The Sandbox Collective opens its 2026 slate with SPRING AWAKENING

Spring Awakening marks the first show under Sab Jose-Gregorio’s leadership

The Sandbox Collective will open its 2026 Season with the Tony Award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The musical is set to open in February 2026 at a brand new theater: The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock musical based on the Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

Set in 19th-century Germany, it tells the stories of teenagers exploring their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly-changing bodies. But seeking answers to the mysteries of life proves challenging in the face of uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and conservative society. Set to an electrifying alternative rock score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, Spring Awakening channels its characters' adolescent frustrations and repressions into the angst and power of being a young person in the 21st century.

SPRING AWAKENING explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that has captivated audiences all over the world.

With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by the multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (The Sandbox Collective’s Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), SPRING AWAKENING marks The Sandbox Collective’s first production under the leadership of incoming artistic director, Sab Jose, who hopes to stir conversation, empower audiences and drive the company’s education and advocacy initiatives.

With Pamintuan at the helm, the artistic team will also include Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, and D Cortezano as lighting designer.

Jose shares, “Spring Awakening marks the beginning of a new chapter here at Sandbox. While it honors the journey we’ve had in the last decade – the coming of age and constant rediscovery – it also marks a deliberate choice to continue producing shows that are radical, brave and advocacy-driven. This show isn’t just about adolescence and sexuality. It’s about reclaiming one’s body, voice and destiny and most of all, educating and empowering young audiences.”

OPEN CALL
The Sandbox Collective will hold open auditions for SPRING AWAKENING on August 31 and September 1, 2025. Interested applicants may access the audition guide and registration page here: https://www.thesandboxco.com/spring-2026

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and social media platforms: www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective, www.instagram.com/thesandboxco, www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

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SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL Announces Final One-Day-Only Extension!

The Sandbox Collective adds two more shows, must close on August 24

Due to insistent public demand, The Sandbox Collective has just announced Side Show: The Musical’s FINAL EXTENSION on August 24, 2025 with two shows – 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

The afternoon show will include Krystal Kane, Molly Langley, CJ Navato, Tim Pavino, and Joshua Cabiladas, while the evening show will include Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Reb Atadero, Vien King, and Marvin Ong. 

The company will include Jon Santos, Arion Sanchez, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Tickets to the final extension is now available online through ticket2me.net/sandboxsideshow and through the contact details below:

August 24, 3 PM
0925 306 5083

August 24, 7:30 PM
0917 854 4934
0907 564 0028
0917 619 2678

Side Show: The Musical is Toff de Venecia’s final directorial stint before his hiatus.

Side Show: The Musical is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s. The story discusses themes of love, sisterhood, and fame amid the social stigma of being different.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at ticket2me.net/sandboxsideshow. Follow @thesandboxco on Instagram for more information.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:
www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

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Theater Review: Sandbox Collective’s Side Show is a Stunning Celebration of Uniqueness and Unity

Sandbox Collective’s bold new staging of Side Show is not just a musical—it’s an experience. From the moment you enter the theater, you’re transported into the world of 1930s sideshows, thanks to an immersive setup where actors engage directly with the audience even before the curtain rises. It’s intimate, strange, and mesmerizing—just the way Side Show is meant to be.

First staged on Broadway in 1997, Side Show is a cult-favorite musical with music by Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Bill Russell. It’s based on the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who were famed performers in vaudeville and circus circuits. The musical explores not just their pursuit of fame and love, but the price of being different in a world obsessed with normalcy. The 2014 revival brought a reimagined script and deeper character development—and Sandbox’s take builds beautifully on that, making it feel both grand and personal.

At the heart of this production are Molly Langley and Krystal Kane as Violet and Daisy. Their chemistry is magnetic, and their vocal blend is hauntingly beautiful. Whether they’re harmonizing in power ballads or navigating the emotional complexity of being physically bound yet emotionally distinct, the duo commands the stage with grace and grit.

On the romantic front, CJ Navato and Vien King bring charm and vulnerability to the roles of Buddy and Terry. Their performances add layers of tenderness and longing that make the sisters’ desires even more relatable. It’s hard not to swoon over their sincerity and suave delivery.

Vien King, Krystal Kane, Molly Langley and CJ Navato

CJ Navato

The ensemble is nothing short of electrifying. Each cast member embodies the spirit of the show’s “freaks” with depth and dignity, rejecting caricature in favor of humanity. Standouts include Jon Santos as the enigmatic Boss, delivering a chilling portrayal of exploitation cloaked in charisma, and Joshua Cabiladas as Jake, whose commanding presence and rich vocals leave a lasting impact.

