A feel-good, fun ride

MANILA, Philippines — If you’re an ardent Air Supply fan, it’s hard to watch the new musical All Out of Love and not sing along to its catchy and timeless tunes sung earnestly by first-rate artists led by the irresistible MiG Ayesa.

With over a dozen rousing pop rock tracks plus new compositions created for this musical and beautifully stitched together to make a compelling love story, All Out Of Love is quite intoxicating as Rock of Ages and Mamma Mia!.

The musical is making its world premiere in Manila on a limited run before hitting other cities worldwide. Directed by Darren Yap and written by Jim Millan, it features songs of the legendary Australian duo Air Supply such as Here I Am, Lost In Love, The One That You Love, You Are The Reason, Sweet Dreams, Even The Nights Are Better and All Out Of Love.

Set in New York City with the help of creative scenic design, it tells the story of embattled rock star Jamie Crimson (MiG) who is being convinced by struggling music mogul Tommy King (Raymund Concepcion) to embark on a world tour to promote his new album and save King’s record label. Jamie is a broken man having left behind his songwriting partner and love of his life Rayne (Rachel Alejandro), while Tommy is dealing with his own loss, that of his wife and his distant relationship with his daughter Stacie (Tanya Manalang).

The casting is spot on with the stars helping steer the material effectively through their electrifying and near flawless turns.

MiG continues to astonish with his distinctly exquisite vocals that propelled him to theater stardom in Australia, London and New York. The former scene stealing Jacee Staxx in the hit musical Rock of Ages (both on Broadway and US tour) is the runaway star of this heartwarming Manila production that showcases not only this Fil-Aussie’s extraordinary talent and charm, but also his sculpted physique that helps him nail the physicality of the role.

The perky Tanya, a former Kim at West End’s Miss Saigon, sings gorgeously with some rocking vocals and delivers some of the musical’s delightful comic moments. The youthful Rachel Alejandro is in fighting form as Rayne, thanks to her perfect shape and remarkable belting that made her a star in the first place.

Stage veterans Raymund and Jamie Wilson are both terrific and charming. Raymund shines bright with his commanding voice and presence, while Jamie is hilarious and seems to have a blast displaying his comedic skills.

All Out of Love is one musical that will literally leave audience members smiling, and even reminiscing, while humming its captivating tunes as they exit the theater.

It’s no surprise that the Air Supply duo, singer-songwriter and guitarist Graham Russel and lead vocalist Russel Hitchcock, are over the moon knowing that they did the right thing of choosing Manila as the launch pad of their ambitious venture that may even land on Broadway.

All Out of Love premiered Oct. 18 and will run until Oct. 28 only, at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.