Juicy Cat Dolls out of the bag

MANILA, Philippines - When first staged at SM Megamall Cinema 9 last Feb. 12, the “meow”-sical comedy revue, The Juicy Cat Dolls: No Preservatives Added featuring Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor with Pilita Corrales and guest Cynthia Patag rocked the scene so loudly its reverberations reached other parts of the country and abroad where people now eagerly await its staging.

Centering on aging (“maturing,” Mitch and company insist), the ladies expose the fine lines of life through different persona and scenarios that mirror the concerns of “women of certain vintage.”

Suddenly afraid of losing the interest of a paramore as gray hair multiplies? The Juicy Cat Dolls will tell you how that feels — and then some. Alarmed by the ever-expanding waistline and the merciless prominence of wrinkles? Let the three laugh at you good-naturedly, and with you wholeheartedly. Do you feel you look “wasted” yet lust for young blood nonetheless? Relax. You’re not alone.

As expected from artists who have been around, the comedy is sprinkled with irreverence that’s far from being lowbrow. The wit, timing and innuendoes elicit laughs without giving away too much. People take to the hilarity even if they feel the heat because it’s okay to own up to one’s foibles in the safety of anonymity.

Musical numbers are well thought of. Given its stars and themes, songs such as A Million Thanks To You, Hot Stuff and Saan Ka Man Naroroon made their way to the repertoire along with Nobody by Wonder Girls, Poker Face by Lady Gaga and Single Ladies by Beyoncé Knowles.

The idea alone of putting the girls vis-à-vis these songs is totally off the radar, but wait till you actually hear and see Mitch, Nanette and Pilita singing and dancing to these.

There are many highlights within highlights in the show. A fine example is the face-off between Mitch and Nanette who both, in one segment, play politicians’ wives. Braggadocious as they are insecure, the two prove that the more they hide who they are, the more they (and people like them) are unmasked.

It’s comedy that builds up until it runs over with, well, juice.           

A tight script, check. Quality musical production, check. A tested cast, check, check.

If The Juicy Cat Dolls were to be described using just an adjective, then it has to be this: Oomph.

The musical comedy revue will be restaged at Onstage Greenbelt 1-Ayala Center until April 23. The provincial tour kicks off at the CAP Grand Auditorium in Davao City on April 17.

   For details, call 891-9999.