More than just a visual and musical treat, Side Show is a poignant reflection on difference, identity, and sisterhood. Sandbox Collective reminds us that being “different” is not something to hide, but something to celebrate. In a world that often seeks conformity, Side Show dares us to embrace our uniqueness—and each other—with open hearts.

This production is a triumph. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the spectacle until August 17 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater in Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City.

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The Sandbox Collective welcomes new Artistic Director Sab Jose

Award-winning actress and director Sab Jose steps in to lead Sandbox Collective into its next chapter

Toff De Venecia passes torch to Sandbox's new Artistic Director Sab Jose

After more than a decade of visionary leadership, award-winning theater director and cultural advocate Toff De Venecia is taking a well-deserved break from The Sandbox Collective to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. De Venecia co-founded the company in 2014 and has since become a driving force in both the local theater and creative industries. His final directorial production before his hiatus is Side Show: The Musical, which opens this July.

Stepping into the role of Artistic Director is Sab Jose, a seasoned actress, director, and Sandbox’s longtime Marketing & PR Director. Jose holds a Master’s degree in Musical Theatre from the U.K.’s Guildford School of Acting and brings almost two decades of experience in performance, education, and arts advocacy. She has worked extensively onstage and off, earning critical acclaim for both her performances and creative leadership.

“I’m honored and excited to continue the incredible work Toff has started,” Jose shares. “The Sandbox Collective has always been a space for bold, boundary-pushing work—and I look forward to expanding that vision while keeping our roots in advocacy and arts education.” A new season lineup is currently in the works and will be announced soon.

Under De Venecia’s direction, The Sandbox Collective staged a string of groundbreaking productions including No Filter, Dani Girl, Next to Normal, and Little Shop of Horrors. Beyond theater, De Venecia’s impact spans national cultural policy and creative governance. His legacy includes key laws like the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, and initiatives like the Philippine Creative Cities Network.

Side Show: The Musical—De Venecia’s final production with Sandbox (for now)—runs from July 26 to August 17, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available via ticket2me.net/sandboxsideshow. For updates, follow @thesandboxco on social media or visit www.thesandboxco.com.

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"Bawat Bonggang Bagay" -- everything is "Bongga"

1,000,001 – Watching Bawat Bonggang Bagay

I'm adding one more item to Duncan Macmillan’s growing list of brilliant things: finally seeing the Tagalized version of Every Brilliant Thing last Saturday at the PowerMac Center Spotlight Theater. It’s been on my bucket list for some time, and it was more than worth the wait.

Not just Tagalized — it’s beautifully localized.
Bawat Bonggang Bagay resonates deeply within a Filipino context. The themes, scenarios, and references feel intimately familiar — you’ll find yourself nodding, smiling, and perhaps even tearing up as memories from your own life come flooding back. It's more than a translation — it's a cultural reimagining that feels personal and true. And every brilliant thing mentioned? It reminds you to notice the joy in the ordinary.

No two shows are ever the same.
As an interactive one-actor play, the only constant is the ever-brilliant Jon Santos and the script. The rest is magic — audience members are invited to participate, portraying various characters. This spontaneity gives the show a fresh dynamic every night, offering participants their unexpected 15 minutes of fame — and sharing the stage with Jon Santos is a brilliant thing in itself.

A heartfelt, eye-opening journey.
Like the original Every Brilliant Thing, Bawat Bonggang Bagay takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, masterfully building up the main character's story. It's tender, funny, poignant, and achingly real. The narrative weaves through love, childhood, mental health, and the weight of growing up. Its message is powerful — especially for those quietly struggling — and its importance cannot be overstated.

I truly hope this won’t be the last staging of Bawat Bonggang Bagay. Jon Santos is a perfect fit for the role, delivering a performance that’s both charismatic and vulnerable. Even the set — filled with little boxes waiting to be opened — feels symbolic, inviting the audience to unpack, understand, and embrace each layer of the character’s life.

Bawat Bonggang Bagay is a special Pride Month presentation of The Sandbox Collective, directed by Jenny Jamora — and a brilliant thing worth witnessing.

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Side Show: The Musical Announces Full Company

After mounting critically-acclaimed productions of Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective continues its 2025 season with SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL this July 2025.

Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.

