Portlaoise Panto director bringing adult puppet musical to Laois stage
Seamus ‘Slice’ Carroll is behind the Laois production of Tony award winning puppet show Avenue Q
A leading director of Portlaoise pantomimes is about to bring a brilliant New York puppet musical comedy to the stage, in a first for him and for Laois.
Seamus ‘Slice’ Carroll is bringing the hilarious and touching Tony award winning musical comedy Avenue Q to Laois audiences this October.
Avenue Q is an adult parody of Sesame Street, with the 2003 original featuring puppeteers from the television show. It deals with real life adult themes in a hilarious and touching way, with catchy songs by the co-writer of Frozen’s hits.
It follows Princeton, a college grad who moves to a rundown New York neighbourhood looking for meaning, money, and maybe love. Along the way, he meets an unforgettable cast of characters.
Director and producer Seamus who by day is an auditor with the HSE, told the Leinster Express all about it.
“All the cast are selected and we are deep into rehearsals. This is my first time to direct a musical. I wanted to bring my own show to stage, because I believe that the local talent is here in Laois.
“I want everyone to support the arts. The bottom line is we have a theatre and it should be used for many shows.
“This is an adult puppet show for over 16s. The cast are not just 15 characters, they are actually working the puppets. It was a sold out show in Tullamore two years ago.
“It’s the life story of a young guy who is down on his luck.
Seamus has produced and written shows over the past few years for Portlaoise Pantomime including Rapunzel and The winning Lotto Ticket, Sinbad and The ring of Kerry and Cinderella.
He has lined up a talented Portlaoise cast for his production, which is non-profit and will support the SOSAD suicide prevention counselling centre in Portlaoise.
Aishling Rowan plays puppet Kate Monster, the sweet idealist with big dreams.
Caolan Moriarty is Princeton, a fresh-faced kid just out of college.
Nicky and Rod - Ernie and Bert style roomates, are by Stephen Keegan and Alex Cathcart.
Andrew Docherty plays Trekkie Monster, a lovable internet-obsessed recluse.
Suzanne Lillis plays puppet Gary Coleman, who is the building’s superintendent.
Rory Chadwick is Brian, just a laid-back type of guy.
Dawn Kavanagh is Lucy, a vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge.
Jayne Louise Kelly plays Christmas Eve, a therapist from Japan.
The Bad Idea Bears are Ciara Finlay and Helen Nolan.
Mrs Thistletwat is played by Angi McNulty, and in the chorus are Olive Maher, Claire Carroll and Hilary Treacy.
Musical Director is Mairead McKenna and the choreographer is Lea Carroll
Avenue Q will be staged in the Dunamaise Arts Theatre for three nights only from October 1 to 3, with tickets now available from their box office.
A collection will be taken during the show for SOSAD Laois, aptly while the tune ‘Give Me Your Money’ is sung on stage.