Step Right Up for the Spectacle: Side Show: The Musical Reveals Full Cast for July 2025 Premiere in Makati

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🎪 A story of sisterhood, survival, and spotlighted strangeness opens this July at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater.

After back-to-back hits like Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective is diving headfirst into the freakish and the fabulous with its next major production: Side Show: The Musical—opening this July 26, 2025 at Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. The full cast has just been announced, and it’s an all-star mix of Philippine theater legends, rising stars, and curious sideshow talents who are ready to sing their truth in full spotlight.

🎭 About the Show

Set in 1930s America, Side Show is a fictionalized musical drama inspired by the real-life story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins who found fame, exploitation, and fleeting freedom as vaudeville performers. It’s a haunting, heart-wrenching tale of sisterhood, spectacle, and the pursuit of love in a world that calls them “freaks.”

This Philippine staging will bring to life the original 1997 Broadway version—known for its emotionally charged score and bold theatricality—under the direction of Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco.

🌟 Meet the Hilton Twins: Two Powerhouse Pairs

The story’s emotional core lies in the bond between the twins. For Side Show’s Manila run, two powerhouse pairs will alternate in the lead roles:

🟣 Tanya Manalang (Violet) & Marynor Madamesila (Daisy)
🔵 Molly Langley (Violet) & Krystal Kane (Daisy)

Tanya Manalang (Miss Saigon, Ang Huling El Bimbo) and Marynor Madamesila (Rak of Aegis, Walang Aray) are both critically acclaimed actresses who bring a grounded intensity and rich emotional depth to the twins. Meanwhile, Molly Langley, trained in the UK and a standout finalist from The Clash, is paired with the versatile Krystal Kane, a longtime Sandbox collaborator and award-nominated performer.

🎪 Supporting Cast: Spotlight on Love, Loyalty, and the “Freak Show” World

Jon Santos plays The Boss, a controlling showrunner who monetizes the twins’ uniqueness. Known for his fearless comedy and drag brilliance, Santos recently shone in Bawat Bonggang Bagay and remains a staple on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

The romantic entanglements of Daisy and Violet are explored through alternating casts:

💘 Terry Connor (Daisy’s love interest & press agent)

  • Played by Reb Atadero (tick, tick… Boom!) and CJ Navato (Charot!, Dirty Linen)

🎸 Buddy Foster (Violet’s love interest & aspiring musician)

  • Played by Vien King (Passion, Rama Hari) and Tim Pavino (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Jersey Boys)

💔 Jake (the twins’ loyal protector)

  • Played by Marvin Ong (Sweeney Todd) and Joshua Cabiladas (Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo)

🤹‍♀️ Ensemble of Curiosities: The Sideshow Stars

Playing various “freaks,” performers, and vaudeville oddities are:

  • Arion Sanchez

  • Chan Rabutazo

  • Fay Castro

  • Daniel Wesley

  • Ian Hermogenes

  • Mikee Baskiñas

  • Pamela Imperial

  • Pappel

  • Raflesia Bravo

  • Red Nuestro

  • Reine Paisley

  • Rhap Salazar

From contortionists to bearded ladies, this ensemble will bring the magic, discomfort, and dazzling musicality of the freak show world to life.

🧵 Creative Team Behind the Curtain

Under Toff de Venecia’s bold direction, the production is shaped by some of local theater’s most exciting creatives:

  • 🎶 Musical Direction: Ejay Yatco

  • ✨ Assistant Direction & Set Design: Mark Dalacat

  • 👗 Costume Design: Carlos Siongco

  • 💡 Lighting Design: Gabo Tolentino

  • 💃 Choreography: JM Cabling

  • 📸 Official Photography: Colin Dancel

The show is licensed through Concord Theatricals, ensuring fidelity to the original material while breathing in Filipino soul and flavor.

📅 Show Dates and Venue

🎭 SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL
📍 Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati
📆 July 26 to August 17, 2025
🎟️ Ticketing details to be announced soon. Show buying inquiries will open shortly.

📱 Stay in the Loop

For behind-the-scenes previews, cast takeovers, and exclusive updates:

🔗 Website: www.thesandboxco.com
📸 Instagram: @thesandboxco
🎵 TikTok: @thesandboxco
📘 Facebook: The Sandbox Collective

🎤 Final Curtain Call

Prepare for a rare musical that dares to ask: What does it mean to be seen—truly seen—by the world and by each other? With a story that blends showbiz cruelty, raw humanity, and defiant love, Side Show is a celebration of everything weird, wonderful, and worthy of applause.

So come on, look at the freaks—and maybe see a little of yourself.

#SideShowMNL #TheSandboxCollective #PhilippineTheater #FilipinoMusicals #TanyaManalang #MarynorMadamesila #KrystalKane #MollyLangley #RebAtadero #CJNavato #TimPavino #VienKing #JonSantos #UnsaulicitedRecommends #CircuitMakatiEvents #LiveMusicalPH

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