Esteban Mara steps into the role of Dodong in “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” for the musical’s 20th anniversary
SINEGANG.ph published this press release by Puregold. No staff writer participated in writing this article.
Every great love story has its leading man, and in Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal, that place belongs to Dodong, Ada’s handsome and macho love interest.
Two decades after the musical first took the stage, Esteban Mara is stepping into Dodong’s shoes for “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!”, the show’s 20th-anniversary staging.
Over the years, Dodong has been portrayed by Arnold Reyes, Lauren Novero, Janvier Daily, Red Anderson, Rocky Salumbides, and Prince Stefan. Each talented actor has brought his own interpretation to Ada’s leading man, and Esteban Mara now joins them in taking on a character that has remained part of the musical across its various stagings.
For Chris Millado, who directed the original 2006 production of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal and returns for its anniversary staging, the musical’s staying power lies in its ability to speak to audiences across generations.
“Zsazsa Zaturnnah celebrates friendship, belonging, and the pursuit of love. And as long as these very human concerns continue to be challenged by self-doubt, discrimination, and hate, the story will continue to engage,” Millado said.
Millado also sees the musical’s larger-than-life characters as part of what makes a new staging exciting. Their exaggerated personalities give performers room to have fun while presenting a distinct challenge in bringing them to life.
“The characters are bigger than life, eksaherado (exaggerated) and over the top. They are fun and at the same time challenging to play,” he said.
The role adds another notable production to Mara’s growing body of work across theater and screen, where he has explored a range of characters. He began his acting career with Dulaang UP in 2017, playing the titular role in “Bagong Cristo,” and went on to appear in “Dekada ’70” and Virgin Labfest’s "Love on the Brain." His screen credits include the Cinemalaya film “Padamlagan,” and Puregold’s BL series “Got My Eyes on You.”
Taking on Dodong also marks a new challenge for Mara, as performing in a full-scale musical is something he has long wanted to pursue. On taking on the role, he said, “This opportunity allows me to discover a part of my artistry that I’ve always wanted to explore. Performing in a musical has always been on my bucket list because I know it brings a different kind of challenge, one that pushes me to grow, learn, and discover more about myself as an artist.”
The role also allows Mara to portray a character whose values resonate with him personally. Beyond Dodong’s place in Ada’s love story, he sees qualities worth aspiring to in the character.
“I feel especially blessed to be taking on that challenge through Dodong. His values really resonate with me as a person: hardworking, courageous, and someone who sees love for what it simply is—love. Because of this, I feel that portraying Dodong comes with a great responsibility. He is the kind of man we should aspire to be, and I want to portray him with the care, honesty, and sincerity that he deserves,” he shared.
While Mara is drawn to the values Dodong represents, the character’s romantic appeal is another quality that makes him memorable. Asked what makes Mara a good fit for the role, Director Chris Millado pointed to Dodong’s unmistakable charm.
“Disarming smile, swoony charm, croony voice. And abs,” Millado said.
The director also added, however, that Dodong should possess these qualities without realizing just how charming he is, with that lack of self-awareness making the character all the more endearing.
Determined to do justice to the role, Mara has already begun preparing for the production, including taking voice lessons to strengthen his musical performance skills. Having previously watched “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal,” he also brings a personal appreciation of the show and its place in Philippine theater.
As the musical marks its 20th anniversary, Millado hopes the new staging will remind audiences of its central message, delivered in the wonderfully absurd spirit that has always defined the production.
“Love wins. You just need to defeat a giant frog and English-speaking aliens,” he said.
“Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” opens in April 2027. Ticketing information, additional cast announcements, and other production details are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
