I had the chance to finally watch the much-talked stage adaptation of Carlo Vergara’s Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah—the story of an ordinary parlorista, Ada (christened Adrian, played by Tuxqs Rutaquio) who came to possess extraordinary abilities when he swallowed a weird-looking—size and texture—stone and eventually becomes the hero(ine), as Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, of his barrio defeating a giant frog, zombies and men-hating planet women. Indeed it is a story of bravery, not from possessing immeasurable strength, but having the courage to accept ones self as a whole person—capable of loving and being loved—and daring to take a step and make a change.

This play is truly a winner, a total entertainment! All you need to look forward to is to have fun, fun and more fun from watching the entire production! I immensely enjoyed this play. The music is great that there are times you’d want to stand from your chair and dance. Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) picked excellent actors and genius technical people. Someone from TP had already told me I’d be surprised at Eula Valdez’s performance as Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. And I was! It was as if some spirit had possessed her and it wasn’t a woman acting on stage but a genuine homosexual who had grown mammary glands, wearing a skimpy costume while saving humankind.

I wasn’t surprised by the wild and overwhelming reception of the audience, especially those who obviously have not read CarVer’s graphic novel.

My favorite character (and performer) is Didi (played by Joey Paras), Ada’s garrulous but dependable best friend and parlor assistant. From beginning to the end, he amused everyone with his performance and enthralled by his singing voice. He was the gem of the show. I also liked Aling Britney, with her wiry hair and monotonic voice (pero may asim pa, according to her), even if she only had few dialogues. What was it that she said to Ada? “Ang pag-ibig kapag dumating, salubungin mo na parang isang kaibigan na matagal mong hindi nakita.” Wise words, huh?

For those who want to catch Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah — Ze Musikal (or want to see it once more), there will be another rerun on June 16-18 at the CCP. The production promised a more fun performance. The audience would be involved this time, they said.

[I watched the play with some friends (Celestine, Sherma, Armine and her husband Mike). They, too, like me, had a great time. Check out Celestine’s blog; she has a picture with Didi. Totoong kagila-gilalas, kasiya-siya, kahanga-hanga at nakakabaliw ang pagtatanghal na ito, promise!]

In January of this year (2007), I watched the play for the second time. Not a bit disappointing. It’s fun and enjoyable as the first! And I got to pose with Ms. Valdez after the show. More news: the fifth rerun will be in June 2007! check this out for more details: http://zsazsazaturnnah.multiply.com/journal