Latest news with #JonSantos
Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The Sandbox Collective's ‘Side Show: The Musical' is Toff de Venecia's final love letter to Philippine theatre
Above Jon Santos interacting with the audience before the show starts (Photo: Gabriel Bohol) Before the show starts, the cast excitedly takes the stage and interacts with the audience—detached from their roles and asking questions. The day I watched, Jon Santos, who plays the Boss, mentions that we should get ready for a 'darker version of Bongga ', referencing his previous work in Bawat Bonggang Bagay . At a moment's notice, everyone snaps into character for a seamless transition to the start of the show. Ever committed to its advocacies, The Sandbox Collective starts Side Show with soundbites from prominent historical figures, but what struck me the most was former President Rodrigo Duterte's quote about the war on drugs. It was terrifying to hear once again, and to be used in this context reinforced what Santos had previously mentioned. See also: What to expect at the Philippine staging of 'Into The Woods' Above Reine Paisley in her theatre debut (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) JM Cabling's choreography, paired with The Sandbox Collective's partnership with Ivan the Selfie Magician, was one of the best parts of the show. The lively ensemble darting around the room while performing magic tricks set the tone—making it feel like I was at an old-timey carnival. It only gets better with Mark Dalacat's set design and Carlos Siongco's costume design, to which the production spared no expense. Above Marynor Madamesila and Tanya Manalang-Atadero as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Krystal Kane and Molly Langley as Daisy and Violet Hilton (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Side Show 's casting couldn't have been done better as everyone—from the leads to the ensemble and alternates—infused their own unique variations to the roles. For instance, the Hilton Twins: Tanya Manalang-Atadero and Marynor Madamesila and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley gave us a glimpse of what it's like to be in their shoes. While the world around them can only see them as freaks, the show allows the audience to see past that. To us, the two aren't Siamese twins; they're just twins who talk and feel as we do. Above Jon Santos as The Boss (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) As the only role outside the ensemble that has no alternates, Santos masterfully commands the stage with his powerful presence as The Boss. It's a shame that his character has little appearance, as I would've loved to see more of his antics. Thankfully, Santos still puts on a show in the form of other characters that bear his signature flair. Read also: 'Intramuros Evenings' returns with a unique restaging of 'Ganito Na Kami Noon, Paano Na Ngayon?' Above CJ Navato as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Reb Atadero as Terry Connor (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Vien King as Buddy Foster with Krystal Kane and Molly Langley (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Terry Connor, Buddy Foster and Jake—three characters who are made night and day through the different approaches by six actors were nothing short of perfect. CJ Navato and Reb Atadero, as the charming Terry, both performed heartfelt solos but differed in how they swaggered around as an agency suit. While the former makes it seem as though he's truly fallen for one of the twins, the latter makes it feel more sinister, changing how one might interpret the story. Vien King and Tim Pavino, on the other hand, gave us flashy and modest versions of Buddy. Above Marvin Ong as Jake (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above Joshua Cabiladas as Jake (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) By far, however, everyone pales in comparison to Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas' portrayal of Jake. In each of their performances of You Should Be Loved , the audience erupted into cheers. Interestingly, Cabiladas bore a thick Filipino accent, which gave his songs a unique twang that made them all the more entrancing. Ong's version, while distinct from Cabiladas, was equally amazing. While Jake is a supporting character, the two's nuanced takes easily made him one of the most loved in the musical. Above The freaks performing close-up magic (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) Above The costume of The Masked Ragdoll during the intermission (Photo: Gabriel Bohol) Side Show 's cast is rounded out by its energetic ensemble, who took the time to learn close-up magic tricks for their roles as the freaks. Each member had a 'freak' that made them unique—from a bearded lady to an arsonist and a psychic. Come intermission, mannequins were put on display on stage, adorned with the freaks' costumes and labelled descriptions on what makes each of them special. Guests are encouraged to leave their seats to get to know the side show's denizens. Above One of the banners at the side show (Photo: Loreta Arroyo) As De Venecia's final directorial stint with The Sandbox Collective, one could say that Side Show is a culmination of his over-a-decade-long passion for theatre and is a fitting send-off. It was a beautiful blend of advocacies and theatricality which could be considered his magnum opus. The Sandbox Collective's Side Show the Musical runs until August 17, 2025, at the Power Mac Centre Spotlight Blackbox Theatre, Circuit Makati. For more information, follow their social media pages. NOW READ 'Les Misérables' returns to the Philippine stage in January 2026 James J Robinson's 'First Light' challenges the idea of religion as a way to control people 15th Gawad Buhay Awards: the complete list of nominees is here
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jon Santos returns to stage with 'Bawat Bonggang Bagay' and 'Side Show'
This Pride Month, Filipino theater icon Jon Santos is making a triumphant return to the stage in "Bawat Bonggang Bagay." As if that's not enough, he will quickly up the ante in July with "Side Show: The Musical," presented by The Sandbox Collective at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati. "Bawat Bonggang Bagay" (BBB) returns for a strictly limited engagement from June 14 to June 22, 2025. The Filipino adaptation of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe's acclaimed "Every Brilliant Thing," "BBB" is translated into Filipino by Guelan Luarca, under the direction of Jenny Jamora, who won Outstanding Stage Direction at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards for her work on the piece. Turning mental health advocacy into a raw and moving theatrical experience, the play follows a child who begins writing a list of all the brilliant things in life to help their mother through depression. It's an earnest, participatory piece that finds humor and healing in the darkest moments, with audiences invited to literally become part of the story. Side Show: The Musical From heartfelt monologue to vaudeville spectacle, Santos pivots into a bold new role in July as "Side Show: The Musical" hits the stage beginning July 26. Here, he stars as 'The Boss,' the charismatic ringmaster, who introduces audiences to the world of the so-called 'freaks'—centered on the extraordinary lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton. Set in 1930s America, "Side Show" is a fictionalized musical account of the real-life Hilton sisters who rose to fame in the vaudeville circuit. Behind the bright lights and applause lies a story of sisterhood, selfhood, and the search for love and acceptance—a fitting narrative for the month that celebrates queerness, uniqueness, and chosen family. Directed by Toff de Venecia, "Side Show" marks another daring chapter for The Sandbox Collective, which previously mounted acclaimed productions like "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Next to Normal." "Side Show" boasts a stellar artistic team, with Ejay Yatco as musical director, JM Cabling as choreographer, Mark Dalacat pulling double duty as assistant director and set designer, Gabo Tolentino (lighting design), and Carlos Siongco (costume design). Though full casting and ticketing details have yet to be announced, Jon Santos' role alone is enough to generate excitement. As 'The Boss,' he's expected to bring his signature flair to the stage, lacing grandeur with empathy and showmanship. This double billing of BBB and "Side Show" beginning Pride Month is more than theatrical programming. It's a cultural moment. A proud member of the LGBT+ community and a pillar of Philippine comedy and theater, Jon Santos returns to the stage not only to entertain but to affirm the power of visibility, vulnerability, and joy. Catch "Bawat Bonggang Bagay" from June 14 to 22, and "Side Show" from July 26 to August 17 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. — LA, GMA Integrated News
