Musical riot ‘Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah’ invades Cebu this November

One of the country’s best stage events in recent years invades Cebu this November!

Based on the phenomenal comic book by Carlo Vergara, “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal”—a production of Tanghalang Pilipino—goes onstage at SM Cebu Cinema 1 on November 16 to 18, every 3 pm and 8 pm. It is sure to give Cebuanos a rip-roaring time as the beloved parlorista turned bodacious superhero shows off superpowers outside of Manila for the very first time.

Playing the lead character Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah is singer-comedienne K Brosas. Already famous for her comedic television appearances in “Bitoy’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Hokus Pokus” plus her villainous turn as Divina Demonica in Mars Ravelo’s “Darna,” K Brosas combines zany humor and peculiar vulnerability as the redheaded warrior heroine.

Providing ample support to K Brosas are some of the country’s best musical theater artists, among them are Arnold Reyes as Dodong, the man with the perfect “noodles,” Kalila Aguilos as the arch nemesis Queen Femina Suarestella Baroux, Tuxqzs Rutaqio as the gay beautician Ada.

Wenah Nagales, Mayen Estanero, Skyzx Labastilla and Cats Racsag as the man-hating Amazonistas, and scene-stealing Nar Cabico as the frilly but lovable sidekick Didi, with able support from the Tanghalang Pilipino Actor’s Company.

Among the lead cast members, Tuxqzs Rutaqio and Nar Cabico were present together with the production management of Tanghalang Pilipino in a press launch held at the Crown Regency Hotel in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan last October 26.

The Freeman Entertainment was able to interview the two about their experiences as well as lessons learned in doing this musical theater.

Rutaqio, before he auditioned for ZZZ, is already an avid fan of the comic book. And he once wished that he would play the role in the future because he believes he shares similarities with  the character Ada. He got his wish. “Parang lahat na yata nang katangian na nabasa ko about Ada is most likely the same lang sa characteristics ko,” Rutaqio said.

Tuxqs is a BA and MA Theater Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. His foray into theater includes acting, directing and production designing—in fact, he is the set and costume designer of ZZZ.

He is presently a professor at the Communication Arts Department of Miriam College and is a faculty associate and advocate of its Women and Gender Institute (WAGI).

“Na may lugar ang mga bading sa lipunan. Kahit maliit lang siya pero mahalaga. It would change the mentality of the people because the message is so significant in the society,” said Rutaqio of the message of ZZZ.

Another “zuper” talent on the play is Nar Cabico, who comes from a family of singers and is a graduate of the Philippine High School for the Arts major in Theater Arts. Besides being a regular bar singer, he is also a part of the singing trio “Balangaw Ensemble.” He is currently an SDA scholar at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, taking up AB Arts Management. At the young age of 17 years old, he has already taken on quite a number of challenging roles already. Cabico said that he learned the value of love from his very interesting and challenging character in the musical.

“Sobrang proud po ako kasi ipinagkatiwala po sa akin ang role sa edad kong ‘to. It is a great honor for me to be part of the cast. This will really help me grow as an actor,” said Cabico.

     According to its director Chris Millado, the 2003 Aliw Awards’ Best Stage Director, “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal” is the longest running production of Tanghalang Pilipino. We had five runs already in Manila. We presented the musicale at the CCP for two times already,” said director Chris Millado.

He added, “After our stint here in the country, we will spread the message of the musical play overseas— in Japan, Brunei, Hong Kong and Singapore.”

Tanghalang Pilipino is also planning to make a film version of the musicale in the future.

Because of the critical acclaim feted on the first comic book, Millado revealed that the author Carlo Vergara, who will have a book-signing on November 18, is now working on the sequel or the Book 2 of “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah.”

Millado also acknowledged two homegrown Cebuanos who are part of the cast and the chorus. One is Bony Cabrera, a graduate from the University of the Philippines-Cebu and who plays the father of Ada in the musical. Cabrera has already portrayed lead character in past productions. Millado even commented, “He (Cabrera) has proven that he is somebody who can work in both straight and musical theater.”

Another is Tara Cabaero—although a graduate from Silliman University, she is a full-blooded Cebuana. She is part of the chorus in the said musical. “She performs very well and has a very good ear for music,” said Millado.

In the musical, they employed various theatrical effects in order to capture the magic of the comic book.

“Hindi siya tungkol lang sa kabaklaan o kabadingan but the total message of this musical is love and service to the humanity,” Millado said.

“Zse Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal”  was recently adjudged as Best Stage Event in the 24/7 Nocturnal Awards. Adapted for stage by award-winning scriptwriter-playwright Chris Martinez, “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah” also features original songs written and composed by Vincent de Jesus who also serves as the show’s musical director.

Tickets for this very limited Cebu engagement of “Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal” are available at the SM Cebu Cinema lobby and East West Café Ayala. Also call VICTO HAUS (032) 255-3776 (look for Merlin), 0922-532-3028/ 0915-743-7679 (Suset), or (032) 832-3661 (Paolo).

The Cebu run is a collaboration between Tanghalang Pilipino and ad and promos company, Elite International.