Miami Hurricane, March 20, 2014

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The Miami Vol. 92, Issue 40 | March 20 - March 23, 2014 . HURRICANE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLA., SINCE 1929
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During the final rehearsals for QuantUM’s up-coming
show “Avenue Q,” a racy satire that mixes
live actors and puppets, students performed song
and dance numbers while operating colorful, toddler-sized
puppets. Even offstage, cast members gestured
and laughed, puppets still in hand, as though they
were a part of the conversation.
The actors didn’t always operate their furry
friends with such ease. In fact, students auditioned
without the puppets and only began working with
them once rehearsals were underway, using puppets
they obtained from the company that owns “Avenue
Q.”
“It’s hilarious right now because [the student pup-peteers]
have no idea how to use them yet,” Stage
Manager Megan Stephens said during an early re-hearsal.
“They move the puppet’s mouth when they’re
not talking and shut it while they sing.”
QuantUM has chosen to adapt the hit Broad-way
musical, which is about a recent college gradu-ate
who moves into a shabby New York apartment
on Avenue Q, for their spring show. It is set to pre-miere
March 27 and run until March 30.
Though for many the thought of puppets brings
up images of children’s shows like Sesame Street, this
play deals with issues relevant to young adults such
as life after graduation, jobs, relationships, sexuality
and racism.
Show addresses issues
relevant to young adults
BY KATE STANTON
CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
REHEARSING FOR THE LAUGHS: Ian Silverman, who leads in QuantUM’s production of “Avenue Q” as Princeton, practices
one of his scenes at rehearsal on Monday.
BECCA MAGRINO // STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SEE AVENUE Q, PAGE 7
Avenue