The cast of All Out of Love (from left) Tanya Manalang, Raymund Concepcion, Mig Ayesa, Jamie Wilson and Rachel Alejandro. excited to be part of new Air Supply musical

At about the same time when singer-actress Rachel Alejandro was starting her career as one of the mainstays of the teen variety show, That’s Entertainment, Air Supply was dominating the pop music charts with one hit after another.

Like millions of Filipinos who were enamored with the legendary Australian duo’s brand of syrupy ballads as exemplified by hits like “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love” and “The One That You Love,” Rachel considers herself a big Air Supply fan.

“I remember I even sang ‘Just As I Am,’ on That’s Entertainment,” she recalled in a recent interview with Concept News Central.

“Their songs really defined my childhood and teen years. I can’t say which one I love most. They’re all pretty amazing.”

Fast forward to 2018. Rachel, now 44, is thrilled to be cast as the lead actress in All Out of Love, a new jukebox musical based on the music of Air Supply. The upcoming original production will have its world premiere here in the Philippines starting this October at Resorts World Manila.

“I’m very, very excited to begin this new experience that I’m certain will help me grow as an artist,” Rachel said.

In All Out of Love, Rachel plays Rayne, a New York-based singer-songwriter who is the ex-girlfriend of the male lead character Jamie Crimson, played by Mig Ayesa. Rachel said the character is a stark contrast to the spinster she played in the acclaimed musical film, Ang Larawan.

“I’d guess that I probably have more in common with Rayne than with Paula Marasigan of ‘Ang Larawan’ for obvious reasons. Rayne and I are both artists who dream of making it big and also share her life with the man she loves,” she noted.

“As you can imagine, playing Paula was a huge challenge for me as she was a character who practically never allowed herself to dream of having a life of her own.”

Rachel revealed that rehearsals with the Australian creative team for All Out of Love will not start until this September. But having done a jukebox musical before in 2013 with Atlantis’ production of Rock of Ages, she understands why “many people are attracted to watching shows that feature music they can sing along to.”

Asked about the prospects of All Out of Love eventually becoming a success not only in Manila, but also in Broadway and at the London West End just like Rock of Ages and even Mamma Mia (based on the music of Swedish hitmakers Abba), Rachel just smiled and quipped, “Why not? I truly hope it will become a huge success in Manila and go on tour.

Also starring Tanya Manalang, Raymund Concepcion and Jamie Wilson, All Out of Love will feature 17 of Air Supply’s most popular hits and will be directed by Darren Yap, who worked with Cameron Mackintosh of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables fame.

The musical will have a limited run from October 18 to 28 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila. For more information, visit the show’s official website