Featuring a stellar mix of Philippine theater’s veterans and rising stars, the show is set to captivate audiences with a brand new staging of the original 1997 version of SIDE SHOW.

THE HILTON TWINS
Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are powerhouse pairs Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley.

Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila

The award-winning and global artist, Tanya Manalang stars as Violet Hilton in Side Show. She played Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’ (West End, London) and originated the role of Joy in ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’ She is a Best Actress winner (Aliw, GEMS), and has starred in ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘The King and I,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ ‘tick, tick… Boom!,’ ‘All Out of Love,’ and more.

A proud alumna of UP Diliman’s Theatre Arts program, Marynor Madamesila stars alongside Tanya as Daisy Hilton. She is a singer, mover, and multimedia actor. Some of her recent credits include: ‘Walang Aray,’ ‘Sandosenang Sapatos,’ ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ and 'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.’ Marynor is a Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award nominee for Best Lead Actress. On screen, Marynor has appeared in ‘Pamilya Ko,’ ‘Love in 40 Days,’ ‘Oh, Mando!’ and ‘Beauty and the Boss.’

Molly Langley and Krystal Kane

Molly Langley takes the stage as Violet Hilton in Side Show. Trained at Performers College in the UK, Molly’s theater credits include ‘Spring Awakening,’ ‘The Wild Party,’ and most recently ‘RENT’ as Mimi. She is a seasoned international performer with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines. She was recently part of the sixth season of the singing competition ‘The Clash’ where she made it to the final Top 6.

Krystal Kane stars alongside Molly as Daisy Hilton. Krystal has been doing professional theater since she was 10 years old. Her previous productions include ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Spring Awakening,’ and ‘Once On This Island.’ In 2019, Krystal was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical at the first Philippine Leaf Awards, as well as Best Actress in a Musical Show by Broadwayworld Philippines. Krystal also served as the costumes stylist for The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Lungs,’ ‘Every Brilliant Thing,’ ‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay,’ and ‘Tiny Beautiful Things.

THE BOSS
Stepping into the role of The Boss is comedian, host, and TV and film actor Jon Santos. Last seen on stage in The Sandbox Collective’s sold-out runs of ‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay.’ Jon was also seen in productions such as ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,’ ‘Bituing Walang Ningning,’ and ‘Ako si Josephine.’ Outside of theater, Jon is one of the mainstay judges of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

Jon Santos as The Boss

TERRY CONNOR
Alternating in the role of the press agent and Daisy’s love interest, Terry Conor, are theater leading men Reb Atadero and CJ Navato.

Reb Atadero and CJ Navato

Reb Atadero is an award-winning actor, singer, host, voice actor, director, and content creator. He is Gawad Buhay Awardee for his portrayal of Michael in ‘tick, tick… Boom!’ and has received nominations for his performances in ‘The Graduate,’ ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’ ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Lungs,’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Beyond the stage, Reb is known for his online educational content, popularizing the catchphrase “BOOM! Now You Know!”, which has since expanded into his very own podcast, ‘BOOM! Now We Know!,’ streaming on Spotify.

With over 20 years in the industry, CJ Navato has captured the hearts of many on the big screen, TV, and now including theater. He rose to fame as a mainstay in ABS-CBN’s ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ and has since appeared in various shows like ‘Luv U,’ ‘Doc Ricky,’ ‘Pedia,’ and ‘Dirty Linen.’ He was last seen on stage in ‘Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical,’ ‘One More Chance The Musical,’ and ‘Charot!’.

BUDDY FOSTER
Sharing the role of the aspiring musician and Violet’s love interest, Buddy Foster, are leading men, Vien King and Tim Pavino.

Vien King and Tim Pavino

Marking a versatile and influential decade in the arts, Vien King has earned the title Best Actor (Gawad Buhay, LEAF Awards) for ‘Passion.’ He starred in ‘Rama Hari,’ ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!,’ and most recently in ‘Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical.’ He also appeared in MMFF hits, ‘Partners in Crime’ and ‘Love at First Stream.’ Vien has performed internationally with Disney in Concert, and now tours Asia with The Jet Theaters.

Tim Pavino is a BroadwayWorld Awardee and a two-time Aliw Awards winner. Tim’s theater experiences include ‘Miong,’ ‘The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-off,’ ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,’ ‘Matilda,’ and ‘Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.’ He has also performed with prestigious orchestras such as the BYU Chamber Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Auburn Symphony Orchestra, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and appeared on The Voice of the Philippines under Team Lea Salonga.

