From Stagehand to Superstar: Nar Cabico Takes Center Stage as Ada in “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!”

Twenty years after working behind the scenes, Nar Cabico is stepping into the spotlight as Ada in the highly anticipated 20th-anniversary production of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!”

Talk about a full-circle moment!

Before Nar Cabico became part of the spotlight, he was already helping bring the colorful world of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal to life — only back then, he was working behind the curtains.

At just 15 years old, Cabico's first job after high school was as a stagehand for the musical's original run at the PETA Theater. From washing dishes and preparing props to creating the iconic "cotton candy" rock that transforms Ada into the fabulous superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah, he experienced the production from the ground up.

Now, two decades later, he's returning to the very same musical — but this time, he's taking center stage as Ada, one of its most beloved characters!

Cabico will lead the cast of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!, the musical's much-awaited 20th-anniversary production, marking an extraordinary milestone in his personal and professional journey.

And honestly? It couldn't be more fitting.

From Sweeping Confetti to Becoming the Star of the Show

Cabico's connection to Zsazsa Zaturnnah goes way beyond simply being part of its cast.

During his first experience with the production, he would arrive before everyone else and leave long after the performances ended. His responsibilities included preparing props, washing the cast's dishes, and sweeping confetti off the stage.

Two years later, he returned as Didi, Ada's loyal friend and confidant. Today, he's taking on the lead role himself.

From stagehand to Didi, and now to Ada — what a journey!

"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," Cabico 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."

It's a story that proves sometimes the biggest dreams begin in the most unexpected places.

Meet Ada: The Heart Behind Zsazsa Zaturnnah

For those unfamiliar with the story, Ada is a gay beauty salon owner navigating love, family expectations, and the universal desire to be accepted for who he truly is.

His life takes a spectacular turn after swallowing a mysterious rock that transforms him into Zsazsa Zaturnnah, a larger-than-life superheroine with extraordinary strength and beauty.

What follows is an outrageous adventure filled with zombies, aliens, spectacular battles, colorful characters, and plenty of theatrical fabulousness.

But beneath all the camp, comedy, and over-the-top spectacle is a deeply moving story about identity, self-discovery, love, and acceptance.

The role of Ada has previously been portrayed by performers including Tuxqs Rutaquio, Vincent A. De Jesus, Phi Palmos, Adrian Lindayag, and Shaun Ocrisma. Cabico now joins this distinguished lineup, bringing a particularly meaningful connection to the character and the production.

A Story That Helped Him Believe in Love

For Cabico, returning to Zsazsa Zaturnnah is especially emotional because the musical played a significant role in shaping how he viewed love and acceptance.

When he first watched the show in 2006, it gave him hope that finding love was possible — not just for himself, but for the wider LGBTQIA+ community.

And today, that dream has become part of his own story.

Cabico proudly shares that he has found his real-life Dodong, whom he has called his husband for 12 years.

"Watching the show for the first time in 2006 made me believe that love is possible for me and our rainbow community," he shared. "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."

His personal experiences have also given him a deeper connection to Ada's emotional journey.

After leaving Manila in 2020 to start a family in the United States, Cabico found himself relating more closely to Ada's song "Ayoko Nang Mabuhay Nang Ganito," particularly its lyrics about having to leave a place behind.

"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," he said.

Now, as he prepares to return to the Philippines for the anniversary production, Cabico is bringing those experiences, emotions, and personal discoveries with him — making his portrayal of Ada even more meaningful.

Why Nar Cabico Is the Perfect Choice for Ada

For Vincent A. De Jesus, the musical's composer, lyricist, and musical director, Cabico's appointment as Ada feels like a natural and exciting development.

Having been part of the production since he was 15, Cabico already understands the musical's world, its humor, and the heart behind its larger-than-life characters.

"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," De Jesus shared.

He also emphasized that beneath the show's comedy, outrageous costumes, and fabulous chaos, Ada is ultimately someone searching for love and acceptance.

"I think that's something we can all relate to," he added.

It's this emotional foundation that has helped Zsazsa Zaturnnah remain relevant and beloved through the years — proving that its message is just as powerful as its unforgettable theatrical spectacle.

A Fabulous Homecoming 20 Years in the Making

More than just another theater role, Nar Cabico's return as Ada represents a remarkable homecoming.

The musical that once inspired him to dream of love, acceptance, and a place where he could fully embrace himself is now giving him the opportunity to bring that same story to life for a new generation of audiences.

And there's something incredibly special about the teenager who once prepared props and swept confetti now standing at the center of the very stage he helped bring to life.

With its 20th-anniversary production, Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh! is set to celebrate two decades of queer storytelling, Filipino theatrical creativity, and the power of embracing one's true self.

Mark your calendars, theater fans! The 20th-anniversary production of Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh! is scheduled for April 2027, with more announcements expected in the coming months.

If Nar Cabico's journey is any indication, this homecoming is going to be one fabulous theatrical moment worth watching!