The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ is Toff de Venecia’s final love letter to Philippine theatre

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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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. 

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.

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