I haven't been this entertained in years! =)Maitz, Jeng and I joined Jeng's officemates to catch the premiere of the newest show from Atlantis Productions, Avenue Q won 3 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2004. The fact that it featured puppets and dealt with issues such as sex, racism, unemployment, singlehood and the uses of the internet made it much more appealing.
Watching Avenue Q was reminiscent of the beloved Sesame Street characters of our youth, with a more mature flair, and a lot more humor... it's a story about Princeton, a college graduate with a BA in English who struggles to find his "purpose" in life. While looking, he stumbles upon Avenue Q, and moves in to join the rest of the tenants, Kate Monster, Brian and Christmas Eve, roommates Rod and Nicky, Internet addict Trekkie Monster, and the super, Gary Coleman -- yes that Gary Coleman.
Rachel Alejandro played the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut really well, voice and attitude shifting effortlessly even during times that both puppets were onstage. You can't help but root for Kate in this one. The ever-talented Aiza Seguerra plays Gary Coleman, and Frenchie Dy plays Christmas Eve - whose accent falters every once in a while but she was entertaining nonetheless. Playing her fiance was Rick Everley as Brian, convincing as the wannabe comedian who just doesn't seem to have the talent for his craft. Theater veteran Joel Trinidad (my favorite in this one) plays the roles of Trekkie Monster, Nicky and one of the bad idea bears. He was really, really good. :) Teenee Chan plays Mrs. Thistletwat and the other bad idea bear, she was very funny, hehehe. Felix Rivera plays Princeton and in-the-closet, Republican investment banker Rod. I liked him better as Rod...for some reason Princeton's character just seemed too, um, weak.With a lot of witty one-liners, and in your face realizations, this is sure to draw laughs from the crowd - "if you were gay...i'd be okay..." and "it sucks to be me.", and tug at your emotions during it's serious moments - "there's a fine, fine line between love and a waste of time..." Not for kids though... definitely not for kids. As it says on the poster, there WAS full puppet nudity. And some swear words and explicit lyrics in the mix - "the internet is for porn!". But watch with an open mind, and you're sure to love it.
And to complete my Avenue Q experience, we waited around for the cast after the show. Took pics of Jeng having her poster signed, and of course, I had to pose with some of them, Aiza, Felix and Joel. :) They were really nice, a really great cast. Avenue Q is a must see, it runs until the 23rd, highly recommended!
