If there’s one theater company that knows how to shake us out of our comfort zones, it’s The Sandbox Collective. And honestly? They’ve just set the bar for the entire year.
At a recent press conference at Privato Hotel, the air didn’t just feel like a season launch—it felt like a revolution. Under the new leadership of Artistic Director Sab Jose-Gregorio, The Sandbox Collective officially announced that they are kicking off their 12th year with the Tony Award-winning rock musical, Spring Awakening.
And let me tell you, this isn’t just a “throwback” to 19th-century Germany. This is a mirror held up to us right here, right now.
A New Era for The Sandbox Collective
This production marks a huge turning point. It’s the first major artistic statement from Sab Jose-Gregorio, and she’s making one thing clear: this season is about courage, advocacy, and social relevance. By choosing a story that explores the consequences of silencing the youth, Sandbox is telling us they aren’t afraid to have the “tough” conversations. Whether it’s mental health, sexual awakening, or the struggle against rigid authority, this show hits home for every young Filipino today.
Raw Emotion in a Brand New Space
Get ready for an experience that’s up-close and personal. The production will be staged at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.
Because it’s an intimate venue, there’s nowhere to hide. You’ll be inches away from the raw, alternative rock energy of Duncan Sheik’s score. Directed by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, the vision here is “relevance over nostalgia.” They aren’t interested in just showing us history; they want us to see the parallels between the authority figures of the past and the systems that still suppress curiosity today.
When Legends Meet the New Gen
The cast list is, quite frankly, a theater lover’s dream. We have the titans—Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Ana Abad Santos, and Audie Gemora—playing the “Adult Roles.” They represent the weight of authority and control.
Opposing them is a vibrant, hungry new generation of performers. This deliberate casting creates a beautiful, heartbreaking tension: experience vs. innocence, and power vs. vulnerability. With a massive ensemble and alternating leads, every performance promises a unique kind of magic.
Why You Can’t Miss This
Running from February 13 to March 22, 2026, Spring Awakening is more than a night at the theater. It’s a call to listen to the voices we usually ignore. It’s a challenge to the norms we’ve held for too long.
In a world that often tries to label youth expression as “dangerous,” this show is a reminder that truth and understanding are the only things that can truly set us free.
Are you ready to join the rebellion? Tag your theater buddy who needs to see this! 👇
Would you like me to find out when the early-bird ticket sales go live so you can snag the best seats in the Black Box?
The Chikkaness 