MANILA -- Kapamilya actor KD Estrada is thrilled to return to the theater through the upcoming production of "Bagets The Musical."
During the media conference for the show, Estrada was introduced as one of the actors playing Arnel — the role originally portrayed by Raymond Lauchengco in the 1984 hit film. He will alternate with GAT’s Ethan David.
“I feel so happy to be back in theater and to be meeting new people — especially my fellow 'Bagets' castmates,” Estrada said. “It’s been so fun, and I really feel like we’ve become a barkada, just like in the movie.”
"Bagets The Musical" marks Estrada's theater comeback after his debut in PETA's "Walang Aray" with screen partner Alexa Ilacad in 2023.
KD Estrada. HandoutArnel is the reserved, well-off “mama’s boy” who dreams of forging his own path. Torn between following his heart and living up to his mother’s expectations, he must decide which life to pursue.
For the musical, Estrada also shared their preparation for the show and how it's different from acting for the screen.
"I think the biggest thing that we have to prepare for is that there's no take two, tuloy-tuloy lang. Even you make a mistake you just gonna keep going," noted Estrada.
"Ganoon naman talaga ang theater. But the good thing about theater is per show you get better every time. And, by the end of this run siguro alam na alam natin 'yung mga blockings, alam na alam natin 'yung mga signals, 'yung mga songs, nilalaro din natin. You put your own twist to it, you put you own spin to it. And yeah, bigger movements. Lalo na kasi ang stage namin sobrang laki, sobrang lapad. Newport Performing Arts Theater that's a really big stage and we are very honored to be in it and we're just focusing on our movements and how to make ourselves bigger."
Meanwhile, David shared his excitement about playing Arnel in the musical and working alongside KD Estrada.
“It’s so nerve-wracking to be part of this cast. I know some of them, but it’s my first time working with KD, Jeff, and Noel, so siyempre ninenerbiyos po ako,” David admitted. “I’m used to performing with my boy group, GAT — that’s my comfort zone. Theater is a whole different world, and honestly, it’s going to be a lot harder for me."
Ethan David. HandoutDirected by Maribel Legarda with a book by J-mee Katanyag and music by Vince Lim, "Bagets The Musical" is set to run from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
Joining Estrada and David in the lead cast are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf as Topee, and Andres Muhlach and Mico Hendrix Chua as Adie.
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