Internationally acclaimed Filipina theatre star Joanna Ampil will take on the legendary role of Norma Desmond in the highly anticipated Philippine production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.
The production will open in August 2027 for a strictly limited engagement at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, Sunset Boulevard is based on the landmark Billy Wilder film of the same name.
Set against the glittering yet unforgiving world of 1940s Hollywood, the musical follows struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, whose chance encounter with forgotten silent-film star Norma Desmond draws him into a world of faded glamour, dangerous illusion, and consuming obsession. Still convinced that the cameras are waiting for her return, Norma sees in Joe an opportunity to reclaim the stardom she believes was unjustly taken from her.
As ambition and desperation collide, their relationship leads them towards a devastating and unforgettable conclusion.
Joanna Ampil, whose distinguished international career has included leading performances in the West End and on stages around the world, will bring her celebrated dramatic and vocal artistry to one of musical theatre’s most demanding and coveted roles.
Joanna has played Kim in Miss Saigon (London/ Sydney/ UK Tour/ 10th Anniversary), Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (London/ Tokyo), Éponine in Les Misérables (London/ Odyssey Arena Concert), Fantine in Les Misérables (London/Windsor Concert for HM Queen Elizabeth II), Grizabella in Cats (London/UK/ Europe/Middle East/Asia Tours), Mimi in Rent (Europe Tour), Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (London), Sheila in Hair (London), Francesca in The Bridges of Madison County (Manila), and many others.
She joined an all-star cast of the stage and screen in My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The filmed concert celebration was screened in cinemas and broadcast on Sky Arts (Freeview) and Great Performances (PBS), and the live concert recording has been released as an album (Concord Theatricals).
The production will be directed by Nelsito Gomez and will feature an all-star Filipino and international cast and creative team, with an original staging created especially for Philippine audiences. Sunset Boulevard is presented by CueCraft Entertainment, by arrangement with LW Entertainment Ltd.
Based on Wilder’s celebrated film noir, Sunset Boulevard is a gripping story of ambition, obsession, lost fame, and the destructive allure of Hollywood. Since its stage premiere, the musical has captivated audiences around the world and received numerous Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards.
The score features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most enduring songs, including With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye, The Perfect Year, and the powerful title number, Sunset Boulevard.
This landmark production promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event and one of the most anticipated productions of the 2027 season.
Sunset Boulevard will play a strictly limited engagement in August and September 2027 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
Get your tickets now at TicketWorld.com.ph. Follow CueCraft Entertainment (https://web.facebook.com/cuecraftentertainment), CueCraft Studio (https://web.facebook.com/cuecraftstudio), and IG @cuecraftentertainment @cuecraftstudio