JAKE
Theater mainstays Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas alternate in the role of Jake.

Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas

Singer-songwriter Marvin Ong earned a Gawad Buhay Award for his performance in ‘Sweeney Todd.’ He also received a citation for his role in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.’ Marvin also played key roles in different productions such as ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ ‘Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo, at ang Limang Milyong Boto,’ ‘The Sound of Music,' and ‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.’ As a singer, Marvin has released two albums under Viva Records, the first of which earned him a certified gold record status and an Aliw Award nomination.

Joshua Cabiladas is an acclaimed Filipino actor, singer, and improviser with over a decade of experience in theater, film, and music. He was most recently seen in ‘Delia D.,’ as well as in ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle,’ ‘Lam-Ang,’ ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Himala: Isang Musikal,’ among others. He reprised his role in the film adaptation of ‘Isang Himala,’ and had notable performances in ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3,’ ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap,’ ‘Kapatiran,’ ‘Ploy,’ ‘Florante at Laura,’ and ‘Bula sa Langit.’

THE ENSEMBLE
Completing the company are the ensemble members who are set to take the stage as the sideshow curiosities. The Sandbox Collective is delighted to introduce the incredible ensemble comprised of: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Ensemble

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL will be directed by The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team will be Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel as photographer.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL opens on July 26, 2025 and will run until August 16, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets and Show Buying information will be released at a later date. #SideShowMNL

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit their website www.thesandboxco.com and social media platforms: Facebook Instagram Tiktok

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BONGGANG SIDE-BY-SIDE: Jon Santos returns to the stage with The Sandbox Collective’s Bawat Bonggang Bagay and Side Show!

A Bonggang Pagbabalik for Pride Month

Jon Santos reprises role in The Sandbox Collective's Filipino adaptation of "Every Brilliant Thing" -- "Bawat Bonggang Bagay"

Multimedia artist, comedy icon, and master impersonator Jon Santos will reprise his role as The Sandbox Collective restages a strictly limited run of its hit one-act play, BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (BBB).

Presented by The Sandbox Collective’s new arm, Sandbox Co.labs, in partnership with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati, BBB will bring back its hilarious and heart-warming portrayal of love, loss, and mental health to Filipino audiences.

In celebration of Pride Month 2025, BBB returns after its sold out engagements in 2023 and 2024. This year’s BBB also marks Santos’ fourth run of the show.

BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY is the Filipino-translated staging of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing. Award-winning playwright, translator, actor, and director Guelan Luarca worked on its translation and original staging in 2023.

BBB is an intimate and interactive play that follows the story of a young child growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness. The show continues the conversation on mental health by bringing real and pressing issues to the forefront, and by creating a safe and communal space where audiences become part and parcel of the storytelling.

Jenny Jamora will once again be stepping in as director, having directed all of the previous runs, and winning Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.

Joining Jamora in the production team are Marcel David as assistant director, Mark Dalacat as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting designer, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Yabs Yabut as technical director, GA Fallarme as projections designer, KC Kane as costume stylist, Charyl De Guzman as production manager, and IJ Romero as stage manager.

BBB will run at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati from June 14 to June 22, 2025 for a strictly limited engagement. Tickets are now available at TicketWorld via bit.ly/bbonggab25.

BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (Every Brilliant Thing) is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

Jon Santos Showing us Who's Boss

Jon Santos, performer extraordinaire, shows us who’s boss by taking the stage once more in SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL. Santos opens the sideshow as “The Boss,” who takes the reins and introduces us to the mystical world of the freaks, led by the Hilton twins.

Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.

After mounting critically acclaimed productions of musicals Little Shop of Horrors and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective, under managing artistic director Toff de Venecia’s direction, will be staging SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL in July 2025.

Joining director Toff de Venecia in the artistic team is Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team will be Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, and JM Cabling as choreographer.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL will open on July 26, 2025 and will run until August 17, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Cast, Ticketing and Show Buying information will be released in the coming days. #SandboxSideShow

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

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Theater Luminaries and Rising Stars collide in The Sandbox Collective’s NEXT TO NORMAL

On the heels of its 10th Anniversary season, The Sandbox Collective opens its 2nd decade with the Tony Award-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL in February 2025. The show explores themes of love, loss, illness, grief, and the intricacies of the family dynamics.

