Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal as Reviewed by Chompy

Teddy and I finally watched Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal yesterday 3pm at Huseng Batute, CCP. I suggest that you read Teddy’s Review of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah (http://beerkada.i.ph/blogs/beerkada/?item=my-review-of-zsa-zsa-zaturnnah) first before proceeding to read mine.

Teddy was quite right! I really had a great time with Teddy watching Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal. The not so impressive first impression I got was well compensated for by the extraordinary performance of the musical Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah which got me laughing all through out and clapping to a very hip beat at the end.

About the (forced attempt of the) seating arrangements, I don’t blame the usherette. I’m sure that was her instructions, and she had no choice but to follow them. Therefore, I blame the unfair and unreasobable policy of the theater!!! Why call it free seating if we’re to be rewarded with arriving early by providing us with the less desirable areas for seating? Sure there was a view of the stage everywhere, but why can’t we seat where we prefer? Was our sacrifice to be there early to be in vain? Was that rule really for efficiency? If you were really concerned with late-comers disrupting the show, then why let them enter in the first place? They can always catch latter half of the show after the intermission. Doors were opened 30 minutes before the start, I’m sure it would not be very difficult to seat everyone with ample time to spare before the show starts.

Also, it seems that most seats are very much cramped indeed! I’m petite and I hardly had any leg room! And though we weren’t forced to squeeze to maximize the bleachers’ space (sorta like a 7-seater/side jeep saying that it’s an 8-seater or like the MRTs), we were still rubbing elbows, arms, and legs with our seatmates. I’m sure our seatmates were clean and good smelling people but I still value my personal space. Haven’t they heard of the personal bubble concept? Sheesh!

To the people in charge of Huseng Batute, the CCP and it’s viewing policies, I very much recommend that you review your guidelines. As much as I agree with mazimizing the number of people who can see a show, I hope you take into consideration the comfort and convenience of the play-goers who pay good money to see a good show. It really puts a damper on the total viewing experience.

If Teddy found the songs forgettable (or was that a typo? did you mean "unforgettable"?), I found them very up-beat. It makes one sing along with them, that is, if you knew the words. And what could have otherwise been a boring narrative was made exciting and remarkable. The coreography was superb as well.

Though I pictured Zsa Zsa to be taller, like a Caucasian’s physique, Eula Valdez pulled the role extremely well, from the conversations (the vernacular and gay lingo) to the boisterous and exaggerated actions and body language. She really captured the role of Zsa Zsa perfectly. (The boobs could have been bigger though it wouldn’t have looked natural. Well, a lot of the stuff on the play didn’t look natural but Zsa Zsa did have humongous breasts, it was one of her powers!)

I also love Ada (Zsa Zsa’s alter alter ego) and Didi. Their witty conversations were so funny! Even with the not so minimal expletives used, it just added zest to the script.

Agot Isidro as Queen Femina reminded me of the White Queen from the recent remake of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. She was so pretty and her battle gown made my jaw drop. Well, that was the way Carlo Vergara designed it in the graphic novel anyway so I shouldn’t have been so surprised. :p

And what about the four Amazonistas? Nora A., Vilma S., Sharon C. and Dina B (Wilma Doesnt). I am left speechless.

Dodong (portrayed by Arnold), was very much compatible with Ada. The abs were finely chiseled. Not too muscular as with wrestlers or weight lifters, just enough to give him a charming look. Spoiler alert! He kissed Ada in the end. (Take note, I said Ada, not Zsa Zsa. :p )

All in all, I really recommend people, gay, or not gay, closet and not closeted individuals to watch it, that is, if you can still catch available tickets! I foresee an extended run, or a future re-run here.

If you fail to catch the musical, then I highly recommend that you buy (if you haven’t yet!) the graphic novel Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah by Carlo Vergara.