Meet the men who played Dodong as ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ turns 20

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Every Zsazsa Zaturnnah needs Ada, and wherever Ada is, Dodong is as well.

Carlo Vergara’s popular character debuted as Ada, a gay beautician whose life changes when she discovers a magical stone from outer space that transforms her into the glamorous, superpowered Zsazsa Zaturnnah. Aside from the adventures and larger-than-life spectacle, Ada’s story also includes a love story, with Dodong serving as his handsome, macho love interest.

When “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal” premiered in 2006, Arnold Reyes played Dodong. Reyes, an established theater performer, has received praise for his roles in productions like “St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos” and Ryan Cayabyab’s “Noli Me Tangere.” He would also lend his voice to Dodong on the musical’s original cast recording, cementing his place in the character’s legacy.

Lauren Novero, who alternated in the role the following year, would return to play Dodong in subsequent productions, becoming another memorable actor associated with the character.

In 2007, Janvier Daily joined the production as Dodong, expanding the roster even further. Daily, then an aspiring actor who had relocated from Baguio to Manila to pursue his career, was one of the newer cast members to play Ada’s leading man during the musical’s fourth staging.

By 2009, Red Anderson had joined the Dodong cast, bringing a new face to the role as the musical returned for another run.

Anderson would later reprise Dodong in 2011, becoming one of the actors to play Ada’s leading man in multiple productions.

When the musical returned in 2011, Anderson was joined by Rocky Salumbides and Prince Stefan, with the three alternating roles. For Salumbides, this was his first musical role.

The male supermodel-turned-actor admitted that singing was new territory for him, even as he accepted the challenge of playing Dodong opposite Eula Valdes, who returned as Zsazsa Zaturnnah.

Stefan, meanwhile, contributed his experience as a model and “StarStruck: The Next Level” alumnus to the role, joining Salumbides and Anderson on the 2011 Dodong roster.

Across its different productions, Dodong has been interpreted by performers with distinct backgrounds, personalities, and approaches to the role. Now, two decades after the musical first took the stage, that history takes on a new chapter as “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal” returns for its 20th Anniversary, with two new Dodongs waiting to join the legacy.

And if there’s one thing every Dodong understands, it’s how to make Ada feel like the superhero of his dreams. “Ikaw Ang Superhero ng Buhay Ko” is still one of the character’s most memorable songs, and with two new Dodongs on the way, fans may have entirely new versions to look forward to.

“Looking back at the actors who have played Dodong is also a reminder of how much this musical has evolved through the years. Every performer brings something of himself to the role, just as every production adds another layer to the world of Zaturnnah. For this 20th anniversary adaptation, we are excited to bring all of that history with us while creating something that feels fresh for audiences today,” said musical director Vincent A. DeJesus.

The upcoming revival of “Zsazsa Zaturnnah” will bring the beloved original Filipino musical back to the stage, introducing new audiences to its larger-than-life characters, infectious music, irreverent humor, and undeniable heart. Longtime fans will also have the opportunity to revisit the iconic production.

“Zsazsa Zaturnnah: The 20th Anniversary Musical Adaptation” will be staged in April 2027. The cast will be revealed soon.