The cast will feature Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez alternating in the role of the matriarch Diana Goodman. A singer and an artist, Nikki makes her return to theater with Next To Normal. She is known for her iconic roles in ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ film franchise and was recently awarded a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the film ‘Family Matters.’ She also makes her theater return after her acclaimed performance in 9Works Theatrical’s ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Actress, singer and host Shiela was last seen on stage as Erzulie in 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island’. A Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award winner, she has played countless roles spanning over three decades, most recently being Sita in ‘Rama Hari,’ and Fosca in ‘Passion.’

Nikki Valdez and Shiela Valderrama

Alternating in the role of the husband Dan are OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena. A multimedia artist, Floyd’s resume boasts a wealth of work in theater, television and film. He is a Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for his featured performance in ‘Sandosenang Sapatos.’ OJ is the resident tenor of the country's premiere vocal group, The Company. An Awit Award recipient for Best New Male Recording Artist with several albums under his belt, OJ is also a Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee for his performance in ‘Rama Hari.’

OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena

Playing the perfect daughter Natalie Goodman are Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay. Jam is a singer-songwriter and multi-faceted theater artist whose recent credits include ‘Bar Boys: A New Musical,’ ‘Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog’s Sa Babaeng Lahat,’ ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal,’ ‘Ardor,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’ Sheena is a singer, dancer, actress and Star Magic. She has appeared in the various shows such as Lyric and Beat, ASAP Natin ‘To, and It’s Showtime, of which she served as a host in the Showtime Online Universe. Sheena’s recent theater credits include the musicals ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Tabing Ilog.’

Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay

The elusive Gabe Goodman will be played by Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos. Vino is an up-and-coming theater actor and talent under Star Magic, renowned for his compelling performances. A graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, his recent projects include ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Dekada 70,’ and ‘Tabing Ilog,’ among others. Benedix is an actor, singer-songwriter, commercial model, host, and content creator managed by Star Hunt/Star Magic ABS-CBN. A vibrant talent in theater, his recent theater credits include ‘Bar Boys,’ ‘Tabing Ilog,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ to name a few.

Benedix Ramos and Vino Mabalot

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will share the role of Henry, the boy who falls in love with Natalie. Omar, a distinguished actor and singer under Star Magic, has graced both the stage and screen with his versatile talent. Celebrated for his roles in musicals like ‘Mula sa Buwan’ and ‘Ibong Adarna,’ he also shone in ‘Bar Boys.’ A sought after theater actor, Davy’s credits for 2024 include: ‘Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical,’ ‘I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change,’ (male swing) and ‘Othello.’ In 2022, he was a soloist and member of the ensemble in Musikal II, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 53rd Anniversary Gala.

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso

Playing the role of the psychiatrist Dr. Madden is Jef Flores. An award-winning actor and musician, Jef is known for his nuanced performances in theater and independent films. His theater credits include 9WT’s ‘Musikal nAPO’, The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Himala: Isang Musikal,’ ‘This Is Our Youth,’ and most recently, 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island.’

Jef Flores

At the helm of the production and directing the show is The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff De Venecia, Joining him are Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, Mark Daniel Dalacat as Production Designer/Associate Director, Elliza Dawn Aurelio as Hair & Make Up Designer, Jonas Garcia as dramaturg, Serena Magiliw as Intimacy Coach, Gabo Tolentino as Lighting Designer, Aji Manalo as Sound Designer/Engineer, and Francisco Miguel Yabut as Technical Director.

The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal will open in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. The musical will be directed by Sandbox’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco, music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

Making its Broadway debut in 2009, Next to Normal has been credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:

www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

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Picking up on TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS

At the matinee performance of Tiny Beautiful Things by The Sandbox Collective, I found myself reflecting on lessons that could enrich our daily lives. The show gently tugs at the heartstrings, but in the best possible way—it lifts you up, giving you a sense of strength and courage. It’s a letter of advice you didn’t realize you needed, one that quietly reminds you of your own resilience.

One of my favorite lines, “Dear Sugar,” encapsulates the heart of the play. The letters of advice are intimate, personal, and delivered with such warmth that they feel almost like a conversation with an old friend. The experience was immersive—not just as a spectator, but as someone who could relate deeply to the themes of vulnerability and compassion. I found myself longing for the art of writing letters again, the kind that offer anonymous solace and the freedom to express without judgment.

