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I'm such a big fan of the musical Avenue Q ever since I heard "The Internet Is For Porn" back in 2005, and I made a point not to miss the play when Atlantis Productions finally staged the show in Manila last September and December. And while I thought the December shows were the last we're going to see of those furry puppets and humans, I was so happy to find out that the Manila cast will be doing another run this month before they head to Singapore in November. I was even happier, still, when I was invited to watch the cast rehearsals!

Aside from watching the cast rehearse "It Sucks to Be Me," "If You Were Gay" and "The More You Ruv Someone," I was able to chat with the cast members, who were also happy to introduce their two new members, Carla Guevara, who plays Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut, and Thea Tadiar, who plays Mrs. Thistletwat and minor puppets. Read more to learn how they handle the puppets, their favorite songs from the play, and what they learned from doing the musical. Plus, check out the exclusive photos from the rehearsals and a video of the cast singing the Avenue Q theme song!

FN (for Carla and Thea): How does it feel to be part of the Q cast?
Carla: I've worked with Felix Rivera, who plays Princeton and Rod, before. I was mostly worried, but when they casted me I was encouraged to go for it. I've always wanted to work with directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga. Also, it's my first production with Atlantis, and it's honestly a healthy working environment.
Thea: I was thrilled and nervous, but these guys feel like a family. Also, I realized how much work needed to be done with the puppets, and it was amazing.

FN (for Carla): How can you relate to Kate Monster and Lucy, seeing as they're completely opposite characters?
Carla: They're both very fun characters to play, and the directors say I'm a lot like Lucy, but I talk a lot like Kate. It's actually interesting how they contrast each other, and I'm able to display both, hopefully. Lucy's tougher to play though because the puppet is heavier. Aside from moving her mouth, I also have to flip her hair and move both of her hands!

FN (for Felix): Was there any difference in the chemistry you had with Rachel Alejandro to the one with Carla now?
Felix: It's different in a good way, but I can't say someone is better. It's always fun to have someone new to play these characters with.

FN: What are your favorite songs from the play?
Aiza Seguerra (Gary Coleman): "You Can Be As Loud As the Hell You Want," and masarap pakinggan 'yung "Fine, Fine Line."
Rycharde Everley (Brian): "You Can Be As Loud As the Hell You Want," too.
Felix: "I Wish I Could Go Back to College," because it's a great way of reminiscing those happy days.
Thea: "Loud As the Hell You Want (When You're Making Love)"
Joel Trinidad (Nicky, Trekkie Monster, and other puppets): "Purpose," when I heard it for the first time, and also "I Wish I Could Go Back to College."
Karla: "I Wish I Could Go Back to College," "There's a Fine, Fine Line" and "The Internet Is For Porn!"
Frenchie Dy (Christmas Eve): "The Internet Is For Porn" because it's fun! And my character's song, "The More You Ruv Someone."

What have you learned from doing Avenue Q?
Frenchie: Discipline, pakikisama with people you work with.
Felix: Cooperation is very crucial. Even if one person fails, the whole thing crumbles. We've become a family here, so on and off stage, we make the most of our time. If there was a show I was willing to do for a long time, it'll be something like this.
Joel: Humility. I feel so fortunate to see how people have embraced our work--it's both overwhelming and humbling.
Rycharde: Yes, it was humbling. It's also a wonderful experience and I'm really proud to be part of this show.
Aiza: They all said it, so all I can say is everyone in the show are the most important things about it, because they make the show enjoyable and worth all the efforts.
Carla: Like I said before, it's a healthy working environment. It's rare for a cast to get along this well.

More Q? Check out our exclusive photos from the rehearsals, and watch the exclusive video of the cast singing the Avenue Q theme song by clicking the thumbnail below!