A longtime puppet fan is excited to be here on Avenue Q! BROADWAY: Rent (Mark); NATIONAL TOURS: The Full Monty (Jerry), Rent (Roger); Bernstein's Mass at The Hollywood Bowl, Wit at The Geffen Playhouse; TV: "The Division," "Days of Our Lives." Thank you Peter and Leo. As always, for Cheri and Ruby.

Q&A with Christian Anderson
Christian Anderson is the newest addition to the Q cast. To help everyone get to know Christian, we took questions from Q fans everywhere and gave them to Christian. He has come back to us with answers to many of your questions! So without further ado...

Did you study puppetry before being cast in ave q, or did u get cast and then taught?

I took a puppetry class in the one semester of college I managed to make it through, but I had been a huge fan of practically everything puppet since I was a kid.

Hello there! I am very glad to know that you are taking over for Rick Lyon. You are such a wonderful asset to the Broadway stage! My question for you, Christian, is "Is it hard to do what you do? Meaning, is it hard to learn new music, etc each time you perform a new show?" The reason I ask this question is because I write for my school's newspaper entitled 'The Insider,' and I chose to write about my favorite performing artists, wanting to perform, myself, in the future. And having this great opportunity to ask you your thoughts and opinions about your line of work, it would be most excellent if you would answer my question, from having a wonderful primary resource on my topic of writing. Also, if you don't mind, could you also answer this question..."Do you prefer the love seat, or the recliner better, in your opinion (I also cover the "polls and opinions" section in the paper)?" Thank you so much for reading my questions, and for putting up with my nonsense! Good luck to you, and thanks again.

Yes and No. I would say "yes" because of the amount of repitition involved in the rehearsal process. I also don't read music so that makes it a little harder for me as well. I would also say "no" because, to state the obvious, I love it. The more I drill a song or my lines, the more personal they become to me and the more emotionally involved I get. The more emotionally involved I get, the easier it is for me to translate that to an audience. If that goes well, then I've done my job and I find that to be very satisfying... as far as the other matter is concerned, I would have to say the recliner. I'm a tall guy and I like to stretch out and most love seats don't cut it.

Chris, I am working to become an actor and I always struggle when trying to memorize a script, What do you do as an actor to make this task easier?

I don't have any tricks really. I find repitition works best for me. I take it page by page. I go over it and over it. When I get one page done, I add the next, and so on and so on. I took a class where we got scenes to work on at the top of the class, every class. Different scenes. I found that, after a while, the time it took me to learn a 2 or 3 page scene was a fraction of the time it took me when I started taking the class months before. Just drill the material over and over and your mind will get used to that behavior, or what have you, and hopefully make it a lot easier for you.

Do you think you can ever live up to the legacy that Rick Lyon has created as the roles of Nicky, Trekkie, and other?

They are BIG shoes to fill. I believe in time I will become a stronger puppeteer and it is my desire to do so. I'm here to help tell this story, and that I think I can do.

Ok, so I saw you on Sunday (yesterday) and I loved it!!! Haha, I liked how you signed you're name backwards (and you're not a geek by the way cause i do it too sometimes), and I was wondering how you guys rehearse! when do you have time?

Thank you Katie! Rehearsals are held in the daytime during the week, usually 2 to 3 times a week. I don't really have that much rehearsal nowadays. Occasional short puppet rehearsals with Jen's Barnhart to help get me up to speed, but I've already learned all the lines and blocking I'll need to learn for the show.

What does it feel like to be working with the cast of Avenue Q? What advice would you give someone who is wanting to be in musicals?

The cast is great. They've been very welcoming to me, and patient, which I greatly appreciate. I'm also a big fan of the show and every once in a while I'll look around and say to myself "Wow, I'm actually up here doing this with these guys!" It's extremely cool. As far as wanting to be in musicals, you're obviously already a fan of them. Find out how to get involved in any and all that you can. If you're in school, audition for the school show. Is there community theatre where you live? Be bold. Go to an open call. Get BACKSTAGE and submit yourself for something you might be appropriate for. Take voice lessons or sing to your favorite soundtracks. Pick a few songs that you love and work on them for audition pieces. Make them your own and go kick some butt!