The cast, led by Iza Calzado, Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, and Gabby Padilla, are nothing short of outstanding. They are mirrors of us all, embodying the struggles, hopes, and messy realities that Cheryl Strayed’s Dear Sugar column addresses. Through their performances, we see our own lives reflected—our challenges, our triumphs, and our need for a little guidance when life gets tough. Tiny Beautiful Things reminds us that we are all connected in our shared humanity. We may be luckier or less fortunate than others, but we’ve all been—or will be—Cheryl at some point in our lives.

Directed by Jenny Jamora, Tiny Beautiful Things is the opening production of The Sandbox Collective's 10th season. The show is currently running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Ayala Circuit, Makati, and will run until December 8, 2024. Tickets are available through thesandboxco.com or via Ticket2Me.

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Tiny Beautiful Things: Finding Familiar Communities with Anonymous Voice

Making its Philippine premiere, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters will serve as The Sandbox Collective’s season finale this November 2024, capping off the theatrical company’s 10th-year anniversary season, #SandboxNowandTen.

Cast of Tiny Beautiful Things: (L-R) Rody Vera, Ketchup Eusebio, Jenny Jamora, Iza Calzado, Gabby Padilla, Regina De Vera and Brian Sy

Straddling the line between fiction and non-fiction, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters draws its plot from author Cheryl Strayed’s stint as an anonymous advice columnist. Director Jenny Jamora sought to create a set that was at once nebulous and familiar, while never straying from the physical constraints of Sugar’s apartment, noting the collaborative journey both the actors and the artistic team have taken to create the world of TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS. “How much Sugar shares of herself is reflected in how she and the letter writers share the physical space,” she shares. “The space is physically the same, but toward the end of the play the way they use it should also reflect the community this group of people has become.”

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will feature Iza Calzado in the role of Sugar. She will be joined by three other cast members who will portray a revolving door of letter writers, all seeking advice from Calzado’s character. Although the characters maintain anonymity by using code names in their letters, their stories reflect the wide human experience–with all the highs and lows–that will strike a familiar chord with the audience.

Iza Calzado as Sugar

Joining Calzado are Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla and Ketchup Eusebio as the letter writers. Rounding out the cast are Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing/letter writer at certain performances).

At the helm of the production is Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora who will be directing the show. Joining her in the artistic team are Marcel David as assistant director, Kayla Teodoro as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting and technical director, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 PM, while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. 

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through our official show buyers.

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DEAR SUGAR... Tiny Beautiful Things Full Cast Revealed

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters is set to make its Philippine premiere this November 2024. Featuring true stories and real letters, the play is based on the book-turned-play-turned-limited TV series. Written by acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed (bestselling author of Wild) and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise), the straight play chronicles the journey of Strayed as Sugar, an anonymous advice columnist whose radical empathy won the hearts of many readers.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will feature Calzado in the role of Sugar. She will be joined by three other cast members who will lend epistolary voices to the letter writers.

Joining Calzado are Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla and Ketchup Eusebio as the letter writers. Rounding out the cast are Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing/letter writer at certain performances).

Rody Vera is a multi-awarded playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer. A pillar of the Philippine theatrical scene, Palanca hall of famer and Gawad Buhay awardee, he has been in several shows including Otelo, Rak of Aegis, and most recently in Old Gaze. Rody is a seasoned actor, also appearing in films such as Sister Stella L (Mike De Leon, 1984) and Ora Pro Nobis (Lino Brocka, 1989). Last seen in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Gabby Padilla is a theater, film, and TV actress. She has appeared in TV shows and films such as Billie & Emma (2019), Dead Kids (2019), Eerie (2019), and Kono Basho (2024) which earned her the Best Actress Award at Cinemalaya 2024. Making his return to the stage, Ketchup Eusebio is an actor and comedian with a career spanning over two decades. He has appeared in films and TV shows including Ang Tanging Ina films (2003), Maalaala Mo Kaya anthologies (2006), Heneral Luna (2016), and Un/Happy For You (2024).

Most recently seen in Mula Sa Buwan, Brian Sy is a sought after theater, TV, and film actor. He has appeared in various productions including his award-winning turn in Coriolano and The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs. Brian has also appeared in films and TV shows including GomBurZa (2023) and the Philippine adaptation of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2024). An actress and a director, Regina De Vera received her MFA in Acting at The Juilliard School in 2019. She was a resident actor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for five years. She made her theatrical debut in the US with The Underpants (The Old Globe, 2019) and made her directorial debut in the Philippines at the 17th Virgin Labfest Festival (2022). De Vera most recently appeared in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal.

