Joanna Ampil to play Norma Desmond in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ PH debut

MANILA — Theater actress Joanna Ampil will play Norma Desmond in the Philippine production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Sunset Boulevard,” which is scheduled to open in August 2027.

The production will run for a limited engagement at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza in Makati, with performances scheduled through September.

The musical features music by Lloyd Webber, with a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. It is based on Billy Wilder’s 1950 film of the same name.

Set in 1940s Hollywood, “Sunset Boulevard” follows Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who becomes involved with Norma Desmond, a former silent-film star who dreams of returning to the screen. Their relationship takes a dark turn as Norma’s obsession with reclaiming her fame grows.

The musical includes songs such as “With One Look,” “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and “The Perfect Year,” as well as its title number, “Sunset Boulevard.” The stage production has received Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards.

Ampil has built an international theater career, playing leading roles in productions including “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables,” “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” She has also appeared in Philippine productions of “The Bridges of Madison County,” “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music.”

Her screen credits include the film musical “Ang Larawan,” for which she won Best Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival and the Gawad Urian Awards.

The Philippine production will be directed by Nelsito Gomez and feature Filipino and international performers and creatives. It is presented by CueCraft Entertainment in arrangement with LW Entertainment Ltd.

CueCraft Entertainment is the producing division of Philippine-based CueCraft Studio Corp., which provides production and technical services for theater productions, concerts, live events and other projects.

The company said it plans to develop theatrical productions, concerts and original entertainment projects, while pursuing collaborations with artists and production companies in the Philippines and abroad.