Avenue Q's on the road to stardom

Former Coast performer Scott Johnson.

AVENUE Q was the big winner at the Helpmann Awards at the Sydney Opera House last night.

The show, described as an adults only version of Sesame Street, won five of the seven music theatre awards at Australian theatre's night of nights.

Mitchel Butel and Michaela Banas won best male actor in a musical and best female actor in a musical for their portrayls of Rod and Kate Monster in the show, while Christina O'Neil won best female actor in a supporting role in a musical for her portrayl as Christmas Eve.

Former Sunshine Coast performer Scott Johnson was nominated for the best male actor in a supporting role in a musical for his role in the smash hit production of Jersey Boys, but that award went to Avenue Q's Luke Joslin for his performance as Trekkie Monster.

Avenue Q director Jonathan Biggins also won the best direction of a musical category.

The show was, however, beaten in the best musical category, which went to Jersey Boys.

Other winners included Kelley Abbey for her choreography of Fame, Wil Anderson, who won best comedy performer, and iOta, who won best cabaret performer.

Former Queensland Performing Arts Complex artistic director Tony Gould was honoured with the prestigious JC Williamson award for his contribution to live entertainment.

The ceremony was broadcast live on Austar's Stvdio channel last night and will be replayed on Sunday at 6.30pm.

AWARD WINNERS

Best Male Actor in supporting role in a Musical – Luke Joslin

Best Female Actor in supporting role in a Musical – Christina O’Neil

Best Contemporary Music Festival – A Big Day Out

Best Comedy Performer – Wil Anderson

Best Musical – Jersey Boys