Filipino theater talent shines bright in Europe as thespian Joanna Ampil continues her performance in musical “South Pacific” as its Bloody Mary. Jonathan Church Theater Productions announces its limited 10-week UK and Ireland Tour this 2022. Joining Joanna and the rest of the ensemble are Julian Ovenden as Emile de Becque and Gina Beck as Ensign Nellie Forbush.
Joanna played the role in the British production of the award-winning hit musical last July 2021 at the Chichester Festival Theatre. This time, “South Pacific” musical tours Dublin, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Canterbury until Aug. 28.
“I feel that it is more relevant than ever,” Joanna says about the show. “It is a classic. People love the songs, love the show. It’s been redefined to our times now.”
“South Pacific” is a musical play composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. It first premiered on April 7, 1949 on Broadway. It was based on short stories by James Michener published collectively as “Tales of the South Pacific,” and has garnered 10 Tony Awards.
“This powerful love story, set on a South Pacific Island during World War ll, is brought thrillingly to life with a sensational cast of over thirty and a full orchestra in this epic new five-star production directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s artistic director Daniel Evans,” the production says. “‘South Pacific’ boasts one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most memorable scores, and this much-loved Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical features songs such as ‘Some Enchanted Evening.’ ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,’ and ‘Bali Ha’i.’”
This is not the first time Joanna has performed on the international stage. Among her West End credits include playing Kim in “Miss Saigon” and at the 10th Anniversary Performance, Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Chris Superstar,” Eponine and Fantine in “Les Miserables,” Grizabella in “Cats,” Christmas Eve in “Avenue Q,” and Sheila Franklin in “Hair.”
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