AFTER three decades in the entertainment industry, the toast of Philippine musical theater, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, a Gawad Buhay awardee and Aliw Award winner, has not rested on her laurels.

Last seen as Erzulie in “Once On This Island” and had the stage all by herself when she was featured in the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) “Triple Threat Leading Ladies” series, Shiela takes on a demanding role in “Next To Normal,” The Sandbox Collective’s newest offering.

“Next To Normal” was first staged by Atlantis Productions back in 2011, with Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Jett Pangan, directed by the late Bobby Garcia.

One of the most moving shows to hit Broadway, “Next To Normal” opened to rave reviews when it was first staged at the Great White Way in 2009.

The show follows the life of the Goodman family as they experience love, loss, illness and grief. It is perhaps the first musical that bravely tackled the topic of mental health in mainstream theater.

With book and lyrics by Bryan Yonkey and music by Tom Kit, “Next To Normal” went on to win three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer prize for literature.

Shiela apparently overworked her tear ducts as she had many crying scenes as the mom, Diana Goodman, in “Next To Normal.” She was paired with singer-actor OJ Mariano of The CompanY as her hubby

With David Cosico as her personal manager under Stages Management, Shiela worked so hard in creating her Diana. Her riveting performance did not escape the celebrities and prominent people who watched “Next To Normal,” with the last few nights this weekend.

National Artist for Film Ricky Lee who was in the audience on opening night, particularly raved about the performance of Shiela.

“I liked it very, very much kasi sinaktan niya ako,” Lee commented. “Ang ganda ganda niya. Ang husay-husay ni Shiela. Lahat ng shifts ng emotions niya very intense. Every bit, lahat ng ginawa niya onstage.”

Lee added, “Mahusay din the rest of the cast. Pero sa akin, si Shiela ang nag-soar. It’s everybody’s story. Kasi at certain points in our lives, may loss tayo. Hindi natin matanggap. The musical makes you feel bad in a way that’s really beautiful.”

National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes also caught “Next To Normal” on its second week (Wednesday night) and positively observed the performance of the artists. She and Shiela developed a bond when the latter played Sita in “Rama Hari” in 2023. The musical was even restaged last year.

“I don’t know how you all sang through such a demanding score from beginning to end, act, move, lift chairs… 12 times. Wow!” Reyes said.

“Shiela, Bravo!!! I waited to hug you tight but had to leave. I have to drive up to Pampanga at 7 a.m. tomorrow for a European buyer. Please tell OJ and the entire cast, musicians, prod team, what a fantastic performance and production. Ensemble work, so breathtakingly solid.

“Thank you for getting me and my sister Beatrice to experience ‘Next To Normal’.”

PETA former artistic director Maribel Legarda also remarked about the performances of the cast she witnessed. “I was really so proud of them. Really wonderful performers and beautiful voices.

“Some of them also worked in ‘Rak of Aegis.’ It’s nice to see them here (in ‘Next To Normal’). They are really powerful performers.”

Director Alex Cortez and Beatrice Reyes agreed that Valderrama-Martinez was both wonderful and amazing with her “non-stop singing and acting” at the same time.

“Her seeming vulnerability was very, very steamy at the same time,” Cortez said. “Shiela is amazing. Her gamut of emotions was incredible.”

Singer Bituin Escalante commented that the performance of Valderrama-Martinez was “deeply affecting.”

“Her willingness to explore her vulnerabilities with OJ lend so much to their performances,” said Bituin. “Ganda, understated and real.”

Soprano Lara Maigue said that Valderrama-Martinez delivered a “deeply moving and heart-wrenching masterpiece. A definite standout performance for Shiela V. Her best role yet.”

Lara agreed that Valderrama-Martinez worked really hard at creating Diana Goodman. “It’s so evident. So proud of her.”

Shiela has stricken another memorable role from her bucket list. Yet, she obviously still has many productions to conquer, dreams to fulfill and achieve.

With shows in and out of the country, live performances, musical projects and private functions, Shiela’s calendar is obviously never less busy throughout 2025.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio