Zsa Zsa, Zia reveal Karylle’s push to expand theater career abroad

Family shares insights on her “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” role and international theater plans.

Zsa Zsa Padilla and Zia Quizon both praised Karylle’s dedication and performance as Mrs. Bucket, with her mother calling her “very hardworking” and her sister highlighting the show’s family-friendly appeal.

Veteran singer-actress Padilla beamed with pride after watching her daughter take on the role in the Manila production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at The Theatre at Solaire.

“I’m very proud of her. She works very, very hard,” Padilla said, noting how immersed Karylle was in her character that even her partner, Conrad Onglao, initially did not recognize her onstage. “The first half of the show, he went, ‘When’s Karylle gonna come on?’ And I was like, ‘You just missed her. She’s Mrs. Bucket!’ This was because she was so into character.”

Padilla also underscored her daughter’s long-standing love for the stage. “I really love it that we get to watch her again because theater is her life. She’s very, very dedicated,” she added.

Asked about Karylle’s preparation, Padilla shared that rehearsals mostly took place abroad. “She just tells us that she’s gonna go to Singapore to do the rehearsals and then she’s back,” she said, adding that they were still able to spend time together during brief breaks. “We had a weekend also in Casa Esperanza (Padilla’s B&B in Quezon), and we’re gonna spend another weekend there without her now because she’s busy with production.”

Meanwhile, Quizon described the musical as an enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages, pointing to its accessibility and entertainment value.

“We just had a good time. It’s a very kid-friendly show. So if anyone’s interested in taking their kids out and enjoying a nice family event,” she said. “There’s a lot of fun, surprising elements and of course lots of nice songs.”

Quizon also shared that Karylle had been excited about taking on the role, given its global recognition and the opportunity to collaborate internationally. “It’s a famous role. It’s a well-known role so it’s something she was very excited to play,” she said.

She added that the production allowed Karylle to expand her theater experience beyond the Philippines. “She’s very into the theater scene here. So I think she was excited to expand her world of theater outside of here, to work with people out of Singapore, which is one of her favorite places. It’s like a happy place for her.”

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is currently running at The Theatre at Solaire until July 26.

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