Early in the show's genesis, the authors thought of it as a possible TV show, using the actual Gary Coleman. When it became a legit stage show, they decided to leave the Gary character in the show, casting a full-sized woman in the role to emphasize the fact that, no, it's not really Gary Coleman up there!
I think it would still make a good series on Comedy Central.
I remember a thread on this a few months ago and someone posted a link to the message board on the avenue Q website with a response from the creaters explaining the whole deal with Gary Coleman. I think Gary Coleman was going to be in it when it was originally going to be a TV show in LA, but when they decided to take it to Broadway he wasnt able to move to NY so they got a woman to play the part. I may be wrong but that what I remember.
"Someone please tell me- when the hell did gravity become the enemy? How has an essential force of nature, something that makes it possible for life to even exist on this planet, come to deserve the scorn and hatred of every teenage girl with no head voice?"- Broadway Matt
Yes, all of the above is true. However, since the time that the little off-broadway musical became a major broadway hit, I have seen interviews with Mr. Coleman where he lambasts them for using his persona and said that he has his "lawyers looking into it." (I believe that this was during the gubernatorial race in CA.)
I myself wonder when the stunt casting will set in for this show and Gary will be playing Gary. Or better yet, Emmanuel Lewis will.