Nikki Valdez to make theater comeback after 15 years

Nikki Valdez is Diana Goodman in “Next to Normal” | Contributed photo

Nikki Valdez is set to mark her return to theater through the upcoming Philippine staging of the Tony Award-winning musical “Next to Normal” in February 2025.

Valdez, who last appeared in “The Wedding Singer” in 2010, will alternate with Sheila Valderrama for the role of matriarch Diana Goodman in the musical.

Valdez rose to fame after starring in the “Ang Tanging Ina” film franchise and “Enteng ng Ina Mo.” She recently won FAMAS Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) “Family Matters.”

Meanwhile, Valderrama, a Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award winner, is known for her roles in “Once on This Island,” ”Rama Hari” and “Passion.”

Aside from the two actresses, “Next to Normal” will also feature OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena, who will alternate in the role of husband Dan.

Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay will play the perfect daughter Natalie Goodman, while Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos will portray Gabe Goodman.

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will share the role of Henry, the boy who falls in love with Natalie, and Jef Flores will play the psychiatrist Dr. Madden.

The musical will be directed by Sandbox’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco, music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

Making its Broadway debut in 2009, “Next to Normal” is an intimate exploration of family and illness, loss and love.

The play has been credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Literature.