MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In 2014, The Sandbox Collective lifted the curtain on its theatrical journey. 10 years later, the company continues its pursuit of producing groundbreaking and cutting-edge theatrical work for audiences in Manila. In celebration of its 10th Year Anniversary in the theater industry, The Sandbox Collective proudly launches its 2024 Season, underpinned by the themes of coming of age and rediscovery.
Fresh off the success of its comeback productions – Sandbox Fest 2023 featuring Lungs and Every Brilliant Thing, and Bawat Bonggang Bagay – the collective eagerly prepares for its most thrilling season yet, one that pays homage to the company’s journey and continuous rediscovery. Much like the collective’s coming of age and evolution, the season lineup will include shows that speak of growing pains, milestones, finding one’s voice and place in society, and ultimately, figuring out the answers to life’s biggest questions.
In February 2024, the pandemonium will begin with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, an award-winning Broadway musical about an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents who vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, the musical will include a stellar mix of rising stars in the entertainment industry and theater veterans under the direction of renowned actress, educator, Director and President of the Philippine Theater Actors Guild, Missy Maramara, along with SPIT’s Dingdong Rosales as Assistant Director. Multi-awarded Rony Fortich (Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines, Gawad Buhay, Aliw Awards) joins the artistic team as Musical Director.
Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is sure to become one unforgettable experience. (Music Theater International/MTI). The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will run from February to March 2024 at PowerMac Center Spotlight Theater, Circuit Makati.
As previously announced, The Sandbox Collective will present the wickedly hilarious sci-fi smash hit musical Little Shop of Horrors in the second half of 2024. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, this charmingly tongue-in-cheek comedy has been produced worldwide and will make its return to the Philippine stage under the direction of The Sandbox Collective’s Managing Artistic Director, Toff De Venecia, with musical direction by award-winning composer, pianist and Musical Director Ejay Yatco (Gawad Buhay, WCOPA).
A deviously delicious musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theater goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world. (MTI) Little Shop of Horrors will run from July to August 2024 at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC.
Capping off the year, the company will conclude its 2024 season with the Manila premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos. Recently released as a limited TV series starring Kathryn Hahn, Tiny Beautiful Things is a play about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions that have no answers. The show is set to be directed by Gawad Buhay award-winning director Jenny Jamora. Tiny Beautiful Things will have a three-week limited engagement in November 2024 at the Zobel De Ayala Recital Hall, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC.
While the three shows aim to honor and commemorate the company’s first decade and transformative journey, they also serve as a nod to life in general – where joy meets pain, where love is coupled with loss, and where seasons end to give way to new ones. As the collective ushers in its first decade in the industry – a milestone that reinforces that we have come of age – we aim to continue evolving with the times, and to continue growing alongside the local theater industry and our ever-changing audience.
See you at the theater in 2024 as The Sandbox Collective celebrates its first decade and usher in a period of rediscovery!