At the helm of the production is Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora who will be directing the show. Joining her in the artistic team are Marcel David as assistant director, Kayla Teodoro as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting and technical director, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 PM, while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Special Thanks to our major sponsors MAC Cosmetics, official makeup partner; Privato Hotel, official hotel partner; Pitchworks, official billboard partner.

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through our official show buyers.

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Jon Santos Back on Stage in a Filipino Staging of Every Brilliant Thing

Multimedia artist, comedy icon, and master impersonator Jon Santos joins The Sandbox Collective’s SANDBOX FEST 2023 to bring a Filipino-translated performance of Duncan Macmillan and Johnny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing to the local stage.

Santos has made his mark on the Philippine theater scene, recently playing roles in Ang Huling El Bimbo and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Santos is best known for writing and producing comedy shows, and for impersonating pop culture and political personalities such as Vilma Santos and the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

More recently, Santos made waves in the Philippine drag scene after being one of the alternating judges on the hit reality show Drag Race Philippines, a local franchise of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Every Brilliant Thing is a one-act, interactive play that follows the story of a young child growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness. The show has been staged in multiple countries and has also been translated into different languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, and Hebrew. Tasked with Every Brilliant Thing’s Filipino translation is award-winning playwright, translator, actor, and director Guelan Luarca.

Luarca was the recipient of the 2022 Gawad Rolando Tinio Translator’s Prize by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

With its Filipino version ready to take the stage, Every Brilliant Thing expands its reach and potential by giving Filipino audiences the opportunity to discuss mental health in a safe space and through their native language. What The Sandbox Collective hopes to achieve through this original translation is to continue to normalize the conversation on mental health and to encourage healthy discourse in the Philippines where depression and grief continue to be taboo topics among more traditional households.

Santos is thrilled to be taking the reins and starring in the Filipino staging of Every Brilliant Thing as the project also marks his return to Philippine theater. He shares, “In my experience, the takeaways in shows are much more intense when the setup is an actor-to-live audience. You look at the eye of an actor and the message is shot right through your heart. It’s exciting and overwhelming, but also heartwarming to realize that an actor can help change perspectives or spark conversations about mental health.”

Joining Santos and reprising their roles in the solo-actor show are model, actress, and TV host Teresa Herrera and theater actress, multimedia host, and entrepreneur Kakki Teodoro. Both Herrera and Teodoro received Gawad Buhay Award nominations for their previous Every Brilliant Thing runs, with Teodoro bagging the prize for Female Lead in 2020.

Teresa Herrera, Jon Santos and Kakki Teodoro for Every Brilliant Thing

Jenny Jamora returns to the director’s chair for both the English and Filipino versions of Every Brilliant Thing. Jamora directed the 2019 run of Every Brilliant Thing and received the Gawad Buhay Award for Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play in 2020.

Every Brilliant Thing will run alongside Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs in a twinbill (two shows, one ticket) experience in this season’s SANDBOX FEST 2023.

SANDBOX FEST 2023 will run at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, 2/F Maybank Performing Arts Theater, 9th Avenue cor. 26th Street, BGC, Taguig City from June 17-July 15, 2023. Tickets are now available through Ticketworld or through The Sandbox Collective at +63917 152 5560. 

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Sandbox Fest 2023: BACK after a breather with a twin bill performance

Three years after Sandbox Fest 2020—a month-long festival featuring the works of English playwright Duncan Macmillan—came to an abrupt halt in March 2020, The Sandbox Collective returns to breathe new life and begin again with SANDBOX FEST 2023, a twin bill experience featuring Duncan Macmillan plays Every Brilliant Thing and Lungs.

SANDBOX FEST 2023 will be sold exclusively as a twin bill experience: one ticket, two shows, one breathtakingly brilliant experience. Audiences will have the opportunity to purchase a single, same-day ticket good for both shows. The shows will run one after the other, with a 20-minute interval in between. While twin bills are not an entirely new concept in theater, spending three hours at the theater might be unfamiliar to some Manila theatergoers. The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff de Venecia, hopes that SANDBOX FEST 2023 will give audiences a fresh perspective on how one experiences theater: “I’m very excited for the twin-bill experience of Duncan Macmillan’s works, and see how these award-winning one-act plays will resonate with each other, adding to how the world has changed dramatically since we first staged them in 2018 and 2019, thereby impacting the audience’s overall experience and takeaway.”

