Aveneu Q better than ever

WE'VE SEEN "Avenue Q" when it was first staged by Atlantis Productions in 2007. We saw it again recently in its nth repeat and it's truly better than ever. The whole cast is good and we want to hug them after the play to show our appreciation for their brilliant ensemble acting in what's the most entertaining show available today. The show touches on various relevant topics ranging from friendship, racism and homosexuality to porn and finding one's purpose in life. The songs are mostly great, from the hilarious "It Sucks to Be" and "The Internet is for Porn" to the touching "It's a Fine, Fine Line" and "It's Only for Now".

Some of the actors play multiple roles with the Sesame St. puppets they're carrying. Felix Rivera is great as the new graduate Princeton and as the closet queen Rod, but even more splendid is Rachel Alejandro as the shy pre-school teacher Kate Monster and as the sultry seductive Lucy the Slut. Joel Trinidad displays his versatility as Trekkie Monster, Nicky (Rod's roommate) and as one of the Big Idea Bears (a perverted version of the Care Bears). Not to be outshone are Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman, Frenchie Dy as Christmas Eve (as a Japanese psycho-therapist, Frenchie shows she's not only a great singer but also a superb comedian) and Calvin Millado as an aspiring stand up comic. Thea Tadiar, who blew us away with production number in "The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee", plays a supporting role that she does with glee.

"Avenue Q" is the happiest zaniest show currently in town, expertly directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arrespacochaga. It runs until March 27 at the Carlos Romulo Theatre in RCBC Plaza, Makati. If you want to have a good time, just call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187. In charge of the March 19 showing are Rachel Alejandro and her manager Girlie Rodis. For this special night, you can call or text them at 09178AVENUE.