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).

For updates, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok at @TheSandboxCo, or visit www.thesandboxco.com

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Masters of the Stage: Philippine Theater greats join Spring Awakening

The Sandbox Collective raises the curtain on its 2026 season with a powerhouse lineup of Philippine theater legends who will bring new depth and urgency to Spring Awakening. Guiding this bold revival are three veterans whose names have long been synonymous with excellence in the local performing arts.

“First Lady of Philippine Theater” Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and multi-awarded artist Ana Abad Santos will share the role of Adult Woman, each bringing her own distinct interpretation to the musical’s complex authority figure. Lauchengco-Yulo, whose storied career includes acclaimed portrayals in Evita, Passion, Sweeney Todd, Next to Normal, and Miss Saigon, recently captivated audiences as Kimberly Akimbo in the show’s Singapore staging. Abad Santos, long admired for her fearless work in both theater and film, returns to the stage following standout performances in A Streetcar Named Desire, Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, and the film Quezon, where she portrayed Carmen Hernando.

 

Joining them is the “King of Philippine Musical Theater” Audie Gemora, who steps into the role of Adult Man. With a career spanning over 70 productions including Pippin, Evita, and Les Misérables, Gemora has earned multiple Gawad Buhay Awards for his performances in Sweeney Todd, The Producers, and La Cage Aux Folles. His presence adds a commanding weight to the world of the show—one where authority shapes the lives of its young protagonists.

As director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan leads this production, he emphasizes that the themes of Spring Awakening echo the realities of today’s society. He notes that the oppressive systems at the heart of the musical—once embodied by the bourgeoisie—are reflected today in forms of political elitism, conservative religious influence, and structures that limit the voices of the youth. For Pamintuan, the relevance of the show is unmistakable, as many young Filipinos continue to navigate issues of mental health, abuse, identity, and silence.

Anchored by these exceptional veterans, the production promises a gripping and emotionally charged reimagining of the Tony Award–winning musical. Their mastery ensures that the story’s intergenerational tensions are more resonant than ever, setting the stage for an unforgettable season opener for The Sandbox Collective.

A strong lineup of more established performers also joins the company, each bringing depth and experience to the world of Spring Awakening. Taking on the role of Hänschen Rilow is Angelo Martinez, a Singapore-based performer and the first Filipino to portray Evan Hansen in the Southeast Asian production of Dear Evan Hansen. Vino Mabalot steps in as Otto Lämmermeier, showcasing the powerful, emotionally charged vocals that have defined his performances in Alice in Wonderland, Quomodo Desolata Es?, and Next to Normal.

 

Jam Binay brings her versatility to the role of Ilse Neumann, following standout performances in Pingkian, Next to Normal, Bar Boys: The Musical, and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Meanwhile, Mijon Cortez appears as Anna, continuing her multidisciplinary work that spans music, sound design, and theater. Felicity Kyle Napuli portrays Thea, adding to her growing body of work that includes A Little Princess, Matilda the Musical, and the international tour of The Lion King.

 

Elian Dominguez takes on the role of Ernst Röbel, building on his experience from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Bar Boys: The Musical. Davy Narciso plays Georg Zirschnitz, further cementing his reputation after performances in Next to Normal, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Othello.

 

Joining the cast as female swings are Pappel, a singer-songwriter under O/C Records, and Nikki Bengzon, who marks her professional musical theater debut. Completing the ensemble are male swings Lance Soliman, a vocal coach and recording artist, and Gabo Tiongson, an accomplished performer known for his virtuosity on the acoustic guitar and his work in Alice in Wonderland.

 

 

SPRING AWAKENING runs from February 13 to March 22, 2026, at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me.

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The Devil Wears Prada 2 Begins Production: A Fashion Saga Returns to the Big Screen

After nearly 20 years of anticipation, one of cinema’s most iconic fashion stories is getting a long-awaited sequel. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has officially begun production, bringing back the powerhouse ensemble that helped turn the original into a cultural phenomenon. On June 30, 2025, 20th Century Studios confirmed that cameras are rolling, setting the stage for a stylish and dramatic return to the world of high fashion and magazine publishing.

Meryl Streep reprises her role as Miranda Priestly, the cold, commanding editor-in-chief of Runway magazine — a character who became an instant icon and earned Streep an Oscar nomination. Anne Hathaway is also back as Andy Sachs, the once-naïve assistant who found her voice and walked away from the toxic glamour of the fashion world. Emily Blunt returns as Emily Charlton, whose sharp wit and competitive edge made her a standout in the original film. And of course, Stanley Tucci is once again stepping into the shoes of Nigel Kipling, the fashion insider with a sharp eye and an even sharper tongue.

In an exciting new development, Kenneth Branagh joins the cast as Miranda’s husband, promising to add a new layer of personal drama to the sequel. Behind the camera, the original creative minds are returning as well. Director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are reuniting to ensure the story maintains the sharp humor, emotional tension, and glamorous aesthetic that made the first film so unforgettable. Producer Wendy Finerman is also back on board.

While much of the plot is still under wraps, early details suggest that the sequel will explore how the once-mighty world of fashion publishing is adapting — or failing to adapt — to a rapidly changing media landscape. Miranda Priestly is said to be facing the decline of traditional print magazines, while Emily Charlton has risen to a position of power as an executive at a luxury conglomerate, holding the advertising purse strings that Runway desperately needs. How Andy re-enters the picture is still a mystery, but given the character’s past evolution, fans can expect a thoughtful and perhaps surprising return.

Production is now underway, with filming expected to take place in major fashion capitals like New York City and possibly Paris or Milan, capturing the global scale of today’s luxury industry. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 isn’t just a nostalgic reunion — it’s poised to be a timely and resonant exploration of ambition, reinvention, and the cost of staying relevant in an unforgiving industry. With its legendary cast, beloved characters, and high-fashion drama, the sequel promises to deliver everything fans loved the first time around — and then some.

So, grab your stilettos and mark your calendars. Miranda Priestly is back — and something tells us she’s not in the mood for cerulean. 

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