Walking down Avenue Q in Singapore

We watched Avenue Q in the Esplanade Theatre last night with the gang from the East Coast (of Singapore). It's been a long time since we enjoyed theatre and having the best seats in the house, I must say, is worth every cent.

The front row definitely has an advantage: you have a close up view of everything. You can see every single detail, every minute facial expression; the best way to fully appreciate the performance of the actors. We got to see firsthand why Avenue Q is one of the hottest shows in London and New York and why it won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical.

Okay, in case you didn't know, Avenue Q is a musical loosely based on Sesame Street, with the puppets and everything. Though it has, uhm, shall we say, "adult" elements to it, it is a simple story that, I think, anyone can relate to. It's a coming-of-age story of a person, learning for the very first time exactly what life, dreams, purpose, and friendship is all about. The musical is an honest reflection of our times. Don't want to give away a lot of spoilers here (unless you want me to, in which case, I'll do that in a separate post). Just watch the show; trust me, it's worth it. ;)

The cast is a great ensemble of Filipino performers -- well, most of them anyway (six out of seven). :)) Pinoy voice and acting talents have always been one of the best in the world (Lea Salonga anyone?); and many would agree. During the intermission, I overheard one group of caucasians (from the accent, I guess they're American) who were applauding Carla Guevara-Laforteza's last musical number in Act One, There's a Fine, Fine Line.

Do yourself a favor and WATCH IT! :)

Here are some facts about the show:

Avenue Q The Musical (Uncut and Uncensored)
30 October - 16 November 2008
Esplanade Theatre

Rating: R16 (Suitable for ages 16 and above.)
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins (inclusive of 20 minute intermission)

Cast (in order of appearance)

• Princeton (Felix Rivera), a fresh-faced kid just out of college


• Brian (Rycharde Everley), a laid-back guy engaged to Christmas Eve


• Kate Monster (Carla Guevara-Laforteza), a kindergarten teaching assistant


• Rod (Felix Rivera), a Republican investment banker with a secret


• Nicky (Joel Trinidad), a bit of a slacker, who lives with Rod


• Christmas Eve (Frenchie Dy), a therapist who moved here from Japan


• Gary Coleman (Aiza Seguerra), Yes, that Gary Coleman, superintendent


• Trekkie Monster (Joel Trinidad), a reclusive creature obsessed with the internet


• Bad Idea Bear #1 (Thea Tadiar-Everley), snuggly cute teddy-bear type


• Bad Idea Bear #2 (Joel Trinidad), snuggly cute teddy-bear type


• Lucy the Slut (Carla Guevara-Laforteza), a vixenish vamp with a dangerous edge


• Mrs. T. (Thea Tadiar-Everley), Kate's ancient boss

Musical Numbers/Soundtrack

• Act One
  
  • The Avenue Q Theme
  
  
  • What Do You Do with a B.A. in English
  
  
  • It Sucks To Be Me
  
  
  • If You Were Gay
  
  
  • Purpose
  
  
  • Everyone's a Little Bit Racist
  
  
  • The Internet is for Porn
  
  
  • Mix Tape
  
  
  • I'm not Wearing Underwear Today
  
  
  • Special
  
  
  • You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You're Making Love)
  
  
  • Fantasies Come True
  
  
  • My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada
  
  
  • There's a Fine, Fine Line


• Act Two
  
  • There is Life Outside your Apartment
  
  
  • The More You Ruv Someone
  
  
  • Schadenfreude
  
  
  • I Wish I Could Go Back to College
  
  
  • The Money Song
  
  
  • School for Monsters / The Money Song (Reprise)
  
  
  • There's a Fine, Fine Line (Reprise)
  
  
  • What Do You Do with a B.A. in English (Reprise)
  
  
  • For now