“HOW do you keep it fresh?”

Whether referring to a seemingly centuries-old relationship with your partner or the smell of your body, this question—if you think about it beyond foreskin—sounds more like a command.

But starting today, December 14, this question will be more like a challenge for the actors of Avenue Q, the Tony award winning musical being staged for the second time by Atlantis Productions.

“Everyday is an emotionally-charged performance. We, the actors, must bear in mind that there’s a new audience everytime we go up there on stage,” says Rachel Alejandro, who plays the dual roles of Lucy T. Slut and Kate Monster.

As earlier reported in BusinessMirror, Alejandro bought an entire show (December 20). The other part of the cast who did the same was Joel Trinidad, who plays Nicky, Trekkie Monster and a lot more.

Avenue Q happens to be one of this year’s...or, better yet, the one and only most exciting and moving musical play ever staged on our local shores. After its three-weekend run in August and September this year, there was a deluge of requests for a rerun.

There were even tourists from nearby countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Vietnam, among others, who included the musical play as part of their usually beach-bound trip.

“I need not go to the US to watch a good musical like Avenue Q. Am glad I watch it. You’ll see me more often here,” says Ed Chang, a Hong Kong-based accountant, who made a visit here in August.

“After watching Avenue Q, I can go as far as saying that musical theater, or theater itself, is very much alive and exciting in your country,” says Ole Torbergsen Tan, a Norwegian-Chinese traveling investment guy based in Singapore, who also saw the musical during the initial staging at the RCBC Theater.

And these two promised to watch again and bring in their family and friends.

“Although we know there will be first-timers, there are also many who’ve seen the earlier staging but can’t get enough of the experience. That’s why we always try to give our best every time we’re onstage. And since we have no alternates, bawal magkasakit [it’s a no-no to get sick],” adds Aiza Seguerra, who plays Gary Coleman.

But what excites the cast more is the possibility of staging it in Singapore early next year. “There’s a plan and all the cast members will be Filipino. So everyone’s very excited. I’ve been there for Rent a couple of years ago but with Avenue Q, the excitement is even bigger,” gushes Alejandro.

For those who are still virgins regarding Avenue Q, let it be known that it won the 2004 Tony Award for Best Musical. It is widely described as a cross between Sesame Street and Rent. Then again, given all the accolades, it has acquired—for lack of a better term—a pedestal of its own.

It is directed by the magnificent Bobby Garcia and actor-director Chari Arespacochaga.

Avenue Q will have its rerun on all weekends until December 23 at the RCBC Theater. Due to the demand, there will also be a show on Thursday. Performances are at 2 and 8 pm.

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For those who want to buy directly from Rachel Alejandro (December 20), call or SMS (0917) 828-3683. For other dates, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.

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