“Bagets The Musical” revives the friendships, mischief and growing pains of high school life in a nostalgic return to the 1980s.
Get to know Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as they step into the shoes of Gilbert, the geeky member of the group originally portrayed by Herbert Bautista.
What made the coming-of-age classic timeless was its relatability. That’s the spirit Noel Comia Jr. is most excited to bring on stage.
“We all have that experience of liking someone but not being able to share how we feel,” he shares. “Gilbert is awkward, self-conscious, and still figuring himself out.”
Comia draws on his musical theater background to add such depth to the role. His notable credits include “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical,” “Pinocchio” and “The Secret Garden” with Repertory Philippines and “Fun Home” with Lea Salonga.
“What the audience might not know about Gilbert is that he’s the life of the party,” he says. “I’m excited to show that side, especially the kulitan with the barkada, because I never experienced that in high school.”
It’s that energy and camaraderie he hopes the audience will feel throughout the show.
“To be part of such an iconic stage play is an honor,” he says. “I’ll do my best to pay tribute to the character with respect.”
If Comia dives into Gilbert’s more reserved energy, Tomas Rodriguez leans into the character’s mischief.
“Kada high school barkada mayroong Gilbert. ‘Yung tipong mahiyain pero laging game sa kalokohan,” he begins with a laugh. “Doon ako nakaka-relate, sa kapilyuhan niya.”
A member of the P-pop boy group Alamat, the artist is known for his free-spirited nature.
He began his career in “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) 737” and later appeared in films like “For the Love: Anghel,” “Kurdapya,” “The Ship Show” and “Expensive Candy.”
“This is my first theater stint, so medyo kinakabahan pero excited,” he admits. “Malaking tulong ang opportunity na ’to to help me grow in the arts and in acting.”
Rodriguez even went as far as training his glutes for a scene in the musical — a quirky kind of dedication that makes his performance all the more worth looking forward to.
“We have dancing and singing workshops lined up for this,” he volunteers.
“Siguro ang dapat abangan ng mga manonood ay kung paano namin sila madadala sa panahon noon at maisasama sa pagtanda ngayon.”
Comia and Rodriguez portray Gilbert in his entirety — from playful antics to quiet reflection. It’s a performance that captures the magic of adolescence.
“Bagets The Musical” is scheduled to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It has Maribel Legarda at the helm with Vince Lim as musical director. Playwright is J-mee Katanyag.
