Hajji, Rachel in first musical together

Talent definitely runs in the family as Hajji Alejandro and his daughter Rachel Alejandro star in their first stage musical together this June in the Elton John/Tim Rice, Tony award-winning pop rock musical Aida.

Aida tells the story of the Nubian princess Aida, who is captured by the Egyptians. In Egypt, she becomes handmaiden to the Egyptian Princess Amneris, who is betrothed to her captor, the Egyptian Captain Radames. This love triangle forces the star-crossed trio to choose between their passions and their devotion to their countries, face death and ultimately choose to forgive so that love survives and stands the test of time.

Rachel Alejandro stars as Princess Amneris, daughter of the Egyptian pharaoh and fiancée to Radames. “I watched Aida on Broadway and each time I watched it, I cried buckets. From then I knew that I wanted to play Amneris. She is like the narrator of the story. She opens the show and at the end, her character’s transformation is critical to the story’s tragic yet somehow satisfying resolution. As Amneris, I get some of the funniest lines in the show.”

Hajji joins his daughter in Aida as Zoser, chief minister of Egypt and father of Radames, who will stop at nothing to assure his son’s rise to the throne. “Rachel and I saw Aida on Broadway when we did a concert together in New York and we both fell in love with it. I think it’s a love story that all Filipinos will be able to relate to,” says Hajji.

Chari Arespacochaga, who directs the show, says, “I am thrilled to have Hajji and Rachel in the show. Theirs are the voices that will certainly give the beautiful songs of the show justice. It will be wonderful to see Hajji take on the stage once again after a long, long time and in such an interesting role.”

Aida (played by Ima Castro in the title role) runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza from June 24 to July 10. For show buying, fundraising opportunities and tickets, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078. For news and updates, follow AidaofManila on Twitter.

Kim marks b-day with Gerald

Kim Chiu recently celebrated her 21st birthday with Gerald Anderson in New York. She, Gerald and other Kapamilya stars were in the US for the Star Magic tour. The two, who are rumored to be back in each other’s arms, are said to have had dinner together to celebrate Kim’s birthday. Piolo Pascual also treated her and the Star Magic family to a sumptuous dinner. “I was so happy because we were all together celebrating my birthday. Every night, kumakain kami and it felt like it was my birthday everyday. They would sing happy birthday and I would blow my cake,” she said.

And what would Gerald say to Jolo Revilla’s pronouncements that he plans to court Kim any time soon?

Abangan.

Cesar to do indie movie with Ai-Ai

Award-winning actor Cesar Montano is in the US with his wife Sunshine Cruz and daughter Angelina. While in the US, they will visit museums, since his daughter Angelina is into painting. He will also meet with Donald Martin who wrote The Masterpiece, an Al Pacino movie. They will also watch Manny Pacquiao’s fight in Las Vegas. Donald Martin, according to Cesar, has shown interest that he (Cesar) directs a movie about a Filipino who migrated to the US. Donald Martin wrote the script. “Yong Getting to America siya ang nagsulat pero kuwento ng Pilipino na kaibigan niya na gusto niyang ako ang mag-direk. Kukuha ako ng artista to do it,” said Cesar. Richard Gutierrez is top on Cesar’s mind to play the role.

When he comes back from his US sojourn, Cesar will sit down with Ai-Ai de las Alas for an indie movie. “I am excited. Definitely tuloy yong movie.”