
The hit Off-Broadway musical
Avenue Q has been making audiences laugh for years, but now the show is going beyond the stage to make a difference in the community. Joining forces with the cable TV channel Logo,
Avenue Q is taking part in a series of nationwide public service announcements created to increase public awareness about topics related to HIV.
These special
Avenue Q PSAs, also known as "Puppet Service Announcements," will feature some of the musical's characters, such as Rod, Ricky, and Lucy The Slut. There will be six TV spots in total, each written by
Avenue Q's bookwriter, Jeff Whitty. The importance of being tested for HIV, talking to partners about HIV, and taking appropriate treatment if positive are among the subjects that will be discussed in the PSAs.
“These ‘puppet service announcements' will use the comedic talents of
Avenue Q to fearlessly address issues surrounding infection including frequency of testing, anonymous sex, stigma, open communication and more,” stated Logo's senior VP of Marketing and Creative, Amy Wigler. The first of the campaign spots will air during the season premiere of
RuPaul's Drag Race on January 28.