The search is on for the next Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
Two decades after the cult Filipino musical first dazzled audiences with its outrageous comedy, superhero fantasy and unapologetically queer storytelling, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal” is opening auditions for a major 20th anniversary staging, giving performers a chance to join one of Philippine theater’s most iconic productions.
Auditions will take place from June 7 to 9, 2026 at SIKAT Performance & Event Venue along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City, with organizers emphasizing that “there will be no walk-in auditions” and that all applicants must first submit materials through the official casting form.
The production is looking for performers to fill principal and ensemble roles, including fan-favorite characters Ada, Dodong, Didi, Aling Britney, Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux and the fierce Amazonista warriors.
Organizers also stressed that “artists of all body types, genders and gender expressions are strongly encouraged to audition.”
Interested applicants may submit audition materials through the official casting form at https://bit.ly/ZsazsaCasting. Inquiries may also be sent to [email protected].
Musical return
For many theater fans, the anniversary production marks the return of a musical that helped redefine queer representation on the Philippine stage long before LGBTQ+ stories became more visible in mainstream entertainment.
Originally created by Carlo Vergara as a graphic novel in 2002, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” became a pop culture phenomenon before its musical adaptation premiered at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2006.
The stage version, known for blending camp spectacle, satire, romance and emotional depth, would later become Tanghalang Pilipino’s longest-running musical.
At the center of the story is Ada, a shy gay beautician whose life changes after swallowing a mysterious stone that transforms him into the superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah. The wildly theatrical tale unfolds with alien invasions, larger-than-life villains, romance, comedy and emotional self-discovery.
Despite its flamboyant humor and over-the-top musical numbers, the show earned lasting praise for tackling themes of courage, identity, transformation and acceptance.
Part of the musical’s enduring appeal also comes from the performers who helped shape its legacy through the years. Previous productions featured acclaimed talents such as Eula Valdez, Agot Isidro, K Brosas, Joey Paras and Nar Cabico, while the 2023 revival introduced the musical to younger audiences and reignited interest in the beloved cult classic.
This time around, the production is inviting a new generation of theater artists to step into that legacy.
Performers auditioning for the show are encouraged to prepare “16 bars of a soul, gospel, R&B, or blues song,” alongside “a one-minute comedic monologue” and movement-ready attire. Applicants are also encouraged to study the original cast recording and music by artists including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Mary J. Blige.
The anniversary production features a stage adaptation by Chris Martinez, with music, lyrics and musical direction by Vincent De Jesus.
