Travel Footprints

Last Sunday, we went with a group of friends and family to see the long-anticipated return of Avenue Q in the Philippines. Mr. Rono managed to catch the first run of this Tony Award-winning musical play here in Manila back in 2007. He was so amused by the play that he bought the soundtrack home with him. His little sister was particularly fascinated by the play’s music. Maybe it did have a ring of Sesame Street songs to it, albeit more mature, but the music particularly appealed to this grade schooler. So when we told her we are bringing her to see Avenue Q last Sunday we were met with big, loud cheers! This was gonna be our pre-graduation gift to her as she enters high school next term.

Avenue Q is hugely entertaining! Not just the music and the funny lines (politically-incorrect most of the time but that’s why we love Avenue Q!), the performers were certainly astounding and awe-inspiring starting from Rachel Alejandro (pre-school teacher Katie Monster/seductive Lucy the Slut), Felix Rivera (new graduate Princeton/closet queen Rod) and Joel Trinidad (pervert Trekkie Monster, bum roommate Nicky and one of the Big Idea Bears). Aiza Seguerra as forgotten child star Gary Coleman, Frenchie Dy as a Japanese psycho-therapist Christmas Eve (with songs like The More You Ruv Someone) and Calvin Millado as an aspiring stand up comic with Thea Tadiar in a supporting role were also sheer delight to watch.

Acting and singing (sometimes for two characters in one scene!) while holding a puppet is no easy feat. The cast delivered their stellar performance like one well-oiled machine and Mr. Rono’s little sister had the time of her life all throughout the play with shy giggles and heartfelt laughter scene by scene! The talented cast really had us all stupidly grinning throughout the show

Avenue Q is on its final run this week until March 27. If you want to catch Rachel Alejandro and Felix Rivera in their next musical, don’t miss out on Xanadu! This surprise broadway hit musical will be brought to the Philippines for the first time this September and we are oh so excited to see it. Rachel and Felix is again paired as the two lead stars – Clio the Greek muse and Sonny the struggling artist. Their encounter will lead Sonny to achieve the greatest creation of his life – a roller disco! Yes, the performers will be on skates onstage and Felix says this is gonna be one uber-fun musical! Do catch the show this September! Check out www.xanadumanila2010.blogspot.com for ticketing details