'Side Show: The Musical' reveals star-studded cast for PH run this July

The Sandbox Collective is keeping the momentum alive with the highly anticipated Philippine staging of the Broadway production "Side Show: The Musical" after delivering back-to-back critical hits with "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Next to Normal."

The production will open on July 26, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati, with a full cast of theater veterans and rising stars officially revealed.

"Side Show" is set in 1930s America. It is a fictionalized retelling of the lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton. The sisters found fame performing in the vaudeville circuit and later in film, navigating love, exploitation, and the pursuit of independence.

The musical—first staged on Broadway in 1997—has gained a cult following for its powerful score, heartfelt story, and celebration of what it means to be different.

Twin spotlights: The Hiltons

Alternating in the roles of Daisy and Violet Hilton are powerhouse duos Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley. Each pair brings a distinct energy and vocal brilliance to the challenging dual leads.

Tanya, an internationally acclaimed performer who starred as Kim in "Miss Saigon" (West End), returns to the local stage as Violet Hilton. She shares the spotlight with Marynor, a Gawad Buhay and Aliw-nominated actor known for her work in "Walang Aray," "Batang Rizal," and "Rak of Aegis."

British-trained Molly Langley joins the production as Violet in alternate shows, having most recently appeared in "Rent" and as a finalist in "The Clash" Season 6. Her Daisy is played by Krystal Kane, a seasoned performer who has also worked behind the scenes as a costume stylist for previous Sandbox shows.

Under the big top: Familiar faces, fresh pairings

Comedian and television mainstay Jon Santos will take on the role of The Boss, the twins’ manipulative ringmaster. Known for his sharp wit and theatrical flair, Jon was last seen in "Bawat Bonggang Bagay" and remains a beloved figure both onstage and onscreen.

Two pairs of leading men will share the roles of the Hilton sisters’ love interests, with Reb Atadero and CJ Navato alternating for the role of press agent Terry Connor.

Reb, a Gawad Buhay Award winner for "Tick, Tick… Boom!" returns to the Sandbox stage after acclaimed performances in "Lungs" and "Little Shop of Horrors."

CJ, who transitioned from child star to theater actor, adds "Side Show" to his growing stage credits after recent appearances in "One More Chance: The Musical" and "Liwanag sa Dilim."

Buddy Foster, the idealistic musician who falls for Violet, will be played by Vien King and Tim Pavino. Vien recently earned accolades for "Passion" and starred in "Rama Hari," while Pavino—known from "The Voice of the Philippines"—will bring his experience from "Matilda," "Miong," and "Jersey Boys."

The pivotal role of Jake, a loyal friend and protector of the twins, will be performed by Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas. Both are celebrated musical theater actors with credits spanning "Sweeney Todd," "Ang Huling El Bimbo," and "Himala: Isang Musikal."

Ensemble

Completing the cast is an impressive ensemble set to portray the show’s carnival “curiosities,” lending heart and spectacle to every scene. Featured are Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Creative team

Toff de Venecia, Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, will helm the production. He is joined by Ejay Yatco as musical director, Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco on costumes, Gabo Tolentino on lights, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel handling production photography.

"Side Show: The Musical" is licensed through Concord Theatricals and will run from July 26 to August 16. Ticketing and show-buying details will be released soon.

With its captivating story, exceptional cast, and visionary creative team, "Side Show" promises to be one of the most talked-about theater events of the year.

—Sherylin Untalan/CDC, GMA Integrated News