The idea for “Avenue Q” was born where many musical-theater ideas seem to germinate - the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop for would-be writers of musicals.
“It still does and we’ve done a lot of musicals since then,” she adds, such as “Miracle Brothers” and “title of show.” “The show absolutely helped raise our visibility,” says Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell, the Vineyard’s executive director. It was one of two nonprofit theaters - the other being the New Group - which came aboard as producers. One of the musical’s many beneficiaries has been the small off-Broadway Vineyard Theatre, where the musical first was presented in early 2003. Not included in that figure is income from the still-running London production or the first tour of “Avenue Q,” which ended last May.Īnd community theaters and amateur groups will soon be able to rent the show, most likely before the end of the year, Goodman says. As of now, it has grossed more than $119 million - a 553 percent return on its investment, according to Goodman. The Broadway production, capitalized at $3.5 million, recouped its investment in 10 months. The musical, which opened on Broadway in July 2003 after an off-Broadway run earlier that year and went on to win three Tony Awards including best musical, has done well for its producers and its creators, who also include book writer Jeff Whitty. But … it was a lot easier when my motivation was fed by hunger.” A blessing because it’s a lovely sense of security.
“I have the security of never having to wonder where my next meal is coming from, which has been a blessing and a curse. “‘Avenue Q’ let me put a lot of money in the bank,” Marx says. “It will keep the show alive across the country.”įor Jeff Marx, who co-wrote the music and lyrics with Robert Lopez, “It so far exceeded anything that we could have dreamed of - many times over.” And the monetary rewards haven’t been bad, either. “My heart is a little bit broken although we do have a (licensed, non-Equity) tour going out for 35 weeks in the fall,” Robyn Goodman, one of the show’s producers, says. As for the human contingent involved in “Avenue Q,” the final curtain is even more bittersweet, although filled with proud accomplishment.
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