Shiela Valderrama takes the crown as Queen Femina in ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’

One of Philippine musical theater’s most celebrated leading ladies is about to become an intergalactic queen.

Award-winning theater actress Shiela Valderrama is stepping into the outrageous world of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” as Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux, the larger-than-life villain in the musical’s highly anticipated 20th-anniversary staging in April 2027.

As the powerful ruler of Planet XXX and leader of the screwball Amazonistas, Queen Femina is among Zsazsa Zaturnnah’s most unforgettable adversaries. Armed with sharp wit, commanding presence, and unapologetic camp, the character promises some of the production’s wildest comedic moments.

A role fit for a queen

Valderrama follows an impressive lineup of actresses who have portrayed Queen Femina over the past two decades.

Agot Isidro and Kalila Aguilos originated the role in 2006, followed by Meliza Reyes-Uy in 2009, Pinky Amador in 2011, and Kakki Teodoro in the 2023 student production “Zsazsa Zaturnnah the Musical… ’Yun Lang!”

Composer, lyricist, and musical director Vincent A. DeJesus believes Valderrama has the theatrical firepower needed to bring the flamboyant villain to life.

“Ang Zsazsa Zaturnnah ay isang hyper camp universe, at si Queen Femina ay larger than life! She is commanding, theatrical and totally a loose cannon,” DeJesus said.

He teased that the character will also demonstrate extraordinary martial arts abilities through her Vanessa Leon battle gown.

“Shiela’s musical theater chops make her a great fit for the role. Kailangan dito ng comic timing, vocal power, at vavavoom physical presence. Hindi puwedeng puro awra lang, kailangan may ibubuga!” he added.

35 years of stage excellence

With 35 years in entertainment, Valderrama has built an impressive career across theater, concerts, television, and film.

Her acclaimed performances include Diana Goodman in “Next to Normal,” Fosca in Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” and Erzulie in “Once on This Island.”

Her portrayal in “Next to Normal” earned her the 2025 Aliw Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical.

Internationally, she was part of Hong Kong Disneyland’s opening team, performing as Bebe in “The Golden Mickeys” and becoming the first Asian performer to portray Nala in “Festival of the Lion King.”

She also joined Broadway Asia’s Asian tour of “Cinderella” as an alternate for the title role.

Her accomplishments have earned recognition from the Awit Awards, Philstage Gawad Buhay, LEAF, and Aliw Awards. In 2026, PeopleAsia also named her among its Women of Style and Substance.

Now, Valderrama faces a different kind of theatrical challenge: transforming into a gloriously over-the-top alien queen whose outrageous personality is as formidable as her powers.

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” opens in April 2027, celebrating two decades of one of Philippine musical theater’s most iconic queer productions. Further details about the staging will be announced soon.