Joanna Ampil (b. June 1, 1975) is a theater actress who became one of the more successful Filipino actors in London’s West End.
Background
Joanna was born in Manila in 1975. Her love for singing started at the age of six. Joanna had vocal training from the Center for Pop Music Philippines, one of the better known music schools in the country, under the supervision of Zebedee Zuñiga and Jai Sabas.She began her acting career at seventeen when she was chosen to play the lead role of Kim in the London production of Miss Saigon.
Career
After her debut in London’s West End, she was invited by Sir Cameron Mackintosh – a well-known producer – to perform the same role in the Australian premiere of the play at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. She came back to London in 1996 and was chosen by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to play the female lead role of Mary Magdalene in his new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Lyceum Theatre, which is a first for Filipino artists. She resumed the role of Kim at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for Miss Saigon’s 10th anniversary in 1998. In 1999, she became a member of the gospel band called United Colors of Sound, which was featured in a BBC documentary called The Quest. Apart from her stage performances, Joanna has also appeared in numerous concerts, workshops, radio and television programs globally. She has released two albums, one is self-titled and the other one is called Reaching for the Stars. All the proceeds of these albums will benefit the Sun and Moon Home for Children in Manila.
Theater Performances
Role of Kim (Miss Saigon) – Theatre Royal Drury Lane (London, UK), 1993-1995, 1998-1999
Capitol Theatre (Sydney, Australia), 1995-1996
UK Tour, 2001-2002
Palace Theatre (Manchester), The Point Stadium (Dublin)
PlayhouseTheatre (Edinburgh)
- Role of Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar), Lyceum Theatre (London, UK), 1996-1998
- Role of Jasmine (Aladdin), Gordon Craig Theatre (Stevenage, England) 1999-2000
Gaiety Theatre (Dublin, Southern Ireland), 2005-2006
- Role of Eponine (Les Miserables) Palace Theatre (London, UK), 2000-2001
- Role of Fantine (Les Miserables) Palace Theatre (London, UK), 2003-2004
Queen’s Theatre (London, UK), 2004-2005
- Role of Shiela Franklin (Hair) Gate Theatre (London, UK), 2005
- Role of the Ingenue-June (The Musical of Musicals), Sound Theatre (London, UK) 2006
- Role of Mimi (Rent) European Tour, 2006
- Role of Heidi (Ising) Union Theatre (London, UK), 2006
Concert Performances
Joanna performed the role of Eiza Doolitttle in a Tribute to My Fair Lady on the 2282nd perfomance of Miss Saigon in London, UK. She also performed the roles of Eponine and Fantine in the 2001 Les Miserables Concert. She also performed alongside international artists in different parts of the world. She has also performed as a solo artist in different countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland and the UK.
Television and Radio Appearances
She has appeared in different international radio and television shows such as The 700 Club shown in CBS, in the U.S. and for a Mummy Autopsy Documentary for the Discovery Channel which was shown in the U.S. and globally.
Awards
She was nominated for the role of Kim in Miss Saigon as Best Musical Theatre Perfomer in the 1996 Australian MO Music Awards.
