Photo / Bimpoman
For too long, there has been a stigma on mental health in the Philippines. There is progress in disclosing and discussing mental health struggles, but there are still challenges. Access to mental healthcare is expensive, and professionals are scarce. Discrimination continues today: scroll online, and you’re bound to see the ongoing debate on invisible disabilities and fake PWD IDs being used in restaurants.
Next to Normal, credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, arrived at the perfect time in Manila. The Broadway musical forces its audiences to look at mental illness in the eye and how it affects a family.
Next to Normal, which features music by Tom Kitt and a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, tells the story of a family coping after a momentous event rattles the foundations of their relationships. The show explores themes of love, loss, illness, grief, and the intricacies of family dynamics.
Kitt and Yorkey also penned a wonderful soundtrack that illustrates these themes. Some stand-out songs include “You Don’t Know,” a thought-provoking portrayal of mental health struggles. “Who’s Crazy / My Psychopharmacologist and I” depicts the efforts a loved one must make when dealing with mental illness in the family. “I Miss the Mountains” powerfully illustrates the desire for emotions amidst medication.
A talented cast elevates this important story that needs to be told.
Two casts alternate between shows, and this writer watched the production with Shiela Valderrama, OJ Mariano, Sheena Belarmino, Vino Mabalot, Omar Uddin, and Jef Flores.
Photo / Lance Bersamina
Valderrama shines as the matriarch Diana Goodman, who has bipolar disorder. The actress is a sensational singer who effortlessly brings Diana’s struggles to life, from the tender “I Miss the Mountains” to the angsty “You Don’t Know.”
The rest of the cast matches her note for note. One of the show’s revelations is Mabalot, who plays Diana’s son Gabe. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you. His beautiful voice captures the character’s nuances, especially in “I’m Alive.”
Belarmino is excellent as Natalie, Diana’s daughter, and captures the vulnerability and frustration needed for the role. She truly shines in “Superboy and the Invisible Girl.”
Photo / Loreta Arroyo
Mariano, the tenor of The CompanY, wonderfully plays her husband Dan. One of his striking moments is his performance in “Who’s Crazy / My Psychopharmacologist and I.” In the song, he expresses his frustration and helplessness in Diana’s treatment.
Uddin and Flores round out this powerhouse of a cast as Henry, the boy who falls in love with Natalie, and the psychiatrist, Dr. Madden, respectively. Both have moments, such as the sweet scenes where Henry declares his feelings for Natalie and Dr. Madden’s rock star turn in his introduction.
Overall, Next to Normal is a masterful portrayal of mental illness and how it affects the person and their loved ones. The cast of the Philippine production brings this timely story to greater heights.
Photo / The Sandbox Collective
The Sandbox Collective stages the award-winning musical from February 1 to 23, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Makati City.
Toff De Venecia, The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, is at the helm of the show’s production and directing.
Joining him are Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, Mark Daniel Dalacat as production designer and associate director, Elliza Dawn Aurelio as hair and make-up designer, Jonas Garcia as dramaturg, Serena Magiliw as intimacy coach, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, Aji Manalo as sound designer and engineer, and Francisco Miguel Yabut as technical director.
Tickets to Next to Normal are available now.
For more information, visit the website or follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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