ROCHELLE — The Vince Carney Community Theater is getting ready to roll out its next production, “Avenue Q,” set for opening night on Friday, March 2.
The Broadway musical received a Tony Award, telling the story of Princeton, a recent college graduate that lands in a New York apartment on Avenue Q. From that point, Princeton’s story unfolds as he meets his neighbors who eventually help him find his purpose in life.
The show’s dates are Friday, March 2, 9, and 16 at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 10, and 17 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. — tickets are $20.
VCCT’s February newsletter describes this show as “one of its most ambitious efforts, combining singing, dancing, puppets, and adult themes on a built-from-scratch, elaborate set.”
Audience members should know ahead of time that the show touches on several topics that some could view as controversial or offensive. Director Will Mingus explained by using puppets the takeaway from these subjects may be different than if they would be portrayed by human characters.
Similarly, cartoon shows with a more mature theme often touch on these very same subjects.

“The puppets lend an air of innocence that makes the things they do and say funny, whereas they wouldn’t be so funny if ‘humans’ said it,” said Mingus. “Avenue Q mixes puppets with humans, but because the scenes are reminiscent of Sesame Street, we aren’t as offended by what either the puppets or humans say. Well, maybe a little offended, but we laugh anyway.”
Along with Mingus as director, the production includes assistant director, Terry Camplain, musical director, Jeanette Mingus, and Zach Crabtree, assistant to the directors. The cast features the talents of Karl Rand, Jax Fane, Ivan Zwinklis, Bill Wengelewski, Michele McClane, Bonnie Miller, Deitra Colclasure, Lindsey Lancaster, Ken Manning, Matt Frison, Amy Frank, Kimberly Ekes, Ben Dougherty, and Ellie Zatorski. Avenue Q is produced by Amy Frank.
Mingus said the show’s set has been built entirely from scratch the last few weeks with the help of Steve Frank.
“With the talents of our musical director, Jenna Mingus, the music has come to life and I believe people will be impressed with it,” Mingus said. “Jenna also did the choreography, which for community theater, is amazing.”
The show is for mature audiences only and contains strong language, sexual situations, and adult themes. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“In the end, Avenue Q opens the conversation to topics like racism, homophobia, intolerance, and bigotry, but does so in a humorous way so that people don’t feel like they’re being preached to,” Mingus said. “The show is sure to offend some people, especially because of the language and sexual themes. Some will feel a little uncomfortable as the cast (humans and puppets) makes fun of issues in a politically incorrect way. But I think everyone will leave humming the tunes, laughing at the silliness, and thinking a little more about the issues.”
For tickets or for more information, please visit vcctrochelle.org.