MANILA, PHILIPPINES – After the Little Shop of Horrors and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective is taking us on another genre-bending ride. This July 2025, the trailblazing theater company continues its 2025 season with Side Show: The Musical, a poignant and powerful reimagining of the 1997 cult classic, staged in its original form.
Set in Depression-era America, Side Show tells the compelling tale of Daisy and Violet Hilton – real-life conjoined twins who rose to fame in the vaudeville scene. It’s a haunting and heart-filled story about identity, sisterhood, and the spectacle of being different in a world obsessed with sameness.
Bringing the Hilton sisters to life are two dynamic duos guaranteed to stir your soul.
Tanya Manalang – the West End’s very own Kim (Miss Saigon) and the original Joy of Ang Huling El Bimbo steps into the shoes of Violet Hilton. She’s got Aliw and GEMS Best Actress trophies to prove she’s no stranger to the spotlight.
Sharing the stage with her is Marynor Madamesila, an ever-evolving performer known for her work in Walang Aray, Rak of Aegis, and Sandosenang Sapatos. A UP Diliman alum and Gawad Buhay nominee, Marynor brings gravitas and grit to Daisy Hilton.
In alternating performances, Molly Langley – a global performer with credits aboard Royal Caribbean and a Top 6 finalist in The Clash – joins as Violet. Trained in the UK, her past roles include Mimi in RENT and lead turns in Spring Awakening and The Wild Party.
Completing this quartet is Krystal Kane, a force both on stage and behind the scenes. A theater veteran since age 10, Krystal’s performance cred spans from Once On This Island to Spring Awakening with nods from the LEAF and BroadwayWorld Awards. She’s also the style maven behind Sandbox’s recent shows.
Comedy royalty Jon Santos steps into the role of The Boss, the sideshow manager and a symbol of the showbiz machine. Last seen stealing hearts (and scenes) in Bawat Bonggang Bagay, Jon brings decades of stage magic with hits like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Ang Huling El Bimbo, plus TV fame as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.
As Terry Connor, the press agent with a heart (and a complex), Reb Atadero and CJ Navato take turns in the spotlight. Reb, an award winning theater polymath and the brains behind viral edutainment podcast BOOM! Now We Know!, returns after acclaimed turns in tick, tick… Boom! and Little Shop of Horrors.
CJ, meanwhile, continues to evolve from Goin’ Bulilit child star to leading man status, following back to back stage appearances in Liwanag Sa Dilim, One More Chance: The Musical, and Charot!.
On the other side of the love triangle, the sweet musician Buddy Foster is played by two seasoned crooners: Vien King and Tim Pavino.
Vien brings a decade of theater excellence, with Best Actor titles (Gawad Buhay, LEAF) and roles in Rama Hari, Passion, and Disney in Concert. Tim, who is a BroadwayWorld and Aliw Award-winner comes in hot from performances in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Jersey Boys, with vocal chops honed alongside orchestras like the ABS-CBN Philharmonic and the Manila Symphony.
Completing the central cast is the role of Jake, portrayed alternately by Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas.
Marvin, a Gawad Buhay winner with a gold-certified album under his belt, is a theater fixture from Sweeney Todd to Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. His multifaceted artistry blends music and drama with seamless finesse.
Joshua, known for his fearless roles in Delia D. and Himala: Isang Musikal, brings a raw, emotional edge to Jake. His film credits (Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3, Bula sa Langit) further anchor his performance in authenticity and depth.
Rounding out the cast is an all-star ensemble of multidisciplinary performers ready to dazzle: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.
Side Show: The Musical is directed by The Sandbox Collective’s visionary artistic head Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco. The production design is a theatrical feast with Mark Dalacat (assistant director/set design), Carlos Siongco (costume design), Gabo Tolentino (lighting), JM Cabling (choreography), and Colin Dancel (photography) rounding out the dream team
Side Show: The Musical opens July 26 and runs until August 16, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets and show buying info to be announced soon. Follow the hashtag #SideShowMNL for updates.
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