When it closes, the puppet-friendly musical will have played 22 previews and 2,534 performances.

Avenue Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, a book by Jeff Whitty and direction by Jason Moore. The musical is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, The Vineyard Theatre and The New Group.

In a statement producer Goodman said, "We will miss our furry friends on 45th Street but are very proud of their longevity." About Republican puppet Rod, Goodman added, "A disappointed Rod was hoping for an Obama bail out and swore he would turn Democrat if it happened."

Puppets were conceived and designed by original cast member Rick Lyon. The production has musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.

After an acclaimed Off-Broadway run at the Vineyard Theatre, Avenue Q began previews at the Golden Theatre July 10, 2003, and officially opened July 31. The original cast included Jennifer Barnhart, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Jordan Gelber, Ann Harada, Rick Lyon, John Tartaglia and Natalie Venetian Belcon. The musical won 2004 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Jeff Whitty) and Best Original Score (Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx). Capitalized at $3.5 million, Avenue Q recouped its full investment in ten months on Broadway. As of June 21, the musical has grossed $117,009,852 and has returned $23,500,000 to its investors to date.

Ann Harada, who created the character of Christmas Eve in the Tony-winning Q, will return to that role at Broadway's Golden Theatre July 6. That day will also welcome several cast members from the show's recent national tour: Anika Larsen (Xanadu; All Shook Up; Rent; Shafrika, the White Girl) will be Broadway's new Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut, Robert McClure (I'm Not Rapport) will assume the roles of Princeton/Rod, and Danielle K. Thomas will play Gary Coleman.

They will all join a cast that includes Christian Anderson, Jennifer Barnhart and Nicholas Kohn.

For more information visit www.avenueq.com. For tickets call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.