KO
Kathleen O'Neil
  • Computer Graphic Design
  • Class of 2015
  • Oswego, IL

Yorkville resident Kate O'Neil has a role in Lewis University's presentation of the musiclal, "Avenue Q"

2014 Mar 25

The smash hit Broadway musical “Avenue Q” and winner of the Tony “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book comes to Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre. “Avenue Q” Created by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx (songs) and Jeff Whitty (script), it is the musical that Entertainment Weekly called “one of the funniest shows you’re likely to see.” The show revolves around life in New York City as told by a cast of puppets and people through the hilariously irreverent Tony winning score and book.

“Avenue Q” tells the story of Princeton, (Adam Smetana of Racine, WI) a bright-eyed college graduate who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone’s looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that “the real world” isn’t so bad. The show made its New York debut in 2003, and ever since the wacky residents of “Avenue Q” have been entertaining audiences throughout the United States and Europe.

Kate O'Neil of Yorkville, Ill. is Lucy.

The cast includes: Sylmarie Soto of Joliet (Kate Monster), Matthew Carlson of Lockport (Brian), Adam Jezl-Sikorski of Burbank (Rod), Adam Parker of Naperville (Nicky), Amanda Mascarello of Mokena (Christmas Eve), Sabra Thomas of Bolingbrook (Gary Coleman), Kamil Borowski of Central Stickney (Trekkie Monster), Kawaan Panama of Chicago (Bad Idea Bear/Moving Box), Stephanie Lipinski of Oak Forest (Mrs. Thistlewat/Bad Idea Bear/Moving Box), and Kate O’Neil of Yorkville (Lucy).

Department of Theatre Chairperson, Keith White of Joliet is directing and creating the choreography. The design team includes: Becky Hicks (vocal director), Celeste Mackey (costumes) and Harold McCay (scenery) all of Joliet, Jessie Richey of McHenry (lighting), and Bryan Lochner of Essex, IL (props).

The production staff includes: Jordin Richards of Tinley Park (stage manager), Beth Sadler of Homer Glen (assistant stage manager), Allie DiMiele of New Lenox (body microphones operator), Carol McKee of Plainfield (sound reinforcement accompaniment), Annie Martello of Morris (follow spot operator), Katy Papineau of Kankakee (follow spot operator), and Emma McGee of Joliet (light board operator).

“Avenue Q” runs April 4 – 6 and April 10 – 13 and is recommended for patrons 16 years old and up. The evening performances are 8 p.m., and the Sunday matinees are 2:30 p.m. There is a matinee performance at 4 p.m. on April 12 with a silent auction and complimentary dessert bar to benefit Regional CARE Association. Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. Ticket prices are $12 for an adult, $11 for students and seniors. Lewis students with an ID pay $2. For groups of 15 or more tickets is $10. Tickets are non-refundable. For more information, patrons can check out the PLT Website at www.lewisu.edu/plt, or call the box office (815) 836-5500 Monday through Friday 1-4:30 p.m. Patrons can also email at boxoffice@lewisu.edu. The theatre is located on the main campus, the Oremus Fine Arts Center on Route 53 in Romeoville.

Avenue Q may not be appropriate for younger children because Avenue Q addresses issues like, sex, drinking, and pornography. For the PLT production, objectionable language has been removed. It is very much like a “Saturday Night Live” extended scene. Parents should use their discretion based on the maturity level of their children.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.