Photos / Loreta Arroyo, The Sandbox Collective
Set in 1930s America, Side Show: The Musical is a fictional account of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who gained fame and notoriety on the vaudeville circuit after working in a sideshow in the 1920s and 1930s. The Sandbox Collective brings the spectacle of the circus to their production of Side Show: The Musical.
Photo / Loreta Arroyo, The Sandbox Collective
Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley. This writer saw a show with Manalang and Madamesila, who beautifully portrayed the Hilton twins on stage.
The duo brought a wonderful synchronicity to their roles as conjoined twins, while still maintaining their individuality. There are no special effects to make them look conjoined, but through the magic of acting, you believe it. You also know which character Manalang is playing, and which role Madamesila’s is, even if they don’t speak.
Photo / Loreta Arroyo, The Sandbox Collective
The rest of the cast are fun to watch, and some of the standouts include Reb Atadero as Terry Connor, the twins’ press agent and Daisy’s love interest. He brings a swagger and a kind of confidence that assures you you’re going to get a good show. Tim Pavino’s earnestness was a delight to watch as the aspiring musician and Violet’s love interest, Buddy Foster.
An impressive ensemble rounds them out, which plays a variety of sideshow exhibits: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar. This writer would have liked to have seen more of the incredibly talented Jon Jon Santos as the boss of the sideshow, but the role didn’t have as many scenes as the leads.
Photo / Loreta Arroyo, The Sandbox Collective
It’s Marvin Ong, however, who is the star attraction of Side Show: The Musical. He channels the gentle soul of Jake, the twins’ protector, and the ferocity as the sideshow’s Cannibal King. “The Devil You Know” and “You Should Be Loved” are some of the entire show’s highlights.
Another highlight is the opening number of the second act, “Rare Songbirds on Display.” The opening is styled as a Follies-style production, and it was magical.
Side Show‘s production is excellent, from the staging to the costumes. Like a real sideshow, The Sandbox Collective showcased the costumes of the exhibits (referred to as “freaks” in the show) on stage during the intermission, allowing the audience to view them up close and learn about them. This move was a nice touch.
Overall, Side Show: The Musical may be set in a sideshow, but it’s a worthy front act.
Side Show: The Musical is directed by The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team are Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel as photographer.
Side Show: The Musical opened on July 26, 2025, and will run until August 16, 2025, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at ticket2me.net/.
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