The buzz surrounding the 2025 production of Spamalot, directed by Alejandro Gou, is undeniable. Packed houses at the Centro Cultural Teatro 1 highlight the success of the cast, which features prominent figures from the Mexican comedy scene, including Adrián Uribe, Omar Chaparro, the Mascabrothers, Faisy, and the iconic Eugenio Derbez. Yet, as the audience revels in laughter, behind the scenes, tensions brew, particularly involving Susana Zabaleta, one of the show's leading stars.
An anonymous actor shared insights about the inner workings of the production, expressing the challenges of collaborating with Zabaleta. "The truth is we're super happy with the great acceptance from the audience... what we did not anticipate was the ordeal of working with Susana Zabaleta," the actor revealed.
Zabaleta’s reputation precedes her, marked by past public feuds with industry figures such as Carla Estrada and Jesús Ochoa. Despite expectations of her maturing behavior due to her current relationship with comedian Ricardo Pérez, firsthand accounts indicate otherwise. According to the anonymous source, "Since she arrived for rehearsals, she walked in with airs of superiority... during rehearsals, she silenced others and tried to impose changes on scenes with the director.”
Adding fuel to the fire is the incident during the talk show Faisy Nights, where Zabaleta nearly walked out following Faisy's jab about her reprimanding Uribe. "Faisy joked about it... but it definitely was not a joke. She is very impulsive and truly was ready to leave her colleagues stranded. She halted the music like some diva and exposed everyone embarrassingly,” the source explained.
This behavior, they claim, is not just anecdotal but symptomatic of Zabaleta's overall attitude, which allegedly continues to plague the production even after its opening. "The stress of rehearsals is gone... but she's still the same. She's not kind to anyone. The production, makeup, hair, and dance teams can't stand her. She believes she is more of a diva than any American singer. She thinks she’s bigger than Taylor Swift," the actor lamented.
The consequences of Zabaleta's actions are tangible, as even her fellow comedians, typically known for their good-natured humor, seem to be losing patience. "She greets fellow actors only when she feels like it, and we have to endure her bad moods... Can you believe how Susana’s attitude has led to even them avoiding her?" the source concluded.
Meanwhile, the show continues to thrive, filling seats with laughter and applause. Yet within its walls, it seems the comedy carries bittersweet undertones.
Sources close to the production note increasing tension around Zabaleta’s presence, creating what some describe as untenable working conditions. "The atmosphere has become unmanageable due to Zabaleta's behavior," another insider confirmed, articulately stating, "Her attitude since rehearsals has been, to say the least, challenging. She thinks she is above everyone, frequently interrupts, and has even gone so far as to enforce changes to scenes without consulting the director."
This behavior is not new for the artist; her career has been littered with controversies. Nevertheless, the current circumstances seem to show her difficulties have yet to resolve themselves. "Her behavior with the production team is equally appalling. No one, from makeup to hair to dancers, escapes her bad manners," indicated the source. "The lack of respect and consideration for her colleagues is astonishing."
The incident on Faisy Nights, where her attitude was evidently displayed, symbolizes her broader interpersonal issues. During the show, Zabaleta's willingness to leave her fellow cast members abandoned underscored the palpable tension during the episode.
Even the patience of established comedians like Omar Chaparro, known for maintaining upbeat temperaments, seems to be reaching its limits. "They hardly even greet her anymore, it’s clear the situation is unbearable and everyone is trying to keep their distance," the source mentioned.
While the audience continues to enjoy the humor on stage, the reality behind the curtain involves complex dynamics of talent and conflict. The show's future, particularly Zabaleta’s role, remains uncertain as her colleagues grapple with their discontent.