A Night With Zazha Za-Ah-Tur-Na-Ha!

This is the most hilarious night of my life so far! Never have I seen a movie or play that made me laugh so hard from start to finish! Joanne asked, "Naka-relate ka ba kaya ka tuwang-tuwa? Lalo pa't nakatuluyan si Ada at Dodong?" I answered in the negative. Sobrang tuwang-tuwa ako sa kabadingan nung play! And I don't mean that in a bad way!

For the benefit of those clueless about Zsazsa Zaturnnah (Joanne and Leigh are!), she originated from a comic book written by Carlo Vergara. (If I'm not mistaken, I bought the book as a first anniversary gift for Biboy.) It is about Ada (Tuxqs Rutaquio) who was hit by a big piece of rock while taking a bath. His best friend, Didi (Ricci Chan), suggested that he should swallow that big piece of rock ala Darna. Only this time, he would yell the name Zaturnnah because it was written on that big piece of rock. With much hesitation, Ada did what was suggested. In an instant, he transformed into a woman! Diding named her Zsazsa (Eula Valdes). To fully understand this new woman in Ada's body, Didi tested her by asking her to uproot a fully grown old tree and asked her to fly. Zsazsa was able to lift the tree but was able to leap into great heights only. Enter the Amazonistas led by Queen Femina (Agot Isidro) who want to rule the town first and eventually, the earth. Zsazsa fearlessly defends their town with all her might that in the end, she became triumphant. As Ada, he also wins the heart of his next door neighbor, Dodong.

From comic book, it was translated to stage by director Chris Millado and I should say that he did a terrific job! He made the characters come to life with vivid and flashing colors! Add to that is the brilliant work of composer/lyricist Vince de Jesus who gave the characters their singing voice ala Little Mermaid! (Sarap pakinggan ng soundtrack, boss Vince!) Re the cast, most of them were a revelation to me. I know that Ricci is talented but I haven't seen him act in a play. Being a Kapuso, of course, I became irritated with his ETK antics so I didn't pay much attention to him. But surprise! Surprise! He is very good! He brought the house (i.e. the stage) down, so to speak! He was on stage for almost 90% of the play and he delivered it like a hot pizza on a plate! Eula Valdes. Period. Oh my! She never fail to bring us to tears! With Pangako Sa 'Yo, we emphatized with her sorrows and pains. Sa Zsazsa, pinaiyak niya kami sa kakatawa! Who'd also think that she has a great singing voice? Eula is truly a diamond in the rough. It took the industry almost two decades to realize her hidden wonders. (May ABS-CBN be able to hone her talent well.) And Agot Isidro? Her voice has grown so much that you would wonder if she was the same woman who sung Sa Isip Ko (a favorite of mine!) back in the 90's. The woman who breaks her voice during live concerts and performances is one heck of a stage veteran now! Hooray for Agot!

As I told Joanne, we should definitely watch the repeat! With more friends next time who need to witness how great it is to be Pinoy! Not just a comedy of sorts, this play is a mirror of what our society is. For heteros and homophobes out there, fret not! You need not be a homo to enjoy this one. It is a magnificent work of art that is for everyone!

Maraming salamat, Tanghalang Pilipino, sa pagbibigay ng isang karakter na di namin malilimutan kailanman! Anong sinabi ng Miss Saigon kay Zsazsa?!