‘Next to Normal’ 2025 Full Cast Announced
As previously reported, The Sandbox Collective is set to stage the Broadway musical Next to Normal in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. The show delves into themes of love, loss, illness, grief, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez will alternate as Diana Goodman, the matriarch at the heart of the story. Valderrama’s recent stage credits include Erzulie in 9 Works Theatrical’s Once On This Island, Sita in ARDP’s Rama, Hari, and Fosca in Philippine Opera Company’s Passion. Meanwhile, Valdez returns to theater after her last stage role as Holly in 9 Works Theatrical’s The Wedding Singer in 2010. She is best known for her performances in films like the Ang Tanging Ina franchise and Family Matters.
OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena will alternate as Dan Goodman, Diana’s husband. Mariano was recently seen as Audrey II in The Sandbox Collective’s Little Shop of Horrors and as Bobby in Upstart Productions’ Company. Tena’s recent performances include JR in REP’s Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical, Bert/Willie in PETA’s One More Chance, The Musical, and Tatay in Tanghalang Pilipino’s Sandosenang Sapatos. He is also set to appear as Pari in Isang Himala, the upcoming musical film adaptation of Ricky Lee’s Himala.
Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay will portray Natalie Goodman, the “perfect” daughter. Belarmino’s recent roles include Tricia in PETA’s One More Chance, The Musical and Eds in Teatro Kapamilya and PETA Plus’ Tabing Ilog: The Musical. Binay was last seen in Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Bar Boys: A New Musical, Virgin Labfest 19’s Sa Babaeng Lahat, and Tanghalang Pilipino’s Pingkian: Isang Musikal. Notably, she has previously portrayed Natalie in blueREP’s 2020 staging of Next to Normal.
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The role of Gabe Goodman, the enigmatic son, will be shared by Benedix Ramos and Vino Mabalot. Ramos recently played Erik Vicencio in Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Bar Boys: A New Musical and Rovic in Tabing Ilog: The Musical. Mabalot’s recent credits include Fonzy in Tabing Ilog: The Musical and Franco in Ateneo Entablado’s Sa Tahanan ng Aking Ama.
Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will alternate as Henry, Natalie’s love interest. Uddin’s recent performances include Josh Zuniga in Bar Boys: A New Musical, Maestro in Mula sa Buwan, and Andoy in Tabing Ilog: The Musical. Narciso was recently seen as Chris in REP’s Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical, Cassio in CAST PH’s Othello, and as the male swing in REP’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Notably, he has also previously portrayed Henry in blueREP’s 2020 staging of the musical.
Jef Flores will take on the role of Dr. Madden, the family psychiatrist. His most recent performances include playing Daniel in 9 Works Theatrical’s Once On This Island, Mark in PETA’s One More Chance, The Musical, and Jon in 9 Works Theatrical’s Tick, Tick… Boom!. Notably, Flores previously portrayed Dan Goodman in blueREP’s 2020 staging of the musical.
The production is directed by The Sandbox Collective’s Managing Artistic Director, Toff De Venecia, with Ejay Yatco as Musical Director, Stephen Viñas as Choreographer, Mark Daniel Dalacat as Production Designer and Associate Director, and Elliza Dawn Aurelio as Hair & Makeup Designer. The creative team also includes Jonas Garcia as Dramaturg, Serena Magiliw as Intimacy Coach, Gabo Tolentino as Lighting Designer, Aji Manalo as Sound Designer/Engineer, and Francisco Miguel Yabut as Technical Director. The musical, with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, premiered on Broadway in 2009.
Making its Broadway debut in 2009, Next to Normal has been credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Literature.
Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
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