Actress Eula Valdez is bound to set center stage again as she reprises the role of the ZsaZsa Zatturna—the effeminate homosexual who owns a beauty salon and becomes a super hero bombshell every time he swallows a stone and utters the word “Zaturnnah.”
Valdez’s passion for theater and commitment to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) showed every time she decides to accept the lead role of Zaturnnah since its theater debut back in 2006 up to this day. More so, the Zaturnnah musical gained Valdez an award as Best Actress, among others, for a stage musical in the 19th Aliw Awards held August 31, 2006.Valdez said during a press launch in Malate that she finds theatre to be something that is “addictive” and satisfying.
“Of course, it doesn’t pay well as compared to more popular media but I would want to be a part of any theatre production especially if it suits my schedule,” said she.
Her passion for theatre also made her committed to the CCP, that made her accept the role because the latter gave her “rare chances to appear on stage,” and as gave her the chance to show off her talent in singing.
The actress, who is used to doing dramatic roles on television, added that she is challenged to play the character of Zaturnnah and finds it as a “really wonderful role.”
ZsaZsa Zaturnnah musical revolves around the story of an effeminate homosexual Adrian, otherwise known as Ada, who struggles as he seeks for acceptance from his father. When his parents died, Ada decided to start a new life by leaving the city and relocating to a province. It was in the province where he decided to put up a beauty salon with his best friend Didi as her assistant. It was also in the province that he secretly fell in love with a guy named Dodong. Ada’s life changed when he found a stone fell from the sky with Zaturnnah etched all over it. Ada ultimately decides to consume the stone and shout the word Zaturnnah; thus, giving him super hero abilities, not to mention, a voluptuous and immense body.
Now a super hero, Zaturnnah’s first task was to save his newfound home from a giant frog, as well as zombies running amok, not to mention the alien Amazonistas from the Planet X led by the feminist Queen Femina.
The novel became one of the top selling Philippine fiction books for 2005 according to the National Bookstore, the country’s largest bookstore chain. It is also being used as a reference and subject in gender studies in some universities like the University of the Philippines.
By 2006, the graphic novel was adapted into a stage musical by Chris Martinez for the Tanghalang Pilipino, CCP, that run from February 10- March 5. Vincent de Jesus was in charge for the lyrics, composition, and musical direction, while Chris Millado directed the stage.
The debut was a huge success, that it also gained a Best Actor Award for Tuxqs Rutaquio (as Ada) in the 19th Aliw Awards alongside Valdez. It also garnered a nomination for Best Stage Musical as well as Best Stage Director for Chris Millado in the same awards night.
Marking the 24th Season of the Tanghalang Pilipino, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal... Vack With A Vengeance! will reveal a new set design by Gino Gonzales and lighting design by Katsch Catoy according to a press statement released by Tanghalang Pilipino.
Joining Eula will be new cast members Gabe Mercado (alternating with Joey Paras) as Didi, Pinky Amador (alternating with Kalila Aguilos) as Queen Femina Suarestella Barouz, Zaturnnah’s rival, Rocky Salumbides (alternating with Red Anderson and Prince Stefan) as Dodong.
The most-awaited ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal...Vack With A Vengeance! opens on February 18 and will run until March 13. Tickets are now available at the CCP Box Office and Ticketworld outlets nationwide. For inquiries, you may call Tanghalang Pilipino at numbers: (632) 832-3661 or 832-1125 local 1620/1621.
Courtesy: Asian Journal
