i ♥ avenue Q!

Friday, 20 June 2008 was a date among friends: Yuri, Chie, Rinah, Eric and Myself to watch the famous Avenue Q! We waited for 2 months to see this show! And I waited even longer, as I was crossing my fingers for another run after missing their shows last Septeber 2007...

and it was definitely worth the wait! We were all enthralled by the wonderful performance of the cast. They were, in one word, amazing. It is difficult enough to act on stage, so it is even a greater feat to act for a puppet and give it the voice, the emotions to make it alive.

Avenue Q reminds the viewers of their childhood fave: Sesame Street. Practically everyone in the X and Y generation grew up with Sesame Street so some characters may have a huge resemblance to a couple of characters in the show, such as Nicky and Rod (Ernie and Bert) and of course Trekkie Monster (Cookie Monster). Avenue Q somehow resolves the big question: Whatever happened to the characters of Sesame Street? Avenue Q is an adult take on the show, raising issues such as racism, homosexuality, sex and relationships, and work. The whole show somewhat revolves around the idea of identifying one's 'purpose' and of course working towards fulfilling it. The show is very busy, with the characters and puppets in constant dialogue and song, and there are some animated inserts through a TV on one side of the stage.

Below is the PLOT of of the musical taken from the Official Website of Avenue Q on Broadway:

AVENUE Q is the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q; still, the neighbors seem nice. There's Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fianceé Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his roommate Rod -- a Republican investment banker who seems to have some sort of secret; an Internet addict called Trekkie Monster; and a very cute kindergarten teaching assistant named Kate. And would you believe the building's superintendent is Gary Coleman?!? (Yes, that Gary Coleman.) Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Once again, I will have to say that I ♥ Avenue Q! It was a great night, thanks to the cast and crew of the musical! Cheers!