Politically incorrect... and loving it!

MANILA, Philippines - Having watched the first run of Atlantis Productions’ Avenue Q at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, back in 2008, and having thoroughly enjoyed it, I wondered how I’d react to the show, watching it this time out with my two elder sons (aged 18 and 15). As it turned out, the show is even better the second time around, and if back in 2008, I struck by the wit, energy and humor in the concept, lyrics and music; this time, it was the impressive performances of the cast that I sat in awe of, and had me stupidly grinning throughout the show. Turning my head to watch the smiling expressions on the faces of my two boys also helped a lot!

Totally politically incorrect, breaking taboos, and treating nothing as sacred, are the magical elements that make Avenue Q the seamy underbelly of Sesame Street. Hand puppets are part of the spectacle, but what amazes is how these puppets are there as extensions of the craft. Versatility and dedication of the performers. Rachel Alejandro, Felix Rivera, Joel Trinidad have to both sing and manipulate puppets — and yes, emphasis is on the plural; while Calvin Millado, Frenchie Dy and Aiza Seguerra sing and interact credibly with the puppets. Thea Tadiar helps out with the puppets; and it’s with this minimal number of seven performers that a whole neighborhood comes to profane and hilarious life! Along with director Chari Arespacochaga, they can take a well-deserved bow, for giving me and the boys a night of mirth, discovery and reflection.

With songs like It Sucks To Be Me, The Internet Is for Porn, and There’s A Fine, Fine Line, the titles alone give us a fair indication of how this musical about self-discovery, overcoming prejudices, racial and personality stereotyping, and facing truth in the eye, is presented — without blinking! Frenchie plays a Japanese-American who has to act like she’s Korean, and her number The More You Ruv Someone is sheer delight, you’re laughing out loud while feeling so guilty for laughing! Top, top marks go to Rachel — she takes on the roles of both Kate Monster, grade school teacher and Miss Responsibility, and the role of Lucy the Slut — need we say more? And as she shifts from one to the other, the timbre, the intonation and diction all change right before our eyes. Really impressive stuff!

This coming weekend is the last week for the present run, and with evening performances on Wednesday up to Saturday (March 24 to 27), and a matinee performance on Saturday, one really has to rush and get your seats. It may be funny offensive at times, even downright scandalous, but one can’t deny the glimmers of truth and unabashed honesty that can be found on Avenue Q — even if you may not want to live there, the visit is guaranteed fun!