The musical play, AVENUE Q, was originally intended to become a television series. For some reasons, it ended up as a Broadway musical play written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, while Jason Moore directed it. Avenue Q is a place in New York City, where Princeton, one of the main characters of the play, stayed because he can’t afford to rent an apartment at Avenue A.
Avenue Q was shown last March 12 – 27, 2010 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. It is a bit different from other musical plays as the main casts, which are the puppets, are obviously the parodies of the famous children show the Sesame Street. Even so, the play was not suitable for children as it contains profanity and other explicit foul language and gestures. The script focuses on issues not commonly discussed like s3x, p0rn0graphy, racism and h0m0s3xuality, among others. In fact, puppet nvdity and puppet s3x are even acted on stage. I think this made the musical more controversial and most talked about.
I’m already addicted to Avenue Q =p (actually, I’ve watched the play twice) because the story line is carefully worked out, the script depicts the actual scene in the real life, the humor is perfectly inserted, the actors and actresses are suited for their roles, the song lyrics and melody are excellent and the lessons learned are essential in today’s way of life.
The characters are Rod and Nicky, Trekkie Monster, Kate Monster, Princeton, Lucy the Slut, Brian, Christmas Eve, Gary Coleman and Ricky among others. They are in their twenties and thirties facing several adult problems. Sadly, their issues are taboo and seldom discussed.
What I like most in this play is the search of the main character’s purpose in life. In fact, one of my favorite lines from the play is, “You gotta go after the things you want while you’re still in your prime”, as this reminds me of the decisions I made in my life where some I regret, while some I’m thankful. On the other hand, I still can’t get this line, “The Internet Is for P0rn”, out of my head as it is easy to remember. In fact, this song has been a hit in YouTube and searches for the lyrics are growing in numbers each day.
According to Rachel Alejandro, who played Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in the rerun here in Manila, Philippines, “Welcome back to AVENUE Q. The musical that never dies,”. AVENUE Q in Manila is directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga together with Mio Infante, who designed the set, Jonsy Reyes for the lightings, and puppet design made by Samuel Fuentes.
On its fifth run, here in the country, casts Felix Rivera, Aiza Seguerra , Frenchie Dy, Thea Tadiar, Calvin Millado, Joel Trinidad and Rachel Alejandro were very passionate in performing for the Filipinos once again and I can clearly seen how they enjoyed performing on stage with their puppet characters.
Thanks to Atlantis Productions Inc. for bringing us this one of a kind 2004 Tony Award Best Musical play that I’m sure everybody who watched it got also addicted with it, just like me. I just wish that this will never be the last run in Manila…
Here is a clip of the hit broadway musical Avenue Q!
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