Directing/Design: Avenue Q (Cupcake Theater)
As the show’s designer and director, and I’m here to discuss the production I had the privilege to helm in 2021 at the Cupcake Theater in Los Angeles.
Avenue Q is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy which tells the story of Princeton, a recent college graduate trying to find purpose and companionship in his new adult life. This production of Avenue Q was special because, despite the pandemic and its associated restrictions, the show flourished, with many regular attendees and even Jeff Marx, the show’s own creator.
To adhere to Covid restrictions and ensure both audience members and performers felt comfortable the theatre applied several stringent protocols. This included the use of digital backgrounds, which allowed us to create engaging visuals without needing a physical set. We also had the pleasure of working with a professional cast of actors here in our own local Los Angeles community.
I’m particularly amazed by how well our audience adapted. Although they were not able to enjoy their traditional luxury theater experience, they were still enthralled and won’t soon forget the energy of our show. We were so lucky to have motivated performers and enthusiastic viewers who, despite it all, were not deterred. Of course the pandemic has presented many challenges and taken away so much. It’s been a reminder to appreciate those moments we can cherish, even when things aren’t normal – or easy. Avenue Q was truly a unique experience and cemented the fact that “everything in life is only for now.”
