The singer-actor, who also received a Theatre World Award and the Clarence Derwent Award for his performance in Avenue Q, told Playbill On-Line before announcing the news of his departure on his official website.

"I made the decision based on a few things. One, and most importantly, I decided that after 5 years of creating the characters of Princeton and Rod, it was time to move on both creatively and professionally," Tartaglia told Playbill On-Line. "I've been really blessed to have been part of something so amazing that has literally changed my life. . . but I've been lucky also to have other doors open up, and I feel that now is the time to take advantage of those opportunities."

During his final month in Avenue Q, Tartaglia will also offer several solo concerts at Joe's Pub. He is scheduled to play the intimate cabaret, located within the Public Theater, on Mondays, Jan. 3 and 24. Show times are 7 and 9:30 PM on Jan. 3 and 7 PM on Jan. 24. Visit www.joespub.com for more information.

The actor — who is also developing a children's series and is in talks for a few television and film projects — concluded, "It'll be sad to go, but I'm looking toward the horizon and moving forward. All I can say is that January 30th will be filled with tears and hugs and memories."

No replacement has yet been announced for Tartaglia; his understudies are Barrett Foa and Peter Linz. John Tartaglia made his Broadway debut in Avenue Q. The young actor has also appeared in the Children of Eden and Hair benefit concerts and in the City Center Encores! presentation of Carnival. His TV credits include eight seasons on "Sesame Street" as well as "Animal Jam," "Bear in the Big Blue House," "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." Tartaglia was recently seen in the Empty-Handed concerts at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and has performed solo evenings at the Ars Nova and Joe's Pub.

Avenue Q continues to play the Golden Theatre, 252 West 45th Street.