Following its 10th anniversary, The Sandbox Collective will kick off its second decade by presenting the critically acclaimed, Tony Award-winning musical Next to Normal in February 2025.

This powerful production delves into complex themes of love, loss, mental illness, grief, and the dynamics of family relationships. As the company embarks on this exciting new chapter, Next to Normal promises to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a raw and emotional look at the challenges families face in times of crisis.

Meet the Talented Cast of Next to Normal: A Star-Studded Lineup of Theater Veterans and Rising Stars

The cast of Next to Normal will feature Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez, who will alternate in the role of the matriarch Diana Goodman. First, Nikki, a talented singer and artist, makes her return to theater with this production. She is best known for her iconic roles in the Ang Tanging Ina film franchise and recently received the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in Family Matters.

In addition, she makes her theater comeback after her acclaimed role in 9Works Theatrical’s The Wedding Singer. On the other hand, actress, singer, and host Shiela Valderrama was last seen on stage as Erzulie in 9Works Theatrical’s Once On This Island. Moreover, Shiela is a Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award winner, with a career spanning over three decades. Most recently, she portrayed Sita in Rama Hari and Fosca in Passion.

Moreover, alternating in the role of the husband Dan are OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena. A multimedia artist, Floyd’s resume boasts a wealth of work in theater, television and film. He is a Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for his featured performance in ‘Sandosenang Sapatos.’ OJ is the resident tenor of the country’s premiere vocal group, The Company. Moreover, an Awit Award recipient for Best New Male Recording Artist with several albums under his belt, OJ is also a Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee for his performance in ‘Rama Hari.’

Playing the perfect daughter Natalie Goodman are Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay. Jam is a singer-songwriter and versatile theater artist. Her recent credits include Bar Boys: A New Musical, Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog’s Sa Babaeng Lahat, Pingkian: Isang Musikal, Ardor, and Ang Huling El Bimbo. Sheena is a singer, dancer, actress, and Star Magic talent. She’s appeared in Lyric and Beat, ASAP Natin ‘To, and It’s Showtime, where she hosted the Showtime Online Universe. Her recent theater credits include One More Chance and Tabing Ilog.

Furthermore, Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos will portray the elusive Gabe Goodman. Vino is an up-and-coming theater actor and talent under Star Magic, renowned for his compelling performances. A graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, his recent projects include ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Dekada 70,’ and ‘Tabing Ilog,’ among others. Benedix is an actor, singer-songwriter, commercial model, host, and content creator managed by Star Hunt/Star Magic ABS-CBN. A vibrant talent in theater, his recent theater credits include ‘Bar Boys,’ ‘Tabing Ilog,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ to name a few.

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will share the role of Henry, the young man who falls in love with Natalie. Omar, a talented actor and singer with Star Magic, has showcased his versatility both on stage and screen. He’s known for standout performances in musicals like Mula sa Buwan, Ibong Adarna, and his role in Bar Boys. Meanwhile, Davy is a sought-after theater actor. His 2024 credits include Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (male swing), and Othello. In 2022, Davy was both a soloist and ensemble member in Musikal II, part of the CCP’s 53rd Anniversary Gala.

In addition, Jef Flores will play the role of the psychiatrist, Dr. Madden. Jef is an award-winning actor and musician, known for his nuanced performances in both theater and independent films. His theater credits include Musikal nAPO, Himala: Isang Musikal, This Is Our Youth, and Once On This Island.

Meet the Creative Team Behind Next to Normal and Key Production Details

At the helm of the production is The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff De Venecia. He will be joined by Ejay Yatco as musical director and Stephen Viñas as choreographer. Mark Daniel Dalacat serves as Production Designer/Associate Director, while Elliza Dawn Aurelio is the Hair & Make Up Designer. Jonas Garcia takes on the role of dramaturg, and Serena Magiliw acts as Intimacy Coach. Gabo Tolentino is the Lighting Designer, with Aji Manalo as Sound Designer/Engineer. Francisco Miguel Yabut completes the team as Technical Director.

The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal will open in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. Sandbox’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia will direct the musical, with Ejay Yatco providing musical direction, Tom Kitt composing the music, and Brian Yorkey writing the book and lyrics.

When Next to Normal debuted on Broadway in 2009, it sparked important conversations about mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Music Theatre International (MTI) presents Next to Normal through a special arrangement, supplying all authorized performance materials from their New York office. www.MTIShows.com

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