MANILA -- "Spring Awakening" returns to Philippine theater with a bold, star-studded cast that includes Nic Chien, the son of Broadway star Lea Salonga, and Star Magic artist Sheena Belarmino.
The opening salvo production of The Sandbox Collective for 2026 stars Nacho Tambunting and Alex Diaz sharing the lead role of Melchior Gabor, with Belarmino as Wendla Bergmann.
Chien will alternate with another Star Magic artist Omar Uddin as Moritz Stiefel in the the Tony Award–winning musical with book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik, and based on the play by Frank Wedekind.
Directed by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, the upcoming production features a mix of Philippine theater stalwarts and rising stars set to breathe new life into "Spring Awakening" after it premiered on Broadway 20 years ago.
The “First Lady of Philippine Theater" Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo will share the stage with the multi-awarded actress Ana Abad Santos as Adult Woman, with “King of Philippine Musical Theater” Audie Gemora as Adult Man.
Also joining the cast are Angelo Martinez as Hänschen Rilow; Vino Mabalot as Otto Lämmermeier; Jam Binay as Ilse Neumann; Angia Laurel as Martha Bessell; Mijon Cortez as Anna; Felicity Kyle Napuli as Thea; Elian Dominguez as Ernst Röbel; and Davy Narciso as Georg Zirschnitz.
Rounding out the cast are female swings Pappel and Nikki Bengzon, and male swings Lance Soliman and Gabo Tiongson.
"Spring Awakening" follows the turbulent journey of adolescence, where silence is rewarded and curiosity is punished. Exploring timeless themes of mental health, sexuality, growing up, and family life, the show’s power lies in its ability to transcend eras and resonate deeply with audiences across generations.
Director Pamintuan noted that the show’s story mirrors the oppressive ideas our society continues to grapple with.
“This bourgeoisie, which 'Spring Awakening' takes aim at, manifests today in the form of political elites, conservative religious sects, and a ‘parentocracy’ that seek to preserve the status quo — fearing the so-called corruption of youth and resisting what they deem as ‘radical’ thought and rapidly shifting industries that are reshaping daily life," Pamintuan said.
“The struggles faced by the young characters in the show — teen pregnancy, sexual and physical abuse, mental health issues, and self-harm — are the very challenges many young people continue to face, particularly in the Philippines,” he added.
Aside from Pamintuan, the artistic team also includes Ejay Yatco as musical director, Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, D Cortezano as lighting designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, Salve Villarosa as dramaturg, Aron Roca as sound designer, Sheik Completado as technical director, and Jaydee Jasa as hair and makeup designer.
"Spring Awakening" will open the company’s 12th year and 2026 season. It is also the inaugural show of The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. The show will run from February 13 until March 22, 2026. Tickets are now available on Ticket2Me.