September 14, 2012

CONTACT: Kristin Hansen, Development Director, (414) 272-4032, ext. 228, khansen@aclu-wi.org

MILWAUKEE, WI – On Thursday, September 20, 2012, a special preview showing of Skylight Music Theatre’s Avenue Q will both benefit the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation and kick off the theater’s fall season. Avenue Q is winner of the 2004 Tony Award “Triple Crown” – Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.

“Along with Cream City Foundation and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, we applaud Skylight for bringing this edgy but hilarious show to Milwaukee’s audiences,” said Chris Ahmuty, Executive Director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “With its commentary on racism, pornography and sexuality, Avenue Q is entertaining, but also challenges us to live out our democracy’s promise of free expression.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation is proud to be a community partner in Skylight Music Theatre’s production of Avenue Q.

The ACLU is famous for defending controversial speech from government censorship. One local example happened in 2005 when the City of Milwaukee shut down the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center’s production of the off-Broadway musical Naked Boys Singing.  Shutting down the play over the city’s pre-approval practice was a violation of the First Amendment. It took five years and a federal lawsuit, but ultimately attorneys working with the ACLU of Wisconsin won a settlement for the Center and a victory for free expression.

Tickets for the event on Thursday, September 20, 2012, are $75 per person, a portion of which is tax-deductible. A reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by a full production of Avenue Q at 7:30 p.m. The reception and show are at the Broadway Theater Center, 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.aclu-wi.org or by calling (414) 272-4032, ext. 218.

The ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation is a non-profit civil liberties and civil rights organization working to protect the rights of Wisconsinites. For more on the work of the American Civil Liberties Union and Foundation of Wisconsin, visit our webpage, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ACLUofWisconsin and @ACLUMadison.