Reminiscin’ Avenue Q

As I watched the Avenue Q preview show last night, I couldn’t help but get sentimental about how it made an impact on my life. This show is for people at the crossroads of their lives — be it their love life, their career or their life purpose.

My favorite line in the show is from Kate Monster: “You gotta go after the things you want while you’re still in your prime…” I watched the show during its first three runs in Manila and, each time, it gave me comfort when I looked back at my decision to quit my multinational day job.

On its fifth run, the seasoned cast members Felix Rivera as Princeton, Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman, Frenchie Dy as Christmas Eve, Thea Tadiar and Joel Trinidad as Trekkie Monster were very enthusiastic in performing once again after their successful staging in Singapore. All of them thought (me included) that the Singapore run was the last of the Avenue Q series in Asia.

Due to the demand of Filipinos, they decided to bring it back because, despite the show’s popularity, a lot of Filipinos still have not watched the show.

You can see how the puppeteers skillfully disappear and transfer their facial expressions onto the faces of the puppets. Each movement is perfectly coordinated, such that the puppeteer’s legs become the legs of the puppets. This theater magic happens right before your eyes — and it was awesome just watching it again.

I was also happy to see Aliw Award winner Rachel Alejandro performing the role of Kate Monster and Lucy T. Slut. I’m sure she regretted not doing the third run of Avenue Q and eventually performing in Singapore. Her performance as Lucy T. Slut is the best because she’s able to bring out the sexiness of the puppet just from her movements and husky voice.

The fifth run is made special by Calvin Millado, who performs as Brian. We fondly remember him for his excellent performance as Roger in the first ever Rent in Manila and the lead character in Rocky Horror Show (who can forget that?!) He is a little bit rusty though after being out of the theater scene for 6 years because of his businesses. He is coming in as a newbie to the group and catching up with the puppets.

Avenue Q is a live spoof of Sesame Street with life-impacting songs (like that of RENT) and
discusses taboo topics like Racism, Porn, Schadenfreude (pleasure or
satisfaction derived from the misfortune of others), Sex, and Gay
issues.

Manila’s Theater season got exciting with RENT, which just finished last February, and now with AVENUE Q this March 12 – 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Don’t miss it! Avenue Q opens tomorrow. This could truly be its last run in Manila…

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
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P.S. The theater set is much improved with the windows performing flawlessly. 🙂

*AVENUE Q*, with Music and Lyrics by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez and a Book by Jeff Whitty, is Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga and has Set Design by Mio Infante, Lighting Design by Jonsy Reyes, and Puppet Design by Samuel Fuentes based on the original Broadway designs of Rick Lyons. Due to full puppet nudity, parental discretion is advised.

Don’t forget to watch on March 18, THUR, 8pm – Our Awesome Planet SHOW!

To Reserve, Call Camille Bautista
Contact number: +63917-8908905
Email camille.bautista@gmail.com
See Avenue Q Mar18 Seat Plan

Tip: Mention to Camille the special “last week before the show” promo for OAP readers for the Orchestra Sides and Front Row Orchestra Center