LUNGS

The last time Lungs was set to be staged In March 2020, the actors and The Sandbox Collective’s creative team sought to answer the questions, "What world are we leaving the future generations?" and "Even if I wanted children, with everything going on around us, what kind of world would I be leaving them?" Already incredibly topical questions in March 2020, they carry even more emotional weight now. Three years down the road, the world has changed in exactly the way the play’s characters feared. On the heels of those questions comes a new one, brought on by the current state of our society: what does it mean to stage a play with characters so fearful of a far-off future in our present time, now that so many of those fears have come true in the real world?

During its original 2018 run, Lungs received seven Gawad Buhay nominations, including Female Lead Performance in a Play for returning cast member Sab Jose. For SANDBOX FEST 2023, Sab will be joined by Gawad Buhay-nominated theater actor Reb Atadero, who was last seen in Breakups & Breakdowns and Ang Huling El Bimbo. The 2023 run will also welcome theater actors Brian Sy & Justine Peña as they step into the shoes of Lung’s anxiety-ridden characters. Justine’s performance in Uncle Jane earlier this year was lauded by critics and theatergoers alike, while Brian’s turn in Coriolano was met with widespread acclaim, garnering him a Gawad Buhay Award for Best Male Featured Performance in 2020. Serving as the show’s assistant director in 2018 and 2020, Gawad Buhay Awardee Caisa Borromeo now takes the reins as the director for Lungs.

EVERY BRILLIANT THING
In 2019, The Sandbox Collective took an enormous leap of faith with the premiere of Every Brilliant Thing, praying that Filipino audiences were ready to hear and see its burgeoning message of hope amidst mental illness. Four years later, as the Philippine theater industry continues to recover and find its footing in a post-pandemic world, Every Brilliant Thing’s message to find joy in the mundane, and to appreciate the everyday is more relevant than ever.

Once again taking on the challenge of this one-woman show is actress, model and TV host Teresa Herrera, who will alternate performances with theater actress, multimedia host, entrepreneur and Gawad Buhay Awardee Kakki Teodoro (Outstanding Female Lead/EBT). Both Herrera and Teodoro picked up Gawad Buhay nominations for Outstanding Female Lead for the 2019 run of Every Brilliant Thing. A new, surprise cast member will also be teased and announced in the coming days. Jenny Jamora will once again be stepping in as director, having directed all its previous runs, and winning Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.

Philippine theater, like the rest of the world, has changed immensely since the curtains last rose in 2020. But audiences can find comfort in the fact that the core of both shows remains unchanged: at its heart, SANDBOX FEST 2023 celebrates the innate goodness of people, the human capacity to overcome both internal and external struggles, and the desire to heal both ourselves and the world around us.

Rounding out the artistic team are Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Miggy Panaganiban as lighting designer and Krystal Kane as costume stylist. Heading the production team are The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director Toff De Venecia, Anna Santamaria as operations & finance director, Sab Jose as marketing & PR director and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the team are Salve Villarosa as marketing and PR manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR associate, Shai Libunao as promo and creatives associate, Marielle Filoteo as social media associate, Marcel David as production manager (Sandbox Fest 2023) and stage manager (Every Brilliant Thing), and Pachot Festejo as stage manager (Lungs).

SANDBOX FEST 2023 will run at the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall, 2/F Maybank Performing Arts Theater, 9th Avenue cor. 26th Street, BGC, Taguig City from June 17- July 15, 2023.

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EVERY BRILLIANT THING review

In an intimate theater, the audience enumerated a number of things that made us all happy. Duncan Macmillan's Every Brilliant Thing lists a million items whether it brings joy to us or not and makes us realize how such things deserves to be on that list.

Watching it last March 5 for The Sandbox Creative's opening for the #SandboxFest2020, I was taken on a journey of mental health, given a deeper understanding and empathy to those suffering from it. An immersive, interactive and fun one-man play as you get in the shoes of the actor (Teresa Herrera) as a child with the condition. It is a balance of laughter and loss where we can actually relate and be a catalyst of reaching out to them. Unsuspecting audience members are pulled for impromptu roles and awakens the rest. You'll never know what will happen and you'll be attentive to the whole play.

Beautiful and clever, you have to see it. Sadly, the Sandbox Fest is forced to stopped to the current COVID19 situation but I hope that when everything is better, you'll be able to see it too.

If you need a professional help or know someone who needs it, call the National Center for Mental Health hotlines: 0917-899-USAP (8727) or 989-USAP (8727).

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