(Left to right ) Vien King, Molly Langley, Krystal Kane, CJ Navato
REVIEW: Why ‘Side Show The Musical’ is a Theatrical Masterwork
August 4, 2025
By: Veronique Singson Nazareno
Side Show The Musical is a powerful feast for the senses—immersive, heartfelt, and visually captivating. From the moment you step into the transformed Power Mac Center Spotlight, you’re no longer an audience member—you’re part of the show.
The black box theatre is reimagined as a circus ring, with the stage placed at the center and the audience wrapped intimately around it. This unique setup allowed us to feel the heat of the lights, smell the sage in the air, and see every detail of the vibrant costumes up close (the scent of burning sage is long a backstage tradition for Sandbox Collective—was seamlessly woven into the world of Side Show. This time, it became part of the show itself, enhancing its mystical atmosphere).
During intermission, we were even able to admire the costumes more closely, a welcome touch that further deepened our immersion.
From the opening number, “Come Look at the Freaks,” the ensemble set the tone with energy and precision. It was a striking, unapologetic invitation into the world of the Hilton twins and their troupe of so-called “freaks.”
Krystal Kane and Molly Langley
Jon Santos
On the night we attended, Krystal Kane and Molly Langley played Daisy and Violet Hilton, the conjoined twins at the heart of the show. Their performances were remarkable—physically synchronized, emotionally connected, and visually convincing. Their resemblance was uncanny, enhanced by effective makeup and costuming, but it was their shared rhythm and chemistry that sold the illusion.
Krystal brought sharp wit and commanding stage presence, while Molly gave a moving, emotionally resonant performance. Together, they made the audience believe not only in their physical bond but in their complex emotional journey.
CJ Navato
Josh Cabiladas
Jon Santos was a true chameleon. His versatility and stage mastery brought color and dimension to every role he played. He moved between characters seamlessly, delivering moments of gravitas, humor, and flair with seasoned precision.
CJ Navato portrayed Terry Connor, the smooth-talking agent, with subtle charm and natural ease. His performance was grounded, never overdone, and he brought nuance to a character often portrayed as one-note. Vien King as Buddy Foster revealed impressive emotional range—charming and affable on the surface, but layered with inner conflict that played out clearly on his expressive face.
Josh Cabiladas delivered a standout performance as Jake, showing the full power of his voice and emotional depth, captivating the audience with every scene he was in.
But the true ringmaster of this production is director Toff de Venecia, whose bold creative vision took the show to another level. Drawing inspiration from Jamie Lloyd’s cinematic techniques, de Venecia introduced live cameras and onstage simulcasts that offered an innovative peek behind the curtains—literally taking us backstage in real time. This blending of theatre and film expanded the physical and emotional space of the black box, pushing its boundaries and redefining audience perspective. While there were occasional lags due to WiFi constraints, the concept was ambitious and largely effective.
De Venecia also made a conscious decision to embrace vivid color and carnival spectacle—leaning fully into the world of the circus. His vision was bright, theatrical, and celebratory, capturing the soul of Side Show in a way that felt fresh yet faithful.
The ensemble cast was equally impressive. Their energy, commitment, and joy onstage were palpable, and their collective chemistry resonated deeply throughout the show.
One particular scene—simple in design, using only lights and minimal props (we won’t spoil it), stood out as especially breathtaking. Combined with the emotional momentum of the performances, it was one of those rare moments where technical simplicity and artistic impact aligned perfectly.
And as the show reached its emotional climax with the song “I Will Never Leave You,” I found myself moved to tears. As someone who has a sister and twin daughters, the song hit with profound resonance. It’s a moment of love, pain, and deep connection that ties the entire show together.
In the end, this show exceeded expectations. It's not just a show—it’s an experience. A daring, immersive production that blends emotion, spectacle, and innovation.
Definitely a must-watch.
Side Show The Musical runs only until August 17, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati.
Get your tickets through Ticket2me.
Photos by Loreta Arroyo