Zsazsa Zaturnnah, ze Musikal–An Evening of Non-Stop Laughter

Posted on June 18, 2007
Filed Under Fun, Information, Reviews | Viewed 1392 times

Thanks to Gibbs Cadiz, I had to chance to watch Zsazha Zaturnnah with Annamanila last Saturday night at the RCBC Theater. Now on its fifth staging, the musicale is produced by Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc., a resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. ZZ reminds us of the DC Comics character Wonder Woman and the classic Filipino superhero Darna, except that the sexuality of ZZ’s alter ego Ada, is an effeminate homoexual male.

I am a theater enthusiast, but it is limited only to kiddie and young adult fares, like those produced by the Ateneo Children’s Theater, Dulaang Sibol, and TRUMPETS.

ZZ is the first adult musicale that I watched, and it was fun, fun, fun from start to finish. Annamanila and I had a good laugh, sometimes, even roaring laughter. The cast, music and costumes were lovable, energy level was high, there was drama in between, and the entertainment was more than what the paying patron’s money was worth.

According to Gibbs, he has seen the musicale many times already, but he continues watching it, and he mentioned that in each season or staging, there would be some differences. Now I realize why my kids watch a play again and again. Similar to Sinta, a production of Dulaang Sibol in Ateneo High School, my boys and girls have been wathcing the productions every season. I hear them comparing performance of the lead roles, the production numbers, the cast, the costumes, and many others. I am glad they have grown up appreciating theater arts.

Filipinos, in general, are more of movie goers or vcd/dvd watchers rather than theater or stage. Could it be because theater or stage is so expensive, or maybe the venue which could be sometimes intimidating, or maybe because theater or stage has a connotation of bourgeouis. Schools continue to include theater as part of their activities. Unless the kids are really interested, theater appreciation ends there. At least for my kids, theater is in their hearts, they continue going for workshops, they join school activities where they act, and they like watching plays in the same way as they like watching movies in the big screen.

For all its entertainment’s worth and yes, for the lessons that may be gained from the plays, it would be a big leap if Filipinos were more appreciative of theater. The question is HOW? Maybe, if Filipinos cannot go to the theater, the theater has to be brought to them, but this would take a lot of efforts and resources—money.

The two ladies in the lead role, K Brosas and Kalila Aguilos were so slim, without any flab. Kalila, for one, is a mother of two, I was even tempted to ask her if she had a tumescent liposuction.

By the way, I read that Aileen Apolo was there last Friday. Here is an excerpt from her post, 2 Hours Non-Stop Laughter.

The musical play is reportedly on its final run so you better watch it now!

Show Dates: June 15 to July 1, 2007
Show Time: 8 pm
Venue: Carlos P. Auditorium (RCBC Plaza), Makati City

Cast:
ZSAZSA ZATURNNAH: Eula Valdes / K Brosas
ADA: Tuxqs Rutaquio / Vincent de Jesus
DIDI: Nar Cabico
DODONG: Arnold Reyes / Lauren Novero / Janvier Daily
QUEEN FEMINA SUARESTELLAR BAROUX: Kalila Aguilos
AMAZONISTAS: Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barreto, Mayen Estañero, Skyzx Labastilla / Wenah Nagales (Swing)
ALING BRITNEY: Mia Bolaños
ITAY ZOMBIE: Jerald Napoles
TAUMBAYAN/ZOMBIES: Wenah Nagales, Catherine Racsag, Joann Co, Mia Bolaños, Tamara Cabaero Bong Cabrera, Carlon Matobato, Red Nuestro, Paolo Rodriguez, Leo Ponseca, Amihan Ruiz

Ticket prices are as follows:

Orchestra Center: P800
Loge: P800
Orchestra Side: P700
Balcony: P500

Guaranteed to make you laugh! Get your tickets through my friend’s friend Bambi by callling 0917-6284849.

For tickets, according to Gibbs, you may inquire from Paolo of Tanghalang Pilipino, at 8323661. Remaining shows are on 23, 24 and 30 June (8 pm) and 1 July (3 pm).

Comments

25 Responses to “Zsazsa Zaturnnah, ze Musikal–An Evening of Non-Stop Laughter”

tina on June 18th, 2007 11:10 am

i love to watch stage plays and all.. but we don’t have big productions like that over here. once in a blue moon lang… the closest ive seen was a ballet recital. but that’s all. i dreamed of opening the first theater for stage plays here… na remind mo po ako.. ilalagay ko sa goal site ko ahihii

SexyMom: good dream, nice goal! good luck!
Prudence on June 18th, 2007 11:10 am

I’ve always wanted to watch this musical! Where can I get tickets?

SexyMom: For tickets, according to Gibbs, you may inquire from Paolo of Tanghalang Pilipino, at 8323661. Remaining shows are on 23, 24 and 30 June (8 pm) and 1 July (3 pm).
Kyameel on June 18th, 2007 12:45 pm

I’ve always wanted to watch this musical, but it’s either I don’t have money to buy the tickets, or I can’t get it to fit my schedule. Hopefully soon on it’s next run, I will be able to go.

I’ve read the graphic novel and found it awesome so I wanted to watch the musical too.

Also, I loved watching plays back in college, when the class required it. It was engaging and captivating. Very very enjoyable.

SexyMom: am sure this will be a “walang kamatayan” thingey, like Ateneo’s Dulaang Sibol’s “Sinta”
carlotta on June 18th, 2007 1:17 pm

i have watched the movie version but have yet to watch the musical. that would really be a riot coz it’s live. the one in the comics is good as well.. i was reading it in powerbooks just last friday and i was laughing all by myself hehehe =)

SexyMom: it was a riot, indeed!
bea on June 18th, 2007 1:26 pm

i’ve always wanted to watch this one but me so busy talaga
hoping there’ll be a re-run.

