Slvrthoughts and Musings

Lauren and Arnold are alternates for the role of Dodong in the musical production of Zsazsa Zaturnnah --- a superhero character created by Carlo Vergara.

I've watched both their performances closely and this is what I've observed:

For a first-timer on the theater stage he did very good! Lauren's portrayal is right on the money in that he seems very "probinsiyanong boy-next-door" --- shy, unsure, and unassuming. And yet, check out those muscles, folks! Meow!

Lauren is TALL, DARK, and HANDSOME and apparently, does not see himself as fantasy material. When he said that to us over dinner I had to blink and choke back a guffaw and a smile. I guess in an industry that favors the fair-skinned he really wouldn't see himself as the type women (and gay men!) would fantasize about.

Trust me, though, Lauren (if you ever read this), you are the stuff of dreams and fantasies ... and so is your dad!

As for the singing ... boy, this cat can SING! When I bought the soundtrack the first time I watched the play I thought I was getting the recording with Arnold in it ('cause he was the one onstage at the time) and later found out I got Lauren's version. However, I am glad to say that I wasn't disappointed in the least.

Lauren may be muscle-bound but contrary to the stereotype, he does have grey matter between his ears, and he uses it, too. I am so glad to tell you all --- Lauren is straight! But before you all get over-excited, he has a girlfriend, folks.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to get to know him.

Arnold as Dodong is more demonstrative, more emotional. You can tell that he has had lots of theater acting experience. Compared to Lauren's performance, Arnold's portrayal lost a few IQ points (as Zee pointed out) but it worked, too!

Arnold is not as ripped as Lauren, true, as he is more on the lean (swimmer physique) side. But when he takes off that shirt, ladies, hold on to your seats! His abs made my eyes pop out!

Singing --- pretty good, too. He has an interesting tremolo and he puts a lot of emotion in as he sings. There are even times when he seems to have difficulty getting the tune out 'cause he chokes up with emotion. Despite that, though, I would give him a . And before you ask --- yes, I am getting an Arnold copy of the soundtrack, too.

Long and short ... Dodong is a guy worth knowing, whether he is played by Lauren or Arnold. For those of you who haven't seen the play yet, there are two shows remaining for this run. If you miss this run, not to worry. Watch out for the 3rd run in June 2006.

Yes, you can still get your tickets from me. FYI, the third run will be slightly different from the previous run. It promises to be more fun. So for those who have already seen it, I would encourage you to watch it again. This will be a different experience.

There are also talks of a tour outside the Philippines. Destination as yet undisclosed. For those of you outside the Philippines, you may yet catch the play, if they intend to go to where you are.