AVENUE Q ONE NIGHT STAND CONTEST
Andrew MacDonald-Smith interviews Maurice Tipo


Andrew MacDonald-Smith, creator of Maurice Tipo

Where were you born?
I was born in a basement in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Where were you raised?
I was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Where do you live now?
I still reside, with you Andrew, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. You do know that right? Right???

What are your hobbies and interests?
I'm interested in water polo, long drives on the beach, short walks to the fridge, singing, tap dancing, and me. That's it. I have 6 interests, none of which are hobbies.

Where did you attend school? High School? College?
I attended Cochrane High School in Toronto, where I performed in many musicals. These experiences inspired me to move to Edmonton via Purolator to go to Grant MacEwan College in their Theatre Arts Program. That's where I met you, Andrew.

So, how did you learn about Avenue Q and Win A One Night Stand?
A classmate of mine in Edmonton, lets call her Katie, verbally forced me to listen to the music of Avenue Q. It was then that I knew I'd found a place where I would fit in: Avenue Q. I began to dream of going there someday and sought every piece of information available about my promise-land.

I started a new religion called ''Qudaism". How us Qs have been repressed, but that's not the point, it only makes us stronger.

Eventually, I found my bible online at the Avenue Q website. This is where I signed up to receive the online newsletter, which is how I heard about the contest.

How has winning the contest affected your life?
It hasn't. I'm the still same humble, honest, perfect person I always was.

Have you ever been to New York before?
Never. I have wanted to for as long as I can remember.

What things do you hope to do on the upcoming trip to New York?
I'm looking forward to seeing the last adult performance of ''The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and I really hope to see the revival of "Sweeney Todd". Also, I just want to experience the city, you know, mug someone, run from the cops, get interrogated and have Gary Sinise and the New York CSI try and dust for my fingerprints. Real life New York!

Why do you think Avenue Q is such an overwhelming success?
What I've been trying to tell people for years. It's the puppets that give the show it's edge and honesty. You can't get mad at us puppets. We can tell the truth without making it offensive. I think that Avenue Q finds that fine fine line between offending and telling the truth.

What is your favorite moment in the show Avenue Q?
Well I only have limited perspective of the show, as I've never seen it. I've only heard the recording. However, I have a favorite moment, song, and message. My favorite moment is in the 'Money Song' when they all turn to the audience on "Hey!" and start to ask them to give their money. My favorite song has to be "I Wish I Could Go Back to College", beautiful! My favorite message in Avenue Q is absolutely, "Everything in life is only for now".

Which of the Q cast members are you most looking forward to meeting, and why?
I think that Trekkie Monster and I will get along famously as we have similar ambitions. Also, I think somewhere in my family tree is a branch with Nicky on it, so I'd like to make that connection and figure out how we may be related.

Tell us why you think you should win the opportunity to appear on stage with the Cast of Avenue Q.
It's my purpose. It's my dream to be where I fit in. I've never even met anothe puppet. Avenue Q feels like home to me, even from all the way up here in Edmonton. I can just tell.

One of the chief themes of Avenue Q is to find purpose in life. Can you tell us what YOUR purpose is in life?
Other than moving into Avenue Q? We have such a short shelf-life, so I think my purpose is to laugh and make laugh through out it all. Stuff doesn't matter, I do. So laugh at me and with me and my purpose will be fulfilled.

Anything else you’d like to say to all the fans out there that chose you as their favorite?
Thank you. Tell others.