Jon Santos, Tanya Manalang + More to Star in Side Show: The Musical

Broadway musical Side Show is returning to the Philippine stage, this time with The Sandbox Collective, which has recently produced Next to Normal and Little Shop of Horrors. It opens on July 26 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater.

Side Show: The Musical is a fictional depiction of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who became famous stage performers in the 1920s and 1930s vaudeville circuit. The roles will be played by alternating pairs: Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley. Stepping into the role of The Boss is comedian and actor Jon Santos.

Side Show: The Musical's Cast

Violet Hilton is brought to the stage by both Tanya Manalang and Molly Langley.

Tanya Manalang, a globally acclaimed and award-winning artist, is renowned for her portrayal of Kim in London's West End production of Miss Saigon and for originating the role of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. A two-time Best Actress winner (Aliw, GEMS), her extensive resume includes leading roles in The Sound of Music, The King and I, and Rak of Aegis.

Molly Langley, a graduate of the UK's Performers College, also embodies Violet. Her impressive theater credits include Spring Awakening, The Wild Party, and most recently, Mimi in RENT. Molly's international performing experience extends to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines, and she was a Top 6 finalist on the singing competition The Clash.

Taking on the role of Daisy Hilton are Marynor Madamesila and Krystal Kane.

Marynor, a proud alumna of UP Diliman’s Theatre Arts program, is a versatile singer, dancer, and multimedia actor. She’s earned nominations for Best Lead Actress (Gawad Buhay and Aliw Awards) for her work in productions like Walang Aray and Rak of Aegis. 

Joining Molly as Daisy is Krystal Kane, a seasoned professional who began her theater career at just 10 years old. Her past productions include The Sound of Music and Spring Awakening. In 2019, Krystal was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical at the Philippine Leaf Awards and Best Actress in a Musical Show by Broadwayworld Philippines. She also showcased her talents behind the scenes as a costume stylist for The Sandbox Collective in Lungs, Every Brilliant Thing, Bawat Bonggang Bagay, and Tiny Beautiful Things.

Stepping into the commanding role of The Boss is the multi-talented comedian, host, and actor Jon Santos. Fresh off sold-out runs of Bawat Bonggang Bagay with The Sandbox Collective, Jon's extensive stage credits include Ang Huling El Bimbo, Rak of Aegis, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Beyond the theater, Jon is a familiar face as a mainstay judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

The charming press agent and Daisy's love interest, Terry Connor, is shared by leading men Reb Atadero and CJ Navato.

Reb Atadero, an award-winning actor, singer, and host, earned a Gawad Buhay Award for his portrayal of Michael in tick, tick... Boom!. He's also received nominations for his performances in The Graduate and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Beyond his stage work, Reb is known for his popular online educational content and his podcast, BOOM! Now We Know!.

CJ Navato, with over two decades in the entertainment industry, has captivated audiences across film, TV, and theater. Rising to fame as a mainstay in ABS-CBN’s Goin’ Bulilit, CJ has appeared in numerous shows, including Luv U and Dirty Linen. His recent stage performances include Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical and One More Chance The Musical.

The role of Buddy Foster, the aspiring musician and Violet's love interest, is brought to life by Vien King and Tim Pavino.

Vien King, celebrating a versatile and impactful decade in the arts, was honored with Best Actor awards (Gawad Buhay, LEAF Awards) for Passion. He’s starred in Rama Hari and Tick, Tick... Boom!, and most recently in Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical. Vien's talent also extends to film, with appearances in MMFF hits like Partners in Crime. He has performed internationally with Disney in Concert and currently tours Asia with The Jet Theaters.

Tim Pavino, a BroadwayWorld Awardee and two-time Aliw Awards winner, boasts an impressive theatrical resume including Miong, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Tim has graced stages with prestigious orchestras such as the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and was a contestant on The Voice of the Philippines under Team Lea Salonga.

Theater mainstays Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas alternate in the role of Jake.

Singer-songwriter Marvin Ong earned a Gawad Buhay Award for his performance in Sweeney Todd and a citation for his role in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Marvin has also held key roles in productions like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Sound of Music. As a recording artist, Marvin has released two albums under Viva Records, with his debut album achieving certified gold status.

Joshua Cabiladas is an acclaimed Filipino actor, singer, and improviser with over a decade of experience across theater, film, and music. He was recently seen in Delia D., and has performed in Jepoy and the Magic Circle and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Joshua also reprised his role in the film adaptation of Isang Himala and delivered notable performances in Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3 and Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap.

Completing this extraordinary company are the talented ensemble members, who are set to mesmerize as the sideshow curiosities. The Sandbox Collective proudly presents this incredible group: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Side Show: The Musical is brought to life under the direction of Toff de Venecia, The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director. Ejay Yatco leads the musical direction. The rest of the talented artistic team includes Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel as photographer.

Side Show: The Musical runs from July 26 to August 16 at Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available through Ticket2Me.