MANILA, Philippines—Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Sandbox Collective kicks off the 2024 season with a dynamic partnership with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. With three decades of shaping artists into stars, this collaboration promises to infuse new talent into Manila’s theater scene.
Toff De Venecia, Managing Artistic Director, expresses excitement: “To launch Sandbox’s 10th Anniversary, we’re thrilled to partner with ABS-CBN, Star Magic, and Teatro Kapamilya for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This collaboration will ignite creativity as stage and screen stars converge to bring Broadway’s beloved musical to life.”
In February, the excitement unfolds with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, an award-winning interactive musical. Much like Sandbox’s recent productions, the show engages the audience with four guest spellers and relies on the cast’s improvisational skills. With a lively book by Rachel Sheinkin and a vibrant score by William Finn, this bee promises an unforgettable experience.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, will be directed by Missy Maramara, an esteemed actress, educator, and director. Dingdong Rosales, a founding member of SPIT Manila, serves as the assistant director, and Rony Fortich, TOYM awardee and founding musical director of Hong Kong Disneyland, is the musical director.
Maramara emphasizes the musical’s exploration of gifted children facing pressure, competition, and scrutiny, offering a unique perspective on the impact of social media on mental health.
The diverse cast includes talents from Star Magic, young theater professionals, and seasoned veterans, chosen for their powerful singing, acting flexibility, chemistry, and ability to navigate complex themes with openness, courage, discipline, and passion.
In “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Star Magic talents AC Bonifacio and Shanaia Gomez make their professional theatrical debuts, portraying the role of Marcy Park. AC Bonifacio, a versatile dancer, singer, and actress, boasts an international career with appearances on The Ellen Degeneres Show, “Riverdale”, and other notable projects. Shanaia Gomez, an Idol Philippines alum and multiplatform artist, has made appearances in various shows, including “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “He’s Into Her.”
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
Diego Aranda and Luis Marcelo alternate for the role of eager boy scout Chip Tolentino. Aranda, who debuted in 2019, has garnered nominations for his performances in Twenty Questions and Snow White and the Prince. Marcelo, last seen in “The Quest for the Adarna”, returns to the stage in Spelling Bee, having previously portrayed roles in productions like “Disney’s Newsies” and “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!.”
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
Krystal Brimner, known for her breakout performance in “Annie” and recent appearance in “Silver Lining”, returns to theater as Olive Ostrovsky. Alternating with Krystal is singer and content creator Angela Ken, a TikTok sensation recognized for her covers and original songs, including the hit single “Ako Naman Muna” released in 2021.
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
Elian Dominguez, a university theater mainstay, makes his professional debut as Leaf Coneybear in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” alternating with Shaun Ocrisma. Becca Coates, known for her role in “Dani Girl”, returns as Loggaine SchwartzAndGrubennierre, alternating with Justine Narciso.
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
Joshy Ramirez and Ron Balgos take on the role of William Barfee, with Balgos making his professional debut. Liesl Batucan-Del Rosario, a theater veteran, returns to the stage, and Audie Gemora plays Vice Principal Douglas Panch.
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
Alternating for the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch is Robbie Guevara, the artistic director of 9 Works Theatrical. Nyoy Volante, the “King of Acoustic Pop,” plays Mitch Mahoney.
Images Courtesy of The Sandbox Collective.
The cast, diverse and accomplished, mirrors the characters of the musical, promising an exceptional and heartwarming experience in The Sandbox Collective’s 2024 season.
Stay tuned for further updates on the full creative team and the exciting collaboration with Star Magic, ABS-CBN, and Teatro Kapamilya!
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is scheduled to run from February 24 to March 17, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Explore the hashtags #SpellSandbox2024 & #SandboxNowandTen for more information.