The Sandbox Collective is set to enthrall audiences once again as it opens the second show of its 10th anniversary season, ‘Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy.’
This eagerly awaited production will debut on July 6, 2024, at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Bonifacio Global City.
Directed by The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff de Venecia, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ marks a return to the company’s origins of delivering groundbreaking and cutting-edge theater. Known for their immersive and interactive productions, The Sandbox Collective will explore the absurd and surreal elements of musical theater with this show.
“’Little Shop of Horrors’ has always been like musical theater of the absurd. A talking plant that eats people? It doesn’t get any more absurd than that. Exploring the show from that theatrical vantage point will allow us to dream up a surrealist world in which to bring to life this beloved classic with tinges of horror, whimsy, and hope,” said De Venecia.
The cast features an impressive lineup of talent. Reb Atadero and Nyoy Volante will alternate in the role of the lovelorn Seymour. Atadero, recently seen as Mark Cohen in ‘Rent,’ is a highly acclaimed actor, singer, and director, while Volante, the ‘King of Acoustic Pop,’ has earned critical acclaim for his stage performances, including his role as Lola in ‘Kinky Boots.’
Sharing the role of the unlucky-in-love Audrey are Sue Ramirez and Karylle Tatlonghari. Ramirez, making her theatrical debut, is a film and TV actress known for her versatile performances, while Tatlonghari, a multi-awarded singer and actress, is celebrated for her work on stage and as a co-host of ‘It’s Showtime.’
Markki Stroem and David Ezra will portray the villainous dentist Orin. Stroem, a multi-talented performer and radio DJ, is recognized for his diverse roles in musical theater, while Ezra, a two-time Aliw Award-winning actor, makes his theatrical comeback with this production.
The role of Mr. Mushnik, the flower shop’s proprietor, will be played by the distinguished Audie Gemora. A luminary of Philippine theater, Gemora has appeared in over 40 productions and has won numerous awards, including Gawad Buhay and Aliw Awards.
Alternating as the bloodthirsty plant Audrey II are OJ Mariano and Julia Serad. Mariano is known for his work with The Company and various stage productions, while Serad, who brought home five gold medals for the Philippines at the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts, has received acclaim for her recent performances.
The ensemble cast also includes Franco Ramos, Francis Gatmaytan, Cheska Quimno, Kirby Dunnzell, and Jacqui Jacinto, with Abi Sulit, Paula Paguio, and Mikee Baskiñas as the street urchins.
Originally staged off-Broadway in 1982 and adapted into a musical film in 1986, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is based on Roger Corman’s film, with a screenplay by Charles Griffith. The production team for this iteration includes Ejay Yatco as musical director, Mio Infante as scenographer, Kayla Teodoro as puppet designer, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, and other talented individuals contributing to various aspects of the show.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ will run all weekends from July 6 to 28, 2024, with shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website or follow The Sandbox Collective on social media.
Don’t miss this exciting and unique theatrical experience that promises to deliver horror, humor, and hope in a spectacularly surreal setting.
