Bagets: The Musical' Is Looking For 'Triple Threat' Actors

The team behind "Bagets: The Musical" is on the lookout for triple threat performers — those who can sing, dance and act — to take on the iconic roles originally played by William Martinez (Tonton), J.C. Bonnin (Toffee), Herbert Bautista (Gilbert), Raymond Lauchengco (Arnel) and Aga Muhlach (Adie) in the 1984 coming-of-age film.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

The original "Bagets" followed the lives of five teenage boys as they navigated adolescence, while dealing with family and friendship issues, as well as matters of the heart. Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, written by Jake Tordesillas and produced by VIVA Films, the movie became a pop culture classic that defined a generation.

Now, more than four decades later, VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR and Newport World Resorts have joined forces to bring the beloved story to the stage, with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) on board as line producer.

"Bagets: The Musical" is set to open on Jan. 23, 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It will be directed by PETA's Maribel Legarda ("Rak of Aegis") and written by PETA's artistic director and award-winning screenwriter J-mee Katanyag ("Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law," "Maria Clara at Ibarra").

With preparations in full swing, The STAR asked the creative team about the qualities they're looking for in potential cast members during a presscon Wednesday at the VIVA office.

Legarda began, "I'm sure you've heard of triple threats. In the ideal world, they can sing, dance and act. And they can do everything equally or maybe stronger at some. I hope we have that."

The director is also looking forward to including fresh talents in the show. "We also want it to be like it was before, which was a platform to find new young talents that would be interesting. We want it coupled with the mothers. 'Cause we are really planning to make the mothers another set of characters here, the ermats."

Legarda likewise stressed that casting is very crucial for her. "Putting together the right group of people — that's already 90 percent of your work. At the end of the day, that's what people will see. (The ones who could) bring the best of the storytelling."