Avenue Q

I remember spending the first few 3 weeks in New York just commuting from I.House to NYU for classes, and back each night, mechanically and somewhat disillusioned with what the Big Apple has to offer. I was already getting bogged down by the increasing sense of loneliness (since I don't have friends here) and school work.

It was on 7 September 2006 that I decided to spend US$41.75 on Avenue Q, a Broadway musical showing at the John Golden Theatre along West 45th Street. But before that, there was a talk-back session with the cast of Avenue Q. I'd heard good reviews but I didn't know what to expect.

So during the informal session with NYU students, the cast talked about the show. Rick Lyon was the most impressive puppeteer as he created all the puppets for the show, and his experience shone as he dominated most of the conversations. Ann Sanders, Mary Faber and Evan Harrington were also present.

As they talked, it sounded intriguing. I was still not sure what the show was about, but I was watching it that same evening.

The evening came and went, and I laughed so hard during Avenue Q that I swear it's an awesome show.

It was basically a musical ala Sesame Street, but with ADULT themes as it dealt with purpose in life, racism, romance, sexual identities and sex. Unlike Sesame Street, Avenue Q has the puppeteer stand on stage with his/her puppet in full view, while some characters remained as human beings conversing with these puppet characters.

The way they talked, moved and sang was incredibly amazing. The actors were ambidextrous, sometimes holding on to one thing in 1 hand, and another thing in the 2nd hand. They often switched roles, and played multiple puppet characters as well.

It is indeed a musical I could relate to very well... as the main character, Princeton, was looking for a bigger purpose in life. So was I, and that was how I ended up in New York University, trying to upgrade myself and gain enough experiences to bring home... so that I can enrich another in my area of work.

When I walked out of the theatre, I felt very good. I suddenly felt so energised and alive, and as I walked through Times Square, I finally realised that to be in New York is to REALLY experience the musicals, the shows, and the performances.

That makes New York New York.