NADINE MADARANG CHATS WITH WEST END STAR JOANNA AMPIL ABOUT THEATRE IN LONDON AND HER UPCOMING ROLE AS MARIA IN A PHILIPPINE PRODUCTION OF WEST SIDE STORY
WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A BIG WEST END STAR?
I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to perform the roles I have performed. In London, they would rather have Caucasians portray certain characters, but Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber (British theatrical producer and composer, respectively) have been very open to me despite my race and color, so I feel very privileged.
YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ROLE TO DATE IS…
Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar. That was my first time to open a show in London. It was tough because I was the youngest cast member, and I had to play a reformed prostitute, but it was a real learning process.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WEST SIDE STORY BEING YOUR FIRST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN THE COUNTRY IN 16 YEARS?
I’m very excited to perform for my fellow Filipinos. I work hard at everything I do, but I’m pushing myself even more now. It is so much more than what I expected. It’s the same standard as international productions! We’ve got a great cast – there’s Christian Bautista and Karylle. Also, it’s the directorial debut of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and she is doing a fantastic job!
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PERFORMANCE?
West Side Story! When I saw West Side Story, I thought, “I’d love to do something like this!” It’s the classical way of singing and it’s so dramatic. I just felt that I had to tell Maria’s story.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON IN YOUR CAREER?
I’ve learned to not take anything personally. There will be lots of criticism. You can’t please everyone and you have to be open-minded about that.
AND YOUR OTHER SPECIAL TALENTS?
I do kickboxing to build my stamina for the character. Oh, and I tell