SexyMom: if there was a 1st, 2nd…5th staging, am sure there will be a 6th!
annamanila on June 18th, 2007 1:27 pm

Pwede ka palang theatre reviewer. You will give Gibbs Cadiz stiff competition. Haha

Now, I am so jittery to make mine.

Send me pictures you took at the stage?

SexyMom: had a fun time with you Annamanila. Sa uulitin from Gibbs. yes, i have sent you the photos.
tutubi on June 18th, 2007 1:40 pm

saw that too posted there.
malapit lang sa office ko yan pero di ako lagi pwede

I miss watching plays and musicals

SexyMom: a few more days: Remaining shows are on 23, 24 and 30 June (8 pm) and 1 July (3 pm).
Kyels on June 18th, 2007 1:41 pm

I’ve heard of this before! Never knew there was a musical … This is amazing.

(:

SexyMom: and a komiks, and a movie, too
micamyx on June 18th, 2007 1:49 pm

I would love to watch the play too especially if K Brosas would be the one playing the lead role. I’m sure it’s a good and gay-ish show LOL.

I want to watch the movie version. Maybe I’ll rent it out soon.

Hope I can watch that too

SexyMom: that’s a good idea—to watch it on film.
Ade on June 18th, 2007 2:13 pm

It’s been ages since I last watched a play. Sigh.

SexyMom: you could still catch it? Remaining shows are on 23, 24 and 30 June (8 pm) and 1 July (3 pm).
Toe on June 18th, 2007 8:38 pm

Oh, so this is Zsazsa Zaturnnah. I’ve heard about it but couldn’t figure out what it was. Filipinos really produce great original stage plays. I used to watch a lot of Dulaang Sibol and Trumpets plays too. Zsazsa would be great to watch if I go home… which I won’t soon.

SexyMom: oh, maybe, in the next staging?
pauline on June 18th, 2007 9:08 pm

i also have the same sentiments about the pinoy crowd not getting the right amount of theatre fixes. this was part of my research paper last year!! i wrote about how the producers fix deals with popular celebrities (with only a fraction of them being actually good musical theatre actors) only to gain profit and to entice more people to watch plays. it’s actually depressing sometimes that when i enter a theatre, i see the same crowd, the same theatre-going audience.. i hope there’d be development real soon..

SexyMom: same sentiments here, Pauline.
Gina on June 18th, 2007 9:15 pm

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, SexyMom & Annamanila enjoying a fun show together. That is so nice!

SexyMom: yes, Gina, Annamanila and i had fun fun fun!
pining on June 19th, 2007 12:44 am

seems like you had a smashing time with Anna, there’s nothing like a good musical, di ba?
I love musicals (seen Miss Saigon which is fab and We will rock you which is so-so), but nowadays with 2 young tots, it’s very hard to find time.
Maybe schools in the Phil. should promote musicals more before it becomes extinct…

SexyMom: oh, yes, most schools have plays as part of their school activities.
Chateau on June 19th, 2007 12:55 am

Looks and sounds like you two had a fun evening… Daming photos ha!

SexyMom: yes, Chats, we had fun.
MrsPartyGirl on June 19th, 2007 4:10 am

i used to work at RCBC Plaza and, now, i miss being able to just end my work day with a play! sigh anyway, i am so jealous of you and annamanila, you seemed to have such a great time! i wasn’t able to watch the zsazsa zaturnah movie, but i am guessing the stage play may just be much better? wala ba silang US tour? hehe. great pics, btw!

SexyMom: oh, it would be great if they have a US tour!
Jhed on June 19th, 2007 4:17 am

Oh noes! Matagal ko na itong gustong panoorin. Haha! Palabas pa ba ito?
gibbs cadiz on June 19th, 2007 4:57 am

hi dine, thanks for the post, the pics, and the opportunity to meet you and annamanila! that was great fun. sa uulitin!

SexyMom: my pleasure Gibbs! sa uulitin!
Kongkong622 on June 19th, 2007 10:38 am

Buti na lang you mentioned this. We’ve been wanting to see this play. We got to see the movie but everyone says the play is so much better. Thanks, thanks, thanks.
feng on June 19th, 2007 12:09 pm

looks like you and annamanila had a wonderful time. me naman, i wanted to see the High School Musical play by Sam Concepcion.
Rach on June 19th, 2007 2:38 pm

Hi Dine. I’m glad you and Anna enjoyed the musical play. I’ve heard raves about it before but never had the chance to watch it.
auee on June 20th, 2007 12:07 am

I’ve been hearing a lot of good reviews about this play. I received multiple emails telling me to watch this show but alas I’m too far away
Diogenes on June 20th, 2007 5:58 pm

It seems fun backstage. Nice that you (and Anna) enjoyed togather.
Flor P. Velasco on June 21st, 2007 10:50 am

Hello Tita Dine…maybe in the future, they will consider also shows like that here in Baguio….
vk on June 26th, 2007 2:40 am

Wow, theatre, musical or any, gusto ko rin.
Thanks Bernie too, hindi kami mahilig going to movie houses but to theatre, ok kami.

sigi pag nakita tayo rito, punta tayo sa mga nearest theatre houses dito….
Like in BASF, Mannheim Theatre n Ludwigshafen or in Heidelberg….

dito, pwede akong makasama palagi sa iyo, but roaming around, ay suko ako…..lol….

what I missed is Miss Saigon by Lea Salonga, that was in Stuttgart, malapit lang sana sa amin, pero ewan ko bakit hindi ko yon nakita……

thanks for sharing, sexymom