A fantasy show for Valentine

How would you like a fantasy concert for a Valentine show? That is exactly what four of the entertainment industry big wigs – Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Rico J. Puno and Ai-Ai de las Alas – are about to do, a fantaconsierto.

As the title suggests, the Valentine concert is a fantasy musical complete with fairies, an evil queen, a hopeless romantic and star-crossed lovers in elaborate costumes on an equally elaborate stage complete with special effects.

"We wanted to come up with a concert with a story," shares Ogie, who will be playing the Prince. "So we came up with the concept of a fantaconsierto. It might look like a play but it’s not. It’s still a concert."

The story goes that there was once a Kingdom called Amorata tormented by an evil queen (Ai-Ai) by forbidding love in her kingdom. But a prince falls for a fairy (Regine) and spells trouble for the queen. With the help of Rico J.’s character, also a fairy, the lovers embark on a journey of love despite the villainous queen’s evil machinations.

Since the story is plot-driven, the entire cast will sing only a few of their original songs. Most of the songs are borrowed from other artists. Songs that would fit the story.

Though Regine and Ogie will still sing their formulaic love songs like Nandito Ako, Mahal Kita Walang Iba, Sa Kanya Pa Rin, these songs are subject to change since the script is still a work in progress, according to Ogie.

While Ai-Ai and Rico J. will sing novelty songs spiced with their own hilarious antics, Allan K. will surely be hilarious as the narrator of the comedic fairytale romance.

Forever After is the brainchild of Regine and Ogie. The two have had successful projects before as a musical tandem. This year, both sensed that people might not want them doing the same thing all over again. So they decided to do something different.

They brought in two of the most prolific performers in the country and conceptualized an out-of-the-box Valentine offering. Result: a love story in time for Valentine’s and set in a fantasyland.

Ogie says his tandem with Regine has always worked. Both are workaholic and talented. "Regine’s got very strong ideas," says Ogie. "She’s more into the aesthetic side of things. She’ll think about the stage, the look, posters. As for me, I am more into the music."

Ai-Ai and Rico add more twist to the Ogie-Regine partnership with their tried-and-tested capabilities. "These people can not only just sing. They can play parts," says Ogie of Ai-Ai and Rico J. Ai-Ai is known as the Comedy Concert Queen while Rico J. is the Total Performer. Both are formidable entertainers.

Ogie also expresses admiration for his other performers, whom he has known for such a long time. Ai-Ai is a long-time friend in the business and Rico J. is someone Ogie has always looked up to.

"Ai is one of the most talented performers here. I have always worked with her and she’s perfect for the part while Rico J. has always been my idol. I think Regine’s, too," Ogie relates.

With a stellar cast of musical geniuses and great comedic entertainers, Forever After is sure to enthrall audiences of all ages. "Expect more fun in a different kind of Valentine concert!," as Ai-Ai declares.

On Feb. 10 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum, expect a funny Valentine celebration when Starmedia and Aria Productions present Forever After (fantaconsierto), directed by Rowell Santiago, written by Ricky Lee, and under the musical direction of Raul Mitra.

For tickets priced at P2,750 (VIP), P2,200 (Patron A), P1,675 (Patron B), P1,100 (Lower Box), P765 (Upper Box A), P550 (Upper Box B), P275 (General Admission), call Ticketnet at 911-5555, Aria Productions 926-7896 or Star Media 854-3322.