Nar Cabico leaves US, returns to Manila as Ada in ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’

“As someone who left Manila in 2020 to start a family in the US, the line ‘Kailangan nang lisanin ko ang lugar na ito…’ from Ada’s swan song ‘Ayoko Nang Mabuhay Nang Ganito’ hits too close to home,” said actor Nar Cabico.

Six years after relocating to the United States, Cabico is coming home to the Philippine stage, this time to portray Ada in the 20th-anniversary production of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!”

The role marks a full-circle moment for the actor, who first joined the musical as a 15-year-old stagehand before playing Didi. Now, he takes center stage as the character whose story has become deeply personal to him.

From backstage to Ada

Cabico’s connection to the production began in 2006, when he worked backstage during its run at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). His tasks included washing the cast’s dishes, preparing props, making the cotton candy-like rock that triggers Ada’s transformation, and sweeping confetti after performances.

Two years later, he was cast as Didi, Ada’s loyal friend and confidant. Taking on the lead role now brings his journey with the musical full circle.

“When I was 15, my first job after high school was as a stage hand for the ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal run at the PETA Theater,” he recalled. “20 years later, I am incredibly honored to take on the fabulous role of ‘Ada’. Truly a full circle moment, I am very grateful.”

A story of acceptance

Based on Carlo Vergara’s graphic novel, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” follows Ada, a gay beauty salon owner who transforms into a superheroine after swallowing a mysterious stone. Her adventures involving zombies, aliens, and other bizarre threats unfold alongside a story about identity, love, and acceptance.

For Cabico, the musical’s message has been personal since he first watched it in 2006. He said the production made him believe that love was possible for him and the LGBTQIA+ community.

“ZsaZsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal made me dream, and I am happy to have found my real-life Dodong, whom I am proud to call my husband for 12 years now,” he said.

Cabico has also established himself as a singer-songwriter and screen actor. He won Best Actor at the 2019 Sinag Maynila Film Festival for “Akin Ang Korona” and received a FAMAS acting nomination in 2020. He also won the first season of GMA Network’s “Superstar Duets” in 2016.

Ada’s emotional core

Vincent A. de Jesus, the musical’s composer, lyricist, and musical director, said Cabico’s familiarity with the production makes his casting particularly meaningful.

“Nar has been part of Zsazsa Zaturnnah since he was 15! He started backstage, eventually played Didi, and now he’s taking on Ada. How crazy wonderful is that? He knows this musical inside out, so it’s exciting to see him bring all that experience into the role,” he said.

De Jesus added that beneath the musical’s comedy, elaborate costumes, and fantasy sequences is Ada’s desire to be loved and accepted, a sentiment audiences can relate to.

Directed by Chris Millado, who also helmed the original 2006 production, “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” is produced by Wishbone Collective. The anniversary staging is scheduled to run from April to June 2027 at Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.