SINGAPORE : Singapore, get ready for a naughty, furry invasion! In case you haven’t heard, the Tony Award-winning hit musical “Avenue Q” is swinging into town for the first time.

Hailed as the “furriest, and one of the funniest shows you’re likely ever to see” by Entertainment Weekly, the puppets of “Avenue Q” will knock your socks off in this sidesplitting, contemporary musical extravaganza.

But if you think it’s just a funnier version of good ol’ “Sesame Street”, think again.

The stars may be puppets but “Avenue Q” is “not a children’s show” - you’ve got potty-mouthed puppets, “nudity”, and songs like “Internet is for Porn”!

Described as the musical for the iPod generation - a street smart musical - it will teach you a thing or two about the purpose of life, relationships, sexuality and racism through the eyes of the eccentric party of puppets.

Set in New York City, “Avenue Q” tells the story about Princeton, a fresh college graduate who grapples to survive in the Big Apple together his friends - Brian the jobless comedian, Kate the kindergarten teaching assistant, Trekkie Monster and Lucy the Slut.

Conceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, the musical which has been playing to full houses in London, New York and other leading arts capitals, has a cult following.

Though Singapore has seen many musicals being staged over the past years, the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) which is bringing in the recent Philippine production, said this is “a different experience” and is confident that the local audience would enjoy this naughty and young production.

“Singapore has a very sophisticated, well-educated and well-travelled audience base. We are ready, able and willing to be exposed to anything. With the Internet and globalisation, youth have the same concerns and interests all over the world,” said SRT.

Channelnewsasia.com puts the puppets in the hot seat to find out what they really know about real-life.

PRINCETON - The fresh college graduate who is looking for meaning in life

Do you ever get jokes about your name?
Princeton: Yeah! But they aren’t really that funny...

How important is it for you to find a purpose in life?
Princeton: I’ll tell you once I find it!

Have strangers ever sent you money?
Princeton: Not yet – but please do so (can you put this in big letters in your article, please) do send your donations to Princeton, 3 Avenue Q, Alphabet City.

KATE MONSTER - The teaching assistant

We all know you’re not really a monster. What qualities do you look for in a man?
Kate: Yes, I'm a real monster and proud of it. The furrier the better (for my man).

Do you think you’ll dump Princeton for a Singaporean?
Kate: No, of course not. Princeton is my man.

Kate Monster, if you’re so bothered about your hairy situation, why not try waxing or IPL? No pain, no gain.
Kate: I tried – but it grew back at monster speed, so I’ll wait till they have invented a new painless method.

NICKY - Rod’s jobless roommate

We heard that you’re not working. How do you get by?
Nicky: I get by with a little help from my friends *wink*

The Singapore government loves foreign talent. Would you consider looking for a job here?
Nicky: Sure – will you let them know how talented I am?

Why do you even care if Rod is gay?
Nicky: Who would hang out with someone who isn’t cheerful?

Do you think you and Rod are meant for each other?
Nicky: Depends on the time of day

ROD - The Republican investment banker who likes erm, men.

So you’re a Republican, you think McCain-Palin team is going to win the election?
Rod: Absolutely – McCain is such a hunk!

What are your thoughts on the current credit crisis?
Rod: I’m always broke, so I don’t have a lot to lose.

Are you affected? Is it time for a career switch?
Rod: Sure – is Channel NewsAsia hiring? I look very good on camera.

LUCY THE SLUT - The foxy cabaret singer

Any seduction tips for the Singaporean ladies?
Lucy: I’m planning to keep all the men in Singapore to myself!

Are you excited about meeting Asian men in Singapore?
Lucy: I’m always excited about meeting men.

Would you consider hitting on men? Or do you play hard to get?
Lucy: Of course I hit on men – don’t you?

Boxers or briefs for your guy?
Lucy: Haven’t you heard the song from our show “I’m not wearing any underwear today”?


“Avenue Q” runs from October 30 to November 16 at the Esplanade Theatre. Tickets are available at all SISTIC outlets.

- CNA/il