What to expect with The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’
What to expect with The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Next to Normal’
The Sandbox Collective had a great run in 2024, with its production of Little Shop of Horrors and Tiny Beautiful Things. They are now back with their first offering this 2025, Next to Normal. The show features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
As it nears its opening night, here’s what to expect from the musical and the production:
Depiction of Mental Health
First debuted on Broadway in 2009, Next to Normal follows a mother struggling with bipolar disorder and how her family copes with her illness. The musical explores heavy themes such as grief and mental illness. Its discussion surrounding mental health has been lauded by many critics. Its original 2009 Broadway production won three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Promotions for the production are not shy presenting the musical’s themes. The whole team behind the production hopes to spread more awareness about the illness to dispute any discrimination to people who have it and the misconceptions surrounding the illness.
Alternating Casts
Poster of the production
The production will grace us not just with one set of cast, but with two! They will alternate each night (which is double the fun!). Shiela Valderama, who played Erzulie in 9Works Theatrical’s production of Once On This Island last year, and Nikki Valdez, making her theater comeback, will alternate the lead role of Diana Goodman. The role of Dan Goodman, the patriarch of the family, will be played by OJ Mariano (Rama Hari) and Floyd Tena (Sandosenang Sapatos).
For the Goodman siblings: Sheena Belarmino (Once More Chance: The Musical) and Jam Binay (Pingkian: Isang Musikal) will share the role of Natalie Goodman, the “perfect daughter.” The role of Gabe Goodman will be played by Vino Mabalot (Tabing Ilog) and Benedix Ramos (Bar Boys: A New Musical).
Omar Uddin (Bar Boys: A New Musical) and Davy Narciso (Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical) will play the role of Henry, Natalie’s love interest in the musical. Dr. Madden, Diana’s psychiatrist, will be played solely by Jef Flores, who also appeared in 9Works Theatrical’s production of Once On This Island.
A Magnificent Production
The production is headed by Toff De Venecia, the managing artistic director of The Sandbox Collective. He also directs the production. With him are:
Ejay Yatco - Musical Director
Stephen Viñas - Choreographer
Mark Daniel Dalacat - Production designer, Associate Director
Elliza Dawn Aurelio - Hair and Make-Up Designer
Jonas Garcia - Dramaturg
Serena Magiliw - Intimacy Coach
Gabo Tolentino - Lighting Designer
Aji Manalo - Sound Designer and Engineer
Francisco Miguel Yabut - Technical director
The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal will open in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. You may now purchase your tickets on Ticket2Me. Below are the show dates of the production and the respective cast each date.
SINEGANG.ph is an official media partner of The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal.
