Why Side Show the Musical Is a Celebration of Being Different and Being Seen
The Sandbox Collective restages Side Show the Musical starting July 26
Most children have, at some point, been called “weird” or “different”—sometimes to the point that they begin to question their self-worth. But how does being different truly affect a person’s confidence? This is one of the questions that Side Show the Musical seeks to answer, as The Sandbox Collective brings it back to the stage this July.
Based on the lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, Side Show the Musical is directed by Toff de Venecia, who also helmed last year’s Little Shop of Horrors.
Why the Story Resonates With the Audience
Two versions of Side Show have been staged in the past, and this year, the company is bringing back the 1997 version. According to director Toff de Venecia, this version more directly explores social issues and advocacy.
“When I brought it up with the cast—the whole company—they all embraced this reading of Side Show. So there’s a lot of advocacy, passion, and belief that we bring into this production,” he said.
While the 2014 version of the musical also resonated with de Venecia, he and the team chose to return to the 1997 script, describing it as “a braver version.”
Side Show director Toff de Venecia during the press presetation. Photo by Junko Bartolo for The Sandbox Collective
“It’s something that we can sink our teeth into. Kami sa Sandbox Collective (We at Sandbox Collective) love doing forum theater—we platform the advocacies and social issues we want to talk about,” he added.
AdvertisementReb Atadero, who plays Terry in the show, reflected on the relevance of the material: “As we’re putting the show together, the important themes that jumped out were the fight for survival, finding out where you get to be, and doing all of it in the spirit of the ones you love.”
“Hopefully, when you watch the show, you’ll see yourself there—even in the parts of you that you hide—and feel validated.”
Sisterly Bond On and Off Stage
For cast members Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Molly Langley, and Krystal Kane—who alternate as Daisy and Violet—one of the biggest challenges was building a believable sisterly bond.
“This is definitely new to me. For one, I do not have siblings,” Tanya said. “It’s made me a more generous and considerate actor. Every time I make a choice on stage, I have to consider her,” she added, referring to her twin counterpart Marynor.
Tanya also shared how working closely with her co-star gave her a glimpse of what it’s like to have a sibling: “It’s challenging and something that will make me grow as an actor.”
Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila during the press presentation. Photo by Junko Bartolo for The Sandbox Collective
Krystal Kane echoed the importance of chemistry, recalling how she and Molly Langley connected during rehearsals: “You know when you just feel that connection with someone? I felt that while singing with Molly,” she said. “I knew that if we got the roles, I could really do this with her—and we’ve been building our chemistry ever since.”
Molly Langley and Krystal Kane during the press presentation. Photo by Junko Bartolo for The Sandbox Collective
The Cast and Crew
The production also stars Jon Santos as the Boss, CJ Navato as Terry, Vien King and Tim Pavino as Buddy Foster, and Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas as Jake.
The ensemble includes Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.
Get ready to go back to the time of the 1930s when Side Show opens, starting July 26 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati.
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