Tanghalang Pilipino stages a comedy musical play, entitled "Zsa Zsa Zaturnah (Ze Musikal)," on Feb. 10 – March 5, with 3 p.m. matinees (Saturday and Sunday) and 8 p.m. shows, Friday and Saturday, at Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).

Adapted from a comic book "Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsa Zsa Zaturnah" by Carlo Vergara, "Zsa Zsa" is a story of a "parlorista" in a small town whose fate is changed by a magical stone.

"This play can be described as ‘Darna in drag’ but with a twist," said Chris Millado, director of the musical play.

Indeed, the story follows the traditional sequence of a comic story — main character finds a mysterious stone, swallows it, gains superpowers, fights the evil, and wins the battle.

Ada (Tuxqs Rutaquio) swallows the magical stone and transforms into Zsa Zsa Zaturnah (Eula Valdes), a superhero with a voluptuous body and incredible strength.

Zsa Zsa Zaturnah fights the evil forces— Queen Fermina Suarestellar Baroux (Agot Isidro) and her Amazonistas (Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barretto, Tess Jamias and Mayen Estañero), a giant frog and zombies.

Meanwhile, Ada falls in love with Dodong (alternates Lauren Novero and Arnold Reyes).

"But what makes Zsa Zsa different from other superhero comic characters is the alter ego. Who among the superheroes has an alter ego who is gay?," asked Carlo Vergara, author of the comic book.

"This is not another gay story, though. Ada may be a gay but he’s a simple human being who wants to prove himself to the world," Carlo stressed.

A 2003 Manila Critics Circle National Book awardee, Carlo revealed that he wrote the book based on his own experiences.

"Every character is a part of me… Ada, Zsa Zsa, the villain, even the giant frog. If you read the book and you know me personally, you’ll know that the book is about me," he explained.

Contrary to the belief that he writes gay literature, Carlo insisted that he is as versatile as the actors and actresses of the play.

"I wrote this kind of literature because it is what I know. I believe that, as a writer, we have to start with the things we know. Most writers base their stories on their experience, or the experience of others. I’m gay but it doesn’t mean that I have to limit myself to gay literature. I can write other genre if I want to," he quipped.

Zsa Zsa is a combination of music and comedy.

"It will definitely make the audience laugh. If you want to relax and enjoy, Zsa Zsa is the play for you but, I assure you, it’s not just another comedy show," stressed Agot Isidro who plays Queen Fermina.

"Zsa Zsa will make you laugh but, in a way, it will make you think about the gay society. It gives you a glimpse of how their lives revolve, the language they use, how they cope with society," Agot said.

Also, Zsa Zsa uses witty gay lingo.

"Gay lingo is a fascinating language. We use it in the play to make it real. Ada is gay, so it follows that he uses that language. However, we use words that are witty, fun and easy to understand," Tuxqs Rutaquio (Ada) said.

The set design by Sonny Aniceto resembles a huge beauty parlor.

"Come to think of it, the beauty parlor somehow reflects our society. Funny how people think of ‘parlor’ or ‘dress shop’ when people hear the word ‘gay’. Gay were accepted this way. In some way, it is good because people think of gays as a very artistic, talented people," shared Carlo.

Soul RnB songs with a bit of gospel were composed by Vince de Jesus, the costumes designed by Nicole Michael Mori, including the superhero outfit and the Spice Girls–inspired costumes.

On the fighting scenes, Chris Millado, 2003 Aliw Best Stage Director, said: "The fight scenes showcase the superhero’s high jumping ability. If you’ve seen how Ate VI danced with the VIP dancers, you’ll have an idea."

The play also marks debut stage performance of Eula Valdes. A versatile TV and movie actress, Eula admitted that theater is very different from TV or movie.

"In theater, discipline is everything. Aside from going early for rehearsals, you have to be present every rehearsal day or you’ll miss a lot. One has to be always prepared," shared Eula who portrays Zsa Zsa.

Eula hosts "Makuha Ka Sa Tikim", a cooking show aired Saturdays in Channel 2.

Other cast members are Lauren Novero and Arnold Reyes, Wilma Doesnt, Deeda Barretto, Tess Jamias and Mayen Estañero, Mia Bolaños, Carl Virtudazo, Bong Cabrera, Ricci Chan, among others.