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Tatler Asia
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Why you should watch The Sandbox Collective's ‘Side Show: The Musical'
Above Director Toff de Venecia gives his opening remarks The show also holds a special place in the young creative director's heart. He shares that the musical was his first foray into directing, which led to him helming the production of Little Shop of Horrors the following year. 'This was the first show that I ever directed on my own back in 2010. To have done Little Shop of Horrors last year and then Side Show this year, it feels like a full circle moment,' he says. Given that there are two versions of the musical—the original 1997 staging and the 2014 revival—De Venecia reveals that The Sandbox Collective will follow the latter. 'This is my favourite version of the show. It's the one that I grew up with and the one I directed before… It's also more political, so it's something that we could really sink our teeth into. Theatre is a platform for advocacy where we talk about social issues, and this is the perfect version of the show to do just that. It's similar but different,' he shares. See also: Virgin Labfest (VLF) 2025 courageously opens difficult conversations Above Marynor Madamesila, Tanya Manalang, Krystal Kane, and Molly Langley as Daisy and Violet Hilton Themed around identity, love and acceptance and set in a world that shuns being different, Side Show: The Musical tells a relevant story despite its historical and macabre setting. We've seen it in real life with violence as an answer towards pride marches and systemic racial inequalities. The musical is an ode to those who aren't seen as 'normal'—only next to it. 'Hopefully, when you watch it, you feel seen. Even if there's a part of you that you hide from everybody, we want you to feel validated when you watch,' says Reb Atadero, who plays Terry. Above Ivan The Selfie Magician performing during The Sandbox Collective's 'Side Show: The Musical' press conference In an effort to enhance the circus aesthetic and vibe, The Sandbox Collective enlisted the help of Ivan the Selfie Magician as their magic consultant. As a master illusionist and performer, Ivan has been teaching the cast how to do close-up magic and other seemingly impossible tricks. While The Sandbox Collective has playfully dodged questions on the extent of their stunts, it's safe to assume The Sandbox Collective's Side Show: The Musical opens on July 26 and runs until August 16 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. For more information, visit their social media pages. NOW READ Reimagining the narratives of the past: the UP Vargas Museum highlights works by Lee Paje and Ampannee Satoh The Playbook Club's 'First Love, Last Love: A Twinbill' tells intimate stories of time and connection Repertory Philippines brings Yasmina Reza's acclaimed comedy play to the stage, offering insights into art's true value
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
