‘Bagets The Musical’ brings 1984 back to life with friendship, fun, and timeless tunes
Newport Performing Arts Theater’s newest production is a mixed tape of ’80s hits, teenage dreams, and unforgettable coming-of-age moments
The play started at the best part of any academic year: the beginning of summer break. It is chaotic, colorful, and everyone is excited to end the chapter on a high note. But for friends Adie, Topee, Gilbert, Arnel, and Tonton, the last day of school offers an opportunity for a final mischief—which, sadly, didn’t go well for them or their loving mothers.
And just like that, “Bagets The Musical,” Newport Performing Arts Theater’s newest production, kicks off. It instantly took the audience to the vibrant days of 1984, when phones came with cords, muted tones gave way to neon brights, and Michael Jackson’s dance moves dominated the scene. The new production is adapted from the hit Filipino ’80s film “Bagets,” and features the works of director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.
On stage, “Bagets The Musical” is led by 10 young performers alternating the five lead roles throughout the run. For the show that we saw, the cast was led by Mico Hendrix Chua (Adie), Sam Shoaf (Topee), Milo Cruz (Tonton), Tomas Rodriguez (Gilbert), and KD Estrada (Arnel). They performed alongside their stage ermats—Neomi Gonzales, Kakai Bautista, Mayen Cadd, Ring Antonio, and Carla Guevara Laforteza. In a nutshell, the musical follows the lives of the teenage boys as they navigate adolescence in 1984, from experiencing the magic of first love and chasing dreams to shouldering family pressures and facing the realities of life.
This author must confess to not having seen the 1984 film, primarily to avoid spoilers and to allow the play to be experienced on its own terms. After all, the musical is a creative reimagining that blends nostalgia with fresh energy, giving both longtime fans and new audiences the chance to experience the story in an entirely new way.
Much like in Newport Performing Arts Theater’s past productions, audiences can expect breathtaking spectacle, from dazzling choreography and vibrant set designs to immersive lighting and dynamic musical performances that bring the story to life.
The young cast’s onstage prowess doesn’t just lie in how they hit those sweet musical notes, but in the way they masterfully showcase true friendship—one of the many moments that resonates deeply with the audience.
What excites me most about this adaptation is the aspect of “salin-awit,” where original music is woven with iconic 1980s hits. Not all audience members entering the Newport Performing Arts Theater will have had the opportunity to live through that era, but the timeless appeal of the music transcends generations, making it equally thrilling for both those who continue to listen to those songs and those discovering them for the first time.
To add more depth to the musical, the production’s creative team expanded the story through the ermats, or the mothers of the teenage boys. As Adie, Topee, Gilbert, Arnel, and Tonton navigate their many adventures—and misadventures—their mothers mirror these experiences by facing the challenges of parenting teenagers. It is fascinating to see onstage that the idea of coming of age, or self-discovery in general, isn’t confined to a single stage of life.
Growth happens in moments of heartbreak, triumph, mistakes, and reflection, reminding the audience that learning, maturing, and finding oneself is a lifelong journey, not just a teenage rite of passage. And what makes those moments bearable—or even joyful—is having your good buddies—your amigas—by your side.
“Bagets The Musical” runs until March 22 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, with shows every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and matinee performances every Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are now available online at their website and at all Ticketworld and Ticket2Me outlets.