How long have you studied puppetry, and where did you study?

Officially I've studied puppetry for about a month with Peter Linz, for "Avenue Q". Since I was a little kid I have wanted to be a puppeteer. I watched all the Muppet and Sid & Marty Krofft stuff, fanatically, over the years. I took one semester at Southern CT. State University where I took a puppetry class and I've been fooling around with store bought puppets since I was a kid too.

What college did you go to, and what did you major in?

I took one semester at Southern CT. State University where I took a Stage speaking class and a Puppetry class. And I was enrolled in the Theatre Dept. at Boston University for 2 weeks before I decided I couldn't afford it and I quit.

Are you getting along well with the other cast members of Avenue Q?

Yes! They've all been great. Every single one of them!

I know Rick Lyon had basically developed these characters and I was wondering how long you have been training in order to master them all.

I was in rehearsals, all together, for almost 4 weeks, while also watching Rick perform at night. I've been on stage now for almost 2 weeks and I'm still learning.

Two questions: First off Welcome to Avenue Q! How long did it take you you learn the show before you played before an audience? When is Avenue Q coming to Chicago?

I was originally brought in to cover Rick's vacation in March. I learned the show in 3 weeks and then went on. I don't know if Chicago is in "Ave. Q"'s future. The show will open in Las Vegas in the fall, as a sit down company. That's all I know, sorry.

Other than this show, what are your favorite puppet involved TV and stage shows?

I'm not that familiar with many puppet involved stage shows, although I saw "Shockheaded Peter" a few years ago and it blew me away. "The Lion King" is pretty cool. Now, TV and film have a lot to offer. Obviously"Sesame Street" is full of puppets, but maybe not quite your speed. There's also "Oobi","Between the Lions" and "Bear in the Big Blue House", great places to see some great puppets. Then, you've got "The Muppet Show"and "Fraggle Rock" and all the Muppet movies. The Muppets are my favorite. They also made a lot of Holiday specials, the greatest, in my opinion, is "Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas". Jim Henson also did this "Storyteller" series, in two parts, sort of. One is based on old German(mostly) folk tales, and the other is based on Greek Mythology. Different than the Muppets. Syd & Marty Krofft had some great shows in the 70's some of which are on DVD now. "H.R. Pufnstuf", "Liddsville", "Sigmund and the Seamonsters". This is really people in full size character costumes, not the best puppetry, but fun to watch. I also like to watch those Gerry Anderson 'Marrionation'(sp?) shows, like "Thunderbirds". Cool miniatures. There is so much out there. Don't forget "The Dark Crystal". Peter Jackson directed this film called "Meet the Feebles". Not the best puppetry, but I doubt that you will ever see( or want to see again) puppets doing these kinds of things anywhere else. That's probably a good thing. Sick stuff, be forewarned, but I love it.

Do you like pumpkins?

Yes. Pumpkins make this world a better place. Thank you for asking.

Hi Christian, Welcome to Avenue Q. I am wondering a few things: Where did you grow up? What drew you to acting / Broadway? Are you single -- and, if not, do you have children? Best of luck!!!

I grew up primarily in Madison, Connecticut. My father is an actor so it was always an accessible option for me. I loved to watch him on stage and it wasn't long till I got the bug. I also loved music, popular and some musicals. My mother was also a director of community theatre in Connecticut as I was growing up and I used to be in some of the musicals they did. I guess I just grew up doing it all. I am not single. I'm married to a woman named Cheri who I met while on tour with "RENT". We have a daughter named Ruby.

I have a comment. I have seen Ave. Q twice, once with Rick Lyons and the other with Christian Anderson. The biggest compliment of all that I can give you Christian is that your performance was so flawless that I did not even know that there was a change of performers. Thanks for the great job! My only question is....how did you do it?

Thank you Mindy!! I really appreciate it. That's what I was hoping for. I watched Rick like a hawk. I also had some GREAT teachers. Peter Linz, Jennifer Barnhart, Leo Dagnault, Amy Garcia,Robert Witherow and Christine Daly. They just kept on me and didn't let me get away with anything, in the best possible way. I just believe in the puppets. I believe that my job is to try to make them come alive. I worked really hard and I still have a long way to go, but thank you for your compliment.

Hello Christian! I'd just like to know about the when first time you heard about Avenue Q was, and how you found out about it. What were your first opinions? How did you get selected to join the Q team and take over for Rick Lyon? Anyways, I'm sure you'll be great! Break a leg!

I was in rehearsals for "The Full Monty" National tour and I was talking to Kevin McCollum, one of our Producers, and he mentioned that he was working on this new show with puppets. I have always been very interested in puppets so when I got home I looked it up on the internet. I thought it looked so cool and I couldn't wait to see it, but I was on tour and it was probably unlikely that I would anytime soon. The tour ended and I went back home to LA."Avenue Q" opened to rave reviews and I still hadn't seen it. A couple of months later my agent got me an audition for the tour, or what have you, and I went in. I got a call back. That went well so I flew to New York to audition for the whole team. Before I had my New York audition I bought myself a ticket to see the show. I was floored, just speechless. I had to be a part of it. My audition went well. Months later I was told I was going to go to Puppet School with Peter Linz, so I made a puppet out of foam and hot glue and went to Puppet School. Puppet School was great and I learned a lot. I took my homemade puppet and with a friend of mine, who also attended puppet school, I practiced my audition material, applying what I learned in Puppet School using a video camera. 3 weeks later I was in New York again in front of the whole team again and 1 week later I found myself in New York AGAIN, learning the show so I could cover Rick's vacation in March. I guess it's safe to say that that went pretty well. I'm happy to be here.

Hey Christian, welcome to our naughty little puppet show. I was just wondering, how long have you been studying puppetry? Oh, and I think it's so cool you were Mark Cohen in Rent (it's like the best character in that amazing show), so which show is more fun to perform in? I guess that was two questions, sorry. Break a leg!

Officially, for about 2 months, including rehearsal and performance of "Avenue Q". I took a puppetry class in the semester I went to college and for as long as I can remember I have been playing and experimenting with store bought puppets and socks and stuff. And I'm gonna have to agree with you. Mark is a great character and I think it was my favorite role to play in "RENT", which is definitely an amazing show.

Before I am fully comfortable with you taking over the role of Trekkie Monster, I must know. Do you or do you not believe that the internet is for porn?

Chaka, aside from answering these here questions, I can't think of anything else I'd rather use the internet for........and that's a fact.

Do you wish there was a "hans" before your name?

Actually no. But now that I've working with all these puppets, I've been considering putting a "hands" before my name.

Hey Christian, what's your favorite band or musician in general?

I love the music of Elliott Smith. Also, Grandaddy, ELO, The Beatles, David Bowie, The Kinks, Rufus Wainright, Guided By Voices, Harry Nillson, Wilco, Neal Young, Urge Overkill, Pink Floyd, Prince, Radiohead, The Who, Stevie Wonder,The Zombies, my friend Danny Rocket has a band in town named "Bad Teenage Moustache" they're great, The Darkness are fun, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Ben Folds, They Might Be Giants... there's tons more, but for now and for a while now I always seem to put on that Elliott Smith.

What's it like to play a porn addict and a slacker? Just wondering! P.S.: Can't wait to see you in August!

I love it. And besides, I can relate. I think that there's probably a little of these guys in just about everyone. Or at least everyone probably knows someone with a little of these guys in them and it's great to hear the reaction from the audience when these characters show their true colors.

Welcome Christian! It's very nice to meet you! I believe I saw you perform several months ago, and you did an excellent job as Nicky, Trekkie, Bad Idea Bear and others! I just have three questions to ask: How does it feel to be a part of the best show on Broadway? When did you become interested in puppetry? Do you have any advice for people who, not only dream of doing puppetry and acting (films or stage), but have other dreams and long to make their dreams come true even if they feel down or doubtful about it? I know I have my doubts sometimes. Good luck with the show! You're going to do great in this and all that you have yet to accomplish! I have faith in not only in all of the actors and other people who have accomplished their goals in all fields, but in you as well!

I'm elated. I love the songs, the message and how it's all presented. I've been interested in puppetry since I can remember. Since I was old enough to watch Sesame Street I guess. I doubt myself all the time. I think that's a good thing. It keeps me open to learning. Ultimately you have to believe in yourself all through the ups and downs and just keep trying and trying until something breaks. Be persistent. That goes for me too. Follow your dreams, no matter what.

Pizza or calzone?

Pizza, definitely.

How did Nicky take the news that he was going to have a new partner? Have you two worked together before?

To be honest, I haven't had the guts to bring it up to him. He's so sensitive. Trekkie however, let out a satisfied moan when I slipped him on. So I asked him what he thought of the switch and he replied, "Me no care. A hand is a hand. Oohhhhhhh!!"

I have two questions for Christian! First off, the Full Monty Tour stopped in Toronto two years ago. Were you the \"Toronto Jerry\"? Second, I'd love to know what the biggest challenge was shifting from more standard roles to that of performer and puppeteer!

No, I did not go to Toronto with "The Full Monty". If it was 2 years ago, I don't know who it was. The most challenging part of being performer and puppeteer is the AND puppeteer part. The physical demands are enough to break a man. When I saw the show I understood the concept. But the actual physical application is very challenging.

Is it more fun working on Broadway than on television?

Broadway. Theatre in general. Because of the audience. I've had a lot of fun doing the television that I have done, don't get me wrong. But that live audience makes all the difference in the world.

Hi, I work in the box office of a small community theatre, and this theatre patron just gave me a $50.00. He bought 2 adult tickets at $8.00 bucks a pop. I'm really bad at math. How much change should I give him back. The patron and I anxiously await your answer. Thank you.

I'm gonna have to say $34.00. I'm not so great at math, but I think that's it. Plus your question is #34, so I'm going to take that as a sign.

Your bio states that you've been a longtime puppet fan. it must be exciting to be working with them on stage! Other than having to coordinate the puppets with your lines, etc., is there a significant difference between Avenue Q and other musicals you have done? Best of luck on stage!

It's very exciting. The big difference is having to learn how to make the puppets come alive and all the work that goes into it. Other than that it is a musical play that has a beginning, middle, an end. With lines, blocking, music and choreography to learn, and a big heart.

Who are your idols from the Broadway stage?

Aside from whole cast of "AVENUE Q". I think I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to the great Broadway actors. I listened to the cast recordings of "Godspell" and "Pippin", "Hair" and "Chess", "Jesus Christ Superstar"(the brown album) and "RENT" at great lengths. I love what I know of Stephen Schwartz' work. I guess if I had to choose at least one person, I would say Cleavant Derricks. The guy is amazing!

Hey christian, how is being an actor with a puppet to express yourself through different from acting on you own? Since you've had both experiences, it must be really interesting to you!

It is really interesting. Not only do you have to make this inanimate object come alive but I sort of have to be in it's shadow sometimes. Also, While I'm looking at what the puppet is supposed to be looking at(i.e., the other actors on stage), the other actors are looking at the puppet and not me. That takes a little getting used to.

Hi Christian. My name is Maria and I'm from Sweden. I haven't had the opportunity to see the show, but I do love the music. Now I want you to tell me why I should come and visit you! =) Good luck with everything!

First of all Maria, if you love the music, you will love the show. That's a good enough excuse to come all the way to New York to see it right there. Second, I'm in it. Need I expand on that? Third, I once worked in a Swedish restaurant here in the city and considered moving to Stockholm, which I didn't do. So you could come here and tell me about all the great things I'm missing, which I would greatly appreciate! Hope to see you soon.

Which 'Fraggle Rock' character is your favorite?

Wembley.