‘Dani Girl’: The Otherworldly Quest that Answers Questions on Life, Suffering, and Hope Returns

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“Why is cancer?”

One seemingly simple question that opened doors to a dialogue on life, suffering, death, and purpose.

In celebration of its fifth year in the theater scene, The Sandbox Collective re-stages its critically-acclaimed maiden production, Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope.

Set in the town of Pittsburgh in the year 1991, the musical by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond follows 9-year-old cancer patient, Dani Lyons, who took on a magical and transformative journey.

Original cast member Rebecca Coates and new cast member Kyle Napuli breathe life to the titular role of Dani.

Far from sitting back and letting cancer take over, Dani sets off on a whimsical quest to find her hair and figure out the answer to the question, “Why is cancer?” Together with her fellow warrior and best friend, Marty, they go on an otherworldly journey of light-saber duels, and imaginary game shows that prove that a child’s imagination and fighting spirit knows no bounds nor limits.

Woven into the musical is a tapestry of narratives, including that of her mother’s, Katharine, who finds solace in religion. As she clings on to prayer, she remains haunted by dark memories of Dani’s father and the disaster that was their marriage.

Luigi Quesada and Daniel Drilon alternate for the role of Marty

Intertwined with Dani’s journey is that of fellow warrior and best friend, Marty, who battles a pediatric form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Together with Dani’s imaginary friend and “guardian angel,” Raph, Dani and Marty seek to answer life’s most existential questions, the most urgent being, “Why is cancer?”

Dani’s journey becomes every man’s journey—one of faith, courage and hope. And isn’t hope best seen through the eyes of a child? Though the musical does touch on the ideas of faith, resilience and hope, it does not sugarcoat nor romanticize the grim realities of cancer and the possibility of death. What it does serve to highlight are the indomitable spirit and courage of the individual—one’s path, pain and purpose.

May Dani’s transformative journey serve as a soaring reminder and inspiration, and as an illuminating wake up call to embrace the things and people that truly matter. May cancer serve not as a death sentence but as a question to ponder on, and as a shared experience for people to overcome together.

The original and new cast members of Dani Girl: A Musical about Hope showcased their vocal chops during its recent media briefing.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will star Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee, Rebecca Coates in the title role (Agnes of God, The Secret Garden). She is set to alternate with Kyle Napuli in the role of Dani Lyons (The Lion King, Matilda). Luigi Quesada will return as Dani’s best friend and fellow warrior, Marty (Hair, Waitress). He will be sharing the role with new cast member, Daniel Drilon (The Secret Garden, Fun Home). Returning cast members, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (Binondo, Guadalupe, Shrek) and Pam Imperial (RENT, The Sound of Music) will be alternating as Dani’s mother, Katharine. Meanwhile, Lorenz Martinez (Miss Saigon, Binondo) returns and alternates with new cast member Juliene Mendoza in the role of Raph (Dekada ‘70, All Out of Love).

Director, and managing director for The Sandbox Collective addresses the media attendees.

Toff de Venecia (No Filter, The Boy in the Bathroom) makes his much awaited directorial comeback in this re-staging of Dani Girl. He is at the helm once more as director and executive producer.

“In a time of negativity and so much divisiveness, I think that this is just perfect to bring back this musical that talks about hope. That makes me really excited,” de Venecia shares during the media conference. Joining him is Sab Jose as assistant director and marketing and public relations director.

Completing the artistic team are Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, Faust Peneyra as scenographer and costume designer, Miggy Panganiban as lighting designer, Joee Mejias as projection & video designer and Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer Santi Santamaria leads the production team as co-executive producer (9 Works Theatrical). Rounding out the production team are Anna Santamaria as operations and finance director, Maine Manalansan as design director, Elliza Aurelio as associate producer, Pauline Gaerlan as production manager, Myka Cue as marketing and public relations associate, Jonjon Martin as public relations manager and Anissa Aguila as head stage manager.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will open on August 10, 2019 and will have a limited engagement until September 1, 2019 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tickets are now available through Ticketworld online.