For the first time in years, drag queens have a chance to step directly into one of Philippine theater’s most beloved queer worlds.
The upcoming 20th anniversary staging of ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal’ is officially opening its Amazonista auditions to drag performers, giving queens the opportunity to bring to life some of the musical’s most memorable larger-than-life characters.
Production company Wishbone Collective announced open auditions on June 8, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the SIKAT Performance & Event Venue along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City.
Among the roles up for grabs are the iconic Amazonistas Nora A., Vilma S., Sharon C., and Dina B.—members of the fierce man-hating alien race from Planet XXX. The production is looking for hyper-feminine performers in their early to late 30s who can embody the energy of a supermodel, pop star, and extraterrestrial warrior all at once.
Candidates should be willing to perform stunts and possess contemporary musical theater pop vocals. Auditionees may come without makeup and can choose to lip-sync or sing live.
Also open for casting is the role of Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux, the glamorous ruler of Planet XXX. The production describes the character as a mash-up of a beauty queen, drag queen, and high school principal, complete with a Judi Dench-inspired British accent and a powerful contemporary musical theater belt.
Callbacks are scheduled for June 9 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Interested performers may register through https://bit.ly/ZsazsaCasting or send inquiries to casting.zsazsa@gmail.com.
Based on the beloved graphic novel by Carlo Vergara, ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Musikal’ follows Ada, a timid gay beautician whose life changes after swallowing a mysterious stone that transforms him into the superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
The anniversary production features a stage adaptation by Chris Martinez, with music, lyrics, and musical direction by Vincent de Jesus.
For many drag queens, however, the spotlight may shine brightest on Planet XXX itself, as the production opens its doors to performers ready to prove they have what it takes to become the next generation of legendary Amazonistas.