Tomorrow’s theater icons take the spotlight in Spring Awakening

The Sandbox Collective puts a powerful spotlight on the next generation of theater artists as it unveils the young lead ensemble of Spring Awakening, the company’s inaugural production at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell. A vibrant mix of emerging talent and rapidly rising stars, this lineup brings fresh intensity, emotional depth, and renewed urgency to the landmark musical’s exploration of youth, rebellion, and discovery.

Leading the charge are Nacho Tambunting and Alex Diaz, who share the role of Melchior Gabor. Tambunting returns to the Philippine stage after a prolific period in New York, where he kickstarted his career in The Sound of Music in 2006, originated the role of Felix Starro, Jr. in the historic Off-Broadway musical Felix Starro, and most recently appeared as Jake in the world premiere of Everything Beautiful Happens at Night. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association, he has also built an extensive portfolio across film and television.

 

Sharing the role of Melchior, Diaz brings a dynamic energy shaped by his multi-hyphenate journey in entertainment. From his beginnings as a student radio DJ, he rose to public recognition through Star Magic Circle 2013. His stage debut as Racetrack Higgins in Disney’s Newsies cemented his place in theater, followed by a standout performance as Chris Abueva in Bar Boys: The Musical.

The role of Moritz Stiefel will be alternately played by Nic Chien and Omar Uddin, two young performers whose early careers have already demonstrated remarkable promise. Chien made his professional debut in Matilda and has since continued to captivate audiences, most recently as Jack in Into the Woods. He has appeared in multiple concerts with his mother, Lea Salonga, and earned third place in the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition in 2023.

 

Uddin, meanwhile, has been performing since he was 12, appearing in the fourth and fifth seasons of Team Yey! and the series 2 Good 2 Be True. His stage debut in Tagu-taguan Nasaan Ang Buwan? opened the door to leading roles in productions such as A Christmas Carol, The Lion King International Tour, Bar Boys: The Musical, Next to Normal, and most recently, Quomodo Desolata Es?.

Completing the trio of young leads is Sheena Belarmino as Wendla Bergmann. A Star Magic artist celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and versatility, Belarmino rose to fame through competition shows such as Dance Kids, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids, and Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. She began her theater journey in Cebu at age eight and has since portrayed beloved roles including Basha in One More Chance: The Musical, Eds delos Santos in Tabing Ilog, and Natalie Goodman in Next to Normal.

Also joining the production is Angia Laurel, making her theatrical debut. A dynamic singer-songwriter and actor, Laurel is a graduate of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Production Design for Theater. Her debut single “Back Again,” released under Tarsier Records, earned critical praise, and her upcoming single “Talon,” along with a full-length album scheduled for early 2026, showcases her growing presence in the music scene. Her entry into theater marks an exciting new chapter in her creative journey.

Working closely with these young performers is an acclaimed artistic team led by director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, with Ejay Yatco as musical director, Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, D Cortezano as lighting designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, Salve Villarosa as dramaturg, Aron Roca as sound designer, Sheik Completado as technical director, and Jaydee Jasa as hair and makeup designer.

Spring Awakening runs from February 13 to March 22, 2026 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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