Two generations of ‘Bagets’ come together for musical’s opening night

MANILA, Philippines — Take a bow, Bagets!

“Bagets the Musical” opened at the Newport Performing Arts Theater like a commencement ceremony done right, finishing with flying colors and a rousing song-and-dance finale that had the audience on their feet, waving their “diplomas.”

‘Bagets The Musical’ actors (from left) Sam Shoaf as Topee, Noel Comia Jr. as Gilbert, Milo Cruz as Tonton, Ethan David as Arnel and Andres Muhlach as Adie during the opening night’s curtain call at Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Photos by Walter Bollozos/Philippine Star and NWR Musicals

Leading the opening-night cast were Andres Muhlach as Adie, Ethan David as Arnel, Milo Cruz as Tonton, Noel Comia Jr. as Gilbert and Sam Shoaf as Topee. As homage to the stars of the 1984 coming-of-age Viva film on which the musical is based, the characters now carry the surnames of the OG actors — Aga Muhlach, Raymond Lauchengco, William Martinez, Herbert Bautista and JC Bonnin.

If “Bagets” served as a breakthrough vehicle for its original cast, this stage adaptation appears poised to do the same, introducing a new wave of bright young talents in Philippine showbiz and theater.

One of the scenes from the musical that stayed faithful to the original 1984 film.

Making the musical debut even more special was a mini-reunion of some of the original “Bagets.” Yayo Aguila was there, accompanied by her two daughters with William Martinez. The former couple may no longer be together, but it’s no showbiz secret that the film (where Yayo played William’s love interest Rose) was where it all began. Also present were Chanda Romero (who played Christine, the older woman/love interest) and, of course, Aga, the original Adie. “Bagets 2” cast member Ramon Christopher Gutierrez was also spotted in the audience.

One of the touching scenes featuring the mothers and their sons singing to State of the Nation.

Much of the excitement centered on Aga watching his own son, Andres, take on his role 42 years later. The crowd erupted in applause the moment his son appeared onstage.

Prior to the show proper, however, the proud father admitted to feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t really know how to feel right now. Emotional. I’m nervous also. At the same time, excited. It’s just overwhelming. Not just overwhelming — parang, who would have thought that after my first movie, my son will be doing this 40-plus years later?” he told this paper.

The musical ends with the graduation ceremony scene.

“So earlier, on the way here, (my daughter) Atasha played the sounds of ‘Bagets.’ I got emotional because all the memories started coming back. So sabi ko, stop it first. So yes, I am excited and nervous, but more than that, I’m really happy that this is happening.”

He also shared his last piece of advice to Andres before showtime.

OG cast member Yayo Aguila joins on stage.

“I woke up at 4 a.m. and he was at the kitchen downstairs. That was the only time we were able to talk again. And I was just listening to him, he was OK. Of course, sabi, ‘Dad, mga mali ko, ganito, ganyan, I got called up many times.’ But I said that’s part of it. Just don’t forget to enjoy and have fun. That’s normal, whatever you feel — the nerves — embrace it, but don’t let it control you.”

Chanda Romero, also part of the OG film, graces the opening night.

Another highlight of the evening was the curtain call, when Aga and the other OG “Bagets” joined the current cast onstage. It was a mini-reunion of sorts that, as Yayo quipped, “made it out of a group chat.”

Missing from the gathering were Herbert and Raymond, who couldn’t make it, as well as JC, who was unable to return from the US. William has since retired from showbiz.

Aga, his wife Charlene and their daughter Atasha rise to their feet with the rest of the audience for the big song-and-dance finale.

The musical stays largely faithful to the film, featuring songs from the original soundtrack along with several more ’80s hits.

The show may be nostalgia-driven but it’s clearly geared toward younger audiences and those not even born when the film first came out.

Original Adie (Aga Muhlach) is one proud father to new-gen Adie played by Andres.

This writer met on opening night some Mass Communication and journalism students from Silliman University in Dumaguete, many of whom had never seen “Bagets” the movie (it’s on YouTube). When asked if the story connected with their generation, they said it did, even if they were not ’80s kids, because “it still conveys the core message of family and friendship.” As one of them put it, at its heart, the story is about “five boys who needed their moms.”

Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte (left) and Alliance Global Group CEO Kevin Tan.

Indeed, watch out for the “Ermats” scenes, which serve as the emotional anchor of the show, as well as the clever staging choice of having the same actor portray the father of “Bagets The Musical” kids.

A production of Newport World Resorts with The Philippine STAR and VIVA Communications, the show is staged by PETA Plus and presented in cooperation with Sun Life Philippines.

MGB and his wife Milette Belmonte with Viva Communications chairman and CEO Vic del Rosario (center).

“Bagets The Musical” runs until March at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available at the Newport World Resorts Box Office and Ticketworld: P4,000 (SVIP), P3,500 (VIP), P3,000 (GOLD), P2,000 (SILVER) and P1,000 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888.