‘Finding yourself’ in ‘Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady’

Playwright Carlo Vergara, in a brave bid to simplify the narrative of his latest musical, “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady,” described the musical production-in-progress as a story of people struggling to search for their space under the sun.

With action scenes, superheroes, super-villains, and a little love story on the side. It also has comedy, drama, deception, confessions, family problems, and a maid.

Or it can also be read as a social commentary on powerful societal factions.

Vergara said the musical is “about following the rules and breaking the rules in order to advance yourself.”

“Most of the characters in the play are trying to find their place in the world. Ultimately, 'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady' is about finding your place in the world. In the end, we hope that we can show in the play how the conflicts get resolved,” he said.

Before being known for the cutting-edge comic book he released in 2002, “Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah” Vergara worked as a public relations writer, a news writer, and a features writer.

The success of “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah” extended into its metamorphosis as a theater musical production mounted by Tanghalang Pilipino as “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, ze Muzikal,” which ran intermittently from 2006 to 2011. It is considered one of the most successful musical adaptations, having one of the longest runs among Filipino theater productions.

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah” eventually mutated into a movie, “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, Ze Moveeh” (2006) directed by Joel Lamangan and with Zsa Zsa Padilla giving life to the title character.

During a press forum, Vergara confessed to “never considering” himself as an artistic writer until the success of the “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah.”

For Dalanghita Productions’ “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady,” Vergara is joined by his “ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, ze Muzikal” colleagues.

Members of the artistic and creative teams are Vincent de Jesus as musical director and composer, Chris Martinez as director, Tuxqs Rutaquio as production designer, Lambert de Jesus as technical director, John Batalla as lighting designer, Nancy Crowe as choreographer, Mara Marasigan as assistant director, and Ejay Yatco as assistant musical director.

Director Martinez said he was thankful that actors and actresses from various theater companies in Metro Manila heeded their call for audition.

“I told the cast on the first day of rehearsals that I did not know their reasons for joining this production. But I am blessed to be working with such a talented and dedicated cast,” said Martinez, known for his works such as “I Do Bidoo Bidoo,” “Kimmy Dora,” and “Temptation Island … Live!”

“I really do not know how we managed to bring all together such a wonderful cast. Maybe, it is about time that we all come together to support one original musical theater production. And maybe this is it. I’d like to think of it that way,” he added.

Musical director De Jesus (“Himala, the Musical,” “Batang Rizal,” “Juan Tamad”), on the other hand, said they are happy that the “walls separating various theater companies have been torn down.”

“But it also broke our hearts that we had to let go of a number of great talents who auditioned for the 30-plus roles. There were at least 200 who auditioned. The hardest part was choosing whom to cast for each role,” he said.

“The rehearsals have shown we’ve made the correct decisions. The energy explodes during rehearsals,” he added.

Leading the big-time cast composed of talents from the theater, television, and film industries is Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who plays the role of Madre De Dios, the leader of Puwersa Pilipinas. Astarte Abraham alternates in the role.

“It is about time,” said Lauchengco-Yulo. “I’ve always wanted to do an original Filipino musical, but I was never asked to audition before.”

“When I was finally asked to audition for this production, I said yes, having no idea on what I will do. Then they said you will have speaking lines. I said okay, this is a good start for my journey in original Filipino musicals. And I am having the time of my life,” she added.

Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy alternate in the pivotal role of Mely, Puwersa Pilipinas' maid.

“'Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady' is a collaboration among Vergara, De Jesus, and Martinez. And I just have to be in this production,” said Escalante.

“I did not have second thoughts about auditioning, hoping to land a role in the production, and to be with veteran actors and actress and the triumvirate of Martinez, De Jesus, and Vergara,” Dy said.

Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera alternate as Viva, Mely’s younger sister, while Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein alternate as Leading Man, the newest member of Puwersa Pilipinas.

“I am so overwhelmed to be in this play and to be under the three gentlemen and to join all these wonderful Filipino talents,” said Stroem.

Lending support are actors from various Metro Manila theater companies: May Bayot (playing the role of Nanay, Mely’s and Viva’s mother), Giannina Ocampo (Nena Babushka), Caisa Borromeo (Windang Woman), Chesko Rodriguez (Popoy Pusakal), Jeff Flores (Bazooka Man), Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo (alternate as Senyor Blangko, the leader of Kayumanggilas), Red Nuestro (Marakas Marko), Red Concepcion (Itak-Atak), Elliot Eustacio (Jeryc Sans Rival), Vince Lim (Henyotik), and Mikoy Morales (Henyotik).

The ensemble is composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos, Brian Sy, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Alejandro Santos, and Joshua Cabiladas. — BM, GMA News

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” opens on May 7 and will run for four weekends until June 7. The show starts promptly at 8 p.m. during Thursdays through Sundays). Matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays start at 3 p.m.

All performances are at the PETA Theater Center at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila.

For inquiries, call or text 0998-531-1389 or email dalanghitaproductions@gmail.com. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph.