Joanna Ampil to headline ‘Sunset Boulevard’ PH premiere
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Sunset Boulevard” is set to make its Philippine debut in August 2027, with Filipino theater star Joanna Ampil playing the lead.
Ampil will portray Norma Desmond, a legendary silent-film star longing to return to the spotlight.
Ampil is an acclaimed theater actress whose career spans the West End, international stages, film and television. Her theater credits include “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Sound of Music,” “Cats,” and the West End production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
She also starred in the TV series “Call Me Tita,” as well as films “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3” and “Ang Larawan” which won her the Metro Manila Film Fest (MMFF) best actress accolade in 2017.
“Sunset Boulevard,” based on Billy Wilder’s film of the same name, follows struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, whose encounter with Desmond draws him into a world of glamor, illusion and obsession.
The musical’s Philippine production is presented by CueCraft Entertainment, by arrangement with LW Entertainment Ltd. It will be directed by Nelsito Gomez and will feature an all-star Filipino and international cast and creative team. /edv
