I watched Ze Muzikal's last show for the 4th run last night and ... as you guys know, I've seen this play a LOT! This particular show was very different from the previous ones, in my experience.
For starters,
Tuxqs was unable to perform last night
(because of a bad case of the croaks ... meaning he lost his voice completely) and the multi-talented
Vince de Jesus (composer, lyricist, musical arranger of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal, among others) had to step in and play the role in his place, IMMEDIATELY changing the flavor of the show. The other actors had to adjust to Vince's style and rendering of the role, which had marked differences from Tuxqs. Same lines, mostly (except for ad libs) similar rendition ... but different, folks. Really different. I can't say one actor is better than another because I've only seen Vince play the role once and Tuxqs a gazillion times, but definitely, both are good. In as far as singing is concerned, though, I can definitely say that Vince is the better singer. Does this make Vince Tuxqs' permanent understudy? Carry niya!
Wenah played Dina B. last night. That was new for me, too. I've seen Wilma and Kalila play the role but this was the first time I've seen Wenah out of the chorus of Ze Muzikal. Pretty, pretty! Ang sexy ni Wenah in the green costume and green hair!
In the second act, Skyzx (Nora A.) was replaced by another actor. What is happening?!? Is everyone getting sick? The girl who took her place was pretty good, too, and actually kind of resembled her so it wasn't immediately apparent.
Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux was performed by Agot Isidro. I thought her attack of the role was fantastic! Instead of doing a quasi-Brit accent, she instead internalized
Eartha Kitt (Catwoman [of 3 episodes] of TV's
Batman), Meow!
Rrrrrrolling RRRRRs and all! What was cool was she sustained it throughout her entire performance, including the singing parts.
Arnold was great, as usual. I think he can now do this role in his sleep!
I also think he has no fat left in his body ... he is that lean! His singing, by the way, has vastly improved! You will hear the evidence of this in the new double-disc soundtrack. Sorry, no pic. Masyado na kaming maraming pic with Arnold from previous runs so we decided against taking one with him last night. On hind sight, I think we should have. Oh, well.
And of course, hail to the queen! It isn't fair, really. Great actor, great singer, tapos ang ganda ganda talaga ni Joey (Didi) in his finale gown! Pahiram minsan, ha!
Kudos to the production and cast of Zsazsa Zaturnnah! Mabuhay kayong lahat!
For those of you who have not yet purchased the soundtrack, it will soon be available in your local record bars. In the meantime, visit the
official website of Zsazsa Zaturnnah, Ze Muzikal. The soundtrack is available for download with a purchase of a digijooze card. Details are available on the site.
Until the next run, folks!
In the second act, Skyzx (Nora A.) was replaced by another actor. What is happening?!? Is everyone getting sick? The girl who took her place was pretty good, too, and actually kind of resembled her so it wasn't immediately apparent. 
