'Next to Normal' musical starts limited run in Manila

Get ready to experience an emotional rollercoaster with Sandbox Collective's staging of the Tony and Pulitzer Award-winning musical, "Next to Normal."

This rock musical on Saturday kicked off the production's 2025 theater season, featuring a good mix of seasoned Filipino actors and new talents.

"Next to Normal" will run from February 1 to 23 at the Power Mac Center Blackbox Theater in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.

The musical follows a family's story as they grapple with death, grief, and mental illness and how these affect their relationships with each other.

Among the lead stars are Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez, who will be alternating for the role of Diana Goodman. OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena will alternate in the role of the husband, Dan. Mariano, Sheena Belarmino, and Jam Binay will play Natalie Goodman — the daughter.

Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos as Gabe Goodman, Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso as Henry, and Jef Flores as Dr. Madden are also among the cast.

The Manila staging is produced and directed by Toff De Venecia, while Ejay Yatcho is the musical director.

"Next to Normal" first debuted on Broadway in 2009, with the book and lyrics written by Brian Yorkey and the music composed by Tom Kitt.

It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2010 and the Best Original Musical Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role(Musical) at the 2009 Tony Awards.

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me, with prices ranging from 2,500 pesos. —Sherylin Untalan/JCB, GMA Integrated News