Sam Shoaf. Handout
The barkada gets an extra dose of cool with Sam Shoaf, who previously appeared on "The Voice Kids" and" Your Face Sounds Familiar," stepping into the iconic role of Topee in the 2026 production of "Bagets The Musical."
Originally portrayed by J.C. Bonnin in the 1984 classic, Topee comes alive on stage once again, with Shoaf bringing his own brand of charm, energy, and playful intensity to the beloved character. Jeff Moses will alternate in the role.
Shoaf, who is part of the hit series "Ang Mutya ng Section E," said he immediately connected with Topee’s fun-loving, energetic spirit. “Everything was just full of life back then,” he noted. “If he were alive today, I think he’d be the kind of guy obsessed with working out on TikTok, always on his phone but never missing the fun.”
Shoaf sees much of himself in the character: active, vibrant, yet private about his personal life.
Shoaf is equally excited for his first major theater role, eager to channel his singing, dancing, and acting into the character while capturing the messy, thrilling ride of adolescence.
“The story is about us,” he said. “Just a different timeline, different variables, but the same plot.”
Jeff Moses. Handout
Meanwhile, Moses will bring Topee’s Hiligaynon heritage to the stage. Born and raised in Negros Occidental, Moses shared, “Puli ‘ta Bacolod. Madalas ‘yung sinasabi niya sa nanay niya. Ako ramdam ko ‘yung bigat no’n kasi tuwing holidays na lang din ako nakakauwi sa ’min.”
A GMA Sparkle Artist Center signee, Moses has made his mark in film and television, earning Best Actor at the 1st Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival for "Under a Piaya Moon" and being recognized as Outstanding Youth of the Philippines in 2023.
"Bagets The Musical" runs from January 23 to March 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Joining Shoaf and Moses are Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez as Gilbert, Milo Cruz and Migo Valid as Tonton, and Ethan David and KD Estrada as Arnel, with more cast members to be announced.