Avenue Q

Publish Date: April 26, 2022

The Crafton Hills College Theatre Program made its 2022 debut with three performances of Avenue Q on March 11, 12, and 13.

Avenue Q was the winner of the “Tony Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. Opening night was a success, bringing local theatre lovers from all over southern California to the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center.

Avenue Q tells the story of a recent college grad named Princeton, played by leading man Jackson Nagata, and Kate Monster, played by Tara Lynn Quick. Princeton moves into a shabby New York apartment building run by Gary Coleman, yes, that Gary Coleman. The show resonated with everyone who has ever wondered what their purpose in life is.

The musical, directed by Paul Jacques, was unlike anything we’ve seen at Crafton Hills College. Hilarity ensued with cute foul-mouthed puppets, adult themes, and comedic songs with titles such as ‘Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,’‘What do you do with a BA in English,’ and -- the crowd’s favorite -- “It Sucks to Be Me.”

The audience erupted in laughter throughout the night and was left speechless multiple times. Crafton Hills College Theatre received recognition by the Yucaipa Rainbow Coalition for the play’s LGBTQ+ themes and was praised by members of the Desert Rose Playhouse, an LGBTQ theater in Palm Springs.

Crafton Hills College will continue to bring events that encourage diversity, inclusivity, and individuality to its campus.