “Avenue Q” includes songs such as “It Sucks to Be Me,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” and “The Internet is for Porn.”

Keep in mind the production contains adult language, themes and simulated puppet sex.

Performances occur at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays in Phi Beta Kappa Hall, 601 Jamestown Road.

Tickets are available in person at PBK Hall – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, as well as 10 a.m. until 30 minutes after curtain on show days. Prices are $20 for adults, $12 for students and $16 for military, with a discount available for large groups.

Tickets are also available by phone at 221-2674 or online at wm.edu/boxoffice.

Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-275-4934.