A charming tale of Babb Bird Bird 2000 Aroka

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Hit singer Bird
Thongchai McIntyre(centre)
who stars as Prince Aroka

and the two Buranas
Nat Myria Benedetti(left)
Nicole Theriault(right)

Love being the ultimate cure-all might not be the most innovative theme for a play, but Grammy Entertainment still thinks it holds enough charm to keep an audience spellbound, especially with superstar Thongchai McIntyre, better known as Bird, in the lead.

That is why the Babb Bird Bird Production is staging the musical Aroka-a romantic fantasy.

It is a departure from the sell-out Babb Bird Bird concerts of the past where the superstar sang his hits accompanied by spectacular dance repertoires. Director Bussaba Daoruang said: "The performance has a basic plot that everyone can understand without interpretation. Theme of the story is that the greatest love is true and sincere. Spectators will experience every emotion, from laugh to tears. The presentation is a mix of beauty, balance and perfect harmony." It is the story of a mysterious land called Arokya where there is an Aroka, a plant that can heal all sickness. Aroka is also the name of the King's son, played by Bird. He was born with virtue, but later is dominated by Kumin, his wicked uncle. Kumin creates poison to lead people into a bad life.

Prince Aroka is then turned into a man with no heart or feeling. Burana is a beautiful young lady whose heart is full of love. Her father is also poisoned so she travels to Aroka to find the medicine to heal him. There, she meets Prince Aroka and turns the Prince into a sensitive person. Kumin realises the change in Aroka so he poisons Burana and she falls unconscious. The Prince finds out and fights Kumin. He brings peace back to his land, but still cannot help Burana unless one heart is healed by the other.

Two Grammy songstresses, Nicole Theriault and Nat Myria Benedetti take turns in playing Burana.

Bird said Ms Nicole and Ms Nat were chosen because of their lovely voices and feminine natures. However, they both play Burana in two quite different ways. Ms Nicole is a cute and cheerful version., while Ms Nat is more of a dreamer.

Aroka will be performed at the main auditorium of the Thailand Cultural Centre from Tuesday to Sunday between April 15 and 30 at 7 p.m. There will be matinee shows at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are 500, 800, 1,500 and 2,000 baht and are available through the Counter Service of 22 department stores, including Robinson, The Mall and Central. For more information, call 664-0221 ext. 1935-6, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 631-0290-9 at the weekend.

Babb Bird Bird 2000 - A charming tale