Model-actor Juan Carlos Galano, or JC, just feels grateful to be cast in one of the lead roles in Ateneo Blue Reportery's revival of Zsazsa Zaturnnah: The Musical.
Kim Molina is selected to play the main character in the musical adaptation of Carlo Vergara's acclaimed graphic novel.
Meanwhile, JC will take on the role of Dodong, the romantic partner of Ada (played by Phi Palmos), who later transforms into Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
"Well, si Dodong, yung love interest ni ZsaZsa and ni Ada so he’s the apple of the eye of the town," JC says about his character in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on March 13, 2023.
He continues, "Siya ang adonis ng Barangay San Isidro tapos he’s mostly, kumbaga, he will be the turning point for Ada, kumbaga, sa journey niya dito in discovering true happiness, I guess, here in the play."
When asked about how he obtained the role, JC reveals that he did not have a formal audition for it.
Rather, he was invited to do a reading for the part, which ultimately led to the producers offering him the role.
He recalls, "I was invited to read for the part pero hindi na ako nakapunta sa initial audition, so ayun.
"I guess they became happy naman nung nag-read ako for the part and thankfully, I got the part."
JC acknowledges that he is experiencing a range of emotions, as he feels the pressure of taking on his first lead role in a musical.
He says, "Medyo malaki yung pressure sa shoulders ko talaga bukod sa nag-workout ako...
"As in, right now, going into opening week, I can really feel the pressure especially itong tech week.
"Medyo crazy talaga. It’s beautiful chaos in the theater, as in.
"Ang nakakatuwa dun, ang daming, kumbaga, kaming cast pag nasa backstage yung tipong wala nang pakialamanan, e, quick change to the next costume ...
"Tas sobrang ano talaga coordinated chaos, nakakawindang and, at the same time, it’s so fun. Kumbaga, yung adrenaline mo talaga nag-aano, e, it keeps pumping."
JUAN CARLOS GALANO'S PREPARATIONS
JC has been attending voice classes to enhance his vocal abilities, in addition to maintaining his regular workout routine, to ensure he is fully prepared for the role in every aspect.
He tells PEP.ph, "I’m also taking voice lessons as preparation for the musical pieces and then... as in terms of physical preparations, I’ve been working out and dieting also to reach [my body goal].
"I guess, ang naging note lang din naman sa akin ng director ko is that yung physical aspect ni Dodong, it doesn’t need to be that [muscular], as in Bench underwear model na talagang batak na batak, bato-bato, di ba?
"More of, sabihin natin ano, kumbaga, fit siya in a way to do manual labor, ganun.
"Ganun yung look dapat ni Dodong as compared to the comics na talagang Adonis ako don.
"Hunk talaga siya nung nabasa ko yung comics nga, pero sabi ng director ko, rest assured hindi mo kailangan i-reiterate kung ano yung nasa comic.
"I mean, you are that naman na but you don’t need to do more."
Asked how he builds chemistry with his stage partner, JC says it wasn't really hard to establish chemistry with Kim since she has been a long-time family friend.
"I would say she’s very receptive at saka she’s very helpful.
"If you do ask for her help yun talaga, she’s just fun and quirky.
"Nakakatuwa siyang katrabaho at ano, madami ka rin makukuhang feedback from her."
CREATIVE FREEDOM
JC conveys that having the opportunity to interpret his character, Dodong, in his own way was a contributing factor to his increased appreciation for the craft of acting.
He explains, "I guess yung exploration, mas free ka dito sa theather, especially kung ano yung gusto ng director mo.
"Nung una nga parang, 'Direk...' Ang approach ko nga sa kanya before, 'Direk, what do you need me to do?'
"Parang [siya], 'Read the script, ganyan, aralin mo tapos just do what you can, just show me first, explore.'"
The ALV talent continues, "Each run, kung ano man ginawa mo, kung nagkamali ka man, just own it.
"Yun na lang ang sabi na you have to own your mistake and ang importante naman diyan, if nagkamali ka, hindi naman alam ng audience kung nagkamali ka o hindi.
"If kaya mo siya itago or, kumbaga, if it looks good, if it works, e, di it’s part of the show, di ba?
"Especially ito, campy comedy naman ito, hindi naman siya yung serious straight play na Shakespeare or ano, so yun yung material.
"That’s why it’s also fun and parang, I guess, free ako mag-ano, mag-make ng choices."
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