Understudy Howie Michael Smith to Assume Avenue Q Starring Role

Understudy Howie Michael Smith will be Avenue Q's next Princeton and Rod puppeteer. He will begin performances on July 3, taking over for Spelling Bee-bound Barrett Foa.

"Ever since I heard the cast recording of the show I knew I had to do this," Smith told Broadway.com. "I feel really connected to these characters. And, come on, I get to play with puppets and get paid for it. Try doing that in an office!"

Smith has been an Avenue Q understudy for a year and a half. The production marks his Broadway debut. His regional theater credits include A Christmas Carol, Singing in the Rain, 1776, Carousel, As You Like It, The Tempest, Into the Woods, The Baker's Wife and Brigadoon.

In addition to Foa, Avenue Q currently stars Mary Faber, Rick Lyon, Evan Harrington, Ann Sanders, Haneefah Wood and Jennifer Barnhart.