Atlantis's Avenue Q [Review]

Oh, God. This show might be the most hilarious thing I've ever seen-- it's now growing in me. No wonder this Broadway musical had gathered fans around the world. This Atlantis's 3rd repeated staging of Avenue Q here in Manila, they also staged the show in Singapore once after the first staging.

When I first heard about Avenue Q, the Broadway show-- I thought, this is dumb show; like what, a puppet singing with a puppeteer? And it's a sarcastic parody of Sesame Street, which I never liked I'm more of the Sineskwela, Epol-Apol type of person. But then, somehow it struck me that it made sense, actually and this is better than freaking Sesame Street. I am aware that Avenue Q isn't for kids. The show might have puppets but it's not for minor minds-- it's full of funny, green stuffs-- kind of a consolation.

Seeing matinee shows at 3PM, I was used to it that I thought every matinee was at 3. But no, 30 minutes before 2PM, I checked the website again and damn-- it was a 2PM show. So, I hurried shower, got a taxi and pleading the driver to go faster. Shit. I was late. This is the FIRST time I was late for a show. I was somehow sad.

I entered the CPR Auditorium at the middle of the song purpose, oh, I know how late I am! It's the fourth song now! :( Good thing I knew about the plot so I don't have to be clueless throughout the show.

Felix Rivera is Princeton/Rod. I adore his talent, his voice is flawless, Broadway material. Andthe way he changed his voice from Prince then Rod is so amazing. Amazing talent. I don't wonder why he's chosen to play Sonny Malone in Xanadu, he may not be Cheyenne Jackson (physically and the over-blessed voice), yet, he is perfect for the role. Opposite him is Rachel Alejandro as Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut-- shit, shit, shit. She is very good. She is no mainstream singer-- I could see that she was born for theater. I thought she was nothing when it comes to acting but she acted like she's been doing this for the rest of her life. Her portrayal of Lucy the slut is the best-- funny, sexy, funny. Also, Joel Trinidad is sooo good as Trekkie Monster. The song Internet is for Porn is given more spunk than the Broadway version. 

Aiza Seguerra, Frenchie Dy, Clavin Milladoand Thea Tadiar as Gary Coleman,Christmas Eve, Brian, and Mrs. Thistletwatrespectively. I never knew the Gary Coleman they were talking about here is really the Gary Coleman 'til Aiza mentioned that he was once a child superstar-- first of all, Aiza isn't really black (LOL). And Frenchie Dy, although her character is Asian may not speak clearly but should be understandable; some of her lines I didn't understand because it seems not a Chinese accent but a twisted tongue. Others were also very, very good but I must compliment Thea Tadiar because she did many, many things-- from Trekkie's right hand, partly Lucy/Kate's puppeteer, Yellow Bad Idea Bears to Mrs. Thistletwat.

It's clear how they showed homosexuality, homelessness, doing something for others, relationships and finding your purpose in life. The production team did a good job building the show. The set is awesome just like the ones in Sesame Street but slummy. The additional sets from the ceiling that I find cute were great. There was also a T.V. at the bottom right corner of the stage, explaining the sets, showing projections just like in Sesame Street and a boob-shaped cardiograph waves. There was also a part of the show called Money when they asked money from each other to build the Monstersorri school for Kate Monster-- and then they still lacked money; then the houselights opened and I burst into laughter. They begged money from the audience (not really).

I will never forget Avenue Q, really. It's a good candidate for a new favorite.

And remember, Schadenfreude.