“We’re fighting for our space in the world. Women of our caliber need recognition, too.”

This is the tongue-in-cheek explanation of comedienne Mitch Valdez when asked what motivated them to accept their forthcoming comedy-and-musical revue, “The Juicy Cat Dolls – No Preservatives Added.”

Also starring singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, “Juicy Cat” will tackle a variety of topics through songs and skits. Most of these topics are ones that have to do with maturity and ageing.

The show goes head on with those featuring younger artists not only this Valentine season, but throughout the year when the show is toured in major provincial cities and abroad.

In an entertainment scene where youthful fads rule, is there still a place for the enduring legends?  

“Kaya nga we chose topics and numbers that people our age could relate to. These are the stories that are often ignored purposefully by those who are too young to be interested or those who see themselves in what we play out and it pains them (laughs). Truth, indeed, is funnier than fiction,” said Mitch.

According to the “Juicy Cat” press release, the show’s stars take on the dilemmas that certain mature women and their mates have to deal with. Like, proudly remaining pleasantly plump (“plus-sized,” as Mitch calls them) in a society obsessed with hyper skinnies. Or with the evolving face of the “querida” in this day of so many blatantly unapologetic “other women.”

Or what about the travails of a political wife forced to smile and campaign in the face of her own dysfunctional marriage? Or an older woman with a taste for younger men (to be essayed by guest Cynthia Patag)?

“It’s [taking] a potshot at what’s really happening in the lives of some women who are adjusting to a world that dictates you stay below 20 years old. We’ll take a shot at materialism, vanity, tradition…even politics!” said Mitch.

Apart from the humorous skits and repartees, the three will also put their pipes into use. According to Pilita, they will be singing classic songs as well as new ones that were written specifically to amplify the stories being told in “Juicy Cat.”

“There will be lots of songs that have been rearranged for singing by a trio. We will also be singing some of the songs that audiences from our other shows request all the time. Alam mo naman ang mga Pilipino, may mga paborito silang kanta mo at minsan nga, ang marinig ang mga ‘yon ang dahilan nila para panoorin ang show mo,” said Pilita.

“Kaya nga, ibigay ang hilig…” Mitch interjected.

 It is the first time for Mitch, Nanette, Pilita and even Cynthia to work together in one show. Seasoned performers all, “Juicy Cat” is bound to live up to its tag “no preservatives added” since there’s no throwaway number in the show with every detail well thought of.

“Actually, mas mahirap pa nga ang creative process nito kesa sa rehearsal. Kasi madali na lang ang lahat kapag alam na namin ang mga gagawin namin—at kung aprub kami sa mga gagawin namin. If you like what you're doing, it will show,” said Mitch.

She added that although their comedy seems to flow spontaneously, it always springs from the strong foundation of preparedness.

“There has to be direction. Without that compass, you fly and then after awhile, the audience starts wondering where they are and where they are going. It’s like realizing that you may have boarded the wrong bus,” said Mitch.

Maxi-Music Inc, which produces “Juicy Cat,” has long-ranging plans for the show. After it opens on Feb. 12 at SM Megamall Cinema 9, it will be restaged at Onstage Greenbelt 1-Ayala Center on March 5, then at the CAP Grand Auditorium in Davao City on April 17.

Other dates for Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo, Zamboanga and Pampanga will be announced soon. A major US and Canada tour is scheduled for October 2010.

“We’re happy that we're going to do this show many times. With all the efforts we have put into it, saying naman kung isang bagsakan lang, wala na,” said Mitch.

Sponsored by Manila Bulletin, “Juicy Cat” will see its stars wearing clothes designed by Edgar Madamba and Edgar San Diego. The show is also sponsored by La Scala Café at M. Adriatico and Lighthouse Studio.

For ticket inquiries, call Ticketworld with phone number 891-9999. Interested blockbuyers may forward their inquiries to maxi.musicinc@yahoo.com.