Cover The complete cast of The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ (Photo: The Sandbox Collective/Junko Bartolo)
The complete cast of The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ (Photo: The Sandbox Collective/Junko Bartolo)
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In a full circle moment, director Toff de Venecia shares what makes The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ so special
Continuing its 2025 season, The Sandbox Collective takes Filipino theatregoers to 1930s America with Side Show: The Musical this July. Telling the real-life tale of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, the production follows the two as they find fame (and notoriety) in the vaudeville circuit. Originally debuting in 1997 on Broadway, the musical was revived in 2014—introducing several new songs, refined orchestrations and a darker approach—receiving critical acclaim. For The Sandbox Collective’s staging, they will be following the latter version.
More from Tatler: The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ returns to the Philippine stage in June
Above Jon Santos plays The Boss in The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’
Jon Santos plays The Boss in The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’
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Directed by Toff de Venecia, the idea to stage Side Show: The Musical came to him during rehearsals of The Sandbox Collective’s previous show, Next to Normal. Jam Binay, who played Natalie Goodman at the time, was singing I Will Never Leave You—one of Side Show’s most iconic songs—which immediately triggered a eureka moment in him.
Above Director Toff de Venecia gives his opening remarks
Director Toff de Venecia gives his opening remarks
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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
Marynor Madamesila, Tanya Manalang, Krystal Kane, and Molly Langley as Daisy and Violet Hilton
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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
Ivan The Selfie Magician performing during The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Side Show: The Musical’ press conference
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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.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
