The Sandbox Collective unveils full cast for a staged reading of "People, Places, and Things"

Get to know the cast in Duncan Macmillan's acclaimed play about addiction, recovery, and the search for one’s truth and identity.

The Sandbox Collective returns with another production, this time a staged reading, bringing Duncan Macmillan's celebrated play PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS to Philippine audiences for a strictly limited engagement this August.

Directed by Sab Jose, the production follows Emma — a successful actress whose carefully constructed life unravels as she enters a rehabilitation center and confronts addiction, memory, and the difficult process of recovery. Alternating in the lead role are acclaimed actresses Bela Padilla and Gabby Padilla.

Bela Padilla makes her theatrical debut in this year’s staged reading of People, Places, and Things. She is a Filipino actress, host, singer, writer, and director. She is best known for her roles in television dramas on GMA and ABS-CBN, as well as critically acclaimed films such as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella and Meet Me in St. Gallen. 

The Sandbox Collective Announces Staged Reading Of Duncan Macmillan’s People, Places, And Things In August 2026

Sandbox’s Artistic Director Sab Jose will direct the staged reading

The Sandbox Collective announced a strictly limited staged reading of Duncan Macmillan’s critically acclaimed play, PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS, slated for August 2026. The reading will be helmed by the company's Artistic Director, Sab Jose.

Known for its visceral, unsparing look at addiction, recovery, and the intoxicating allure of escapism, People, Places, and Things centers on an actress whose life has spun wildly out of control. 

The intimate stage reading will bring the raw, electric emotion of Macmillan’s brilliant dialogue to the absolute forefront, guided by Jose-Gregorio’s fresh directorial vision.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL Announces Final One-Day-Only Extension!

The Sandbox Collective adds two more shows, must close on August 24

Due to insistent public demand, The Sandbox Collective has just announced Side Show: The Musical’s final extension on August 24, 2025 with two shows – 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

The afternoon show will include Krystal Kane, Molly Langley, CJ Navato, Tim Pavino, and Joshua Cabiladas, while the evening show will include Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Reb Atadero, Vien King, and Marvin Ong.

The company will include Jon Santos, Arion Sanchez, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Side Show: The Musical Announces Full Company

After mounting critically-acclaimed productions of Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective continues its 2025 season with SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL this July 2025.

Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s. 

Featuring a stellar mix of Philippine theater’s veterans and rising stars, the show is set to captivate audiences with a brand new staging of the original 1997 version of SIDE SHOW.

THE HILTON TWINS

Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are powerhouse pairs Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley.

BONGGANG SIDE-BY-SIDE: Jon Santos returns to the stage with The Sandbox Collective’s Bawat Bonggang Bagay and Side Show!

A Bonggang Pagbabalik for Pride Month

Multimedia artist, comedy icon, and master impersonator Jon Santos will reprise his role as The Sandbox Collective restages a strictly limited run of its hit one-act play, BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (BBB).

Presented by The Sandbox Collective’s new arm, Sandbox Co.labs, in partnership with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati, BBB will bring back its hilarious and heart-warming portrayal of love, loss, and mental health to Filipino audiences.

In celebration of Pride Month 2025, BBB returns after its sold out engagements in 2023 and 2024. This year’s BBB also marks Santos’ fourth run of the show.

BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY is the Filipino-translated staging of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing. Award-winning playwright, translator, actor, and director Guelan Luarca worked on its translation and original staging in 2023. BBB is an intimate and interactive play that follows the story of a young child growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness. The show continues the conversation on mental health by bringing real and pressing issues to the forefront, and by creating a safe and communal space where audiences become part and parcel of the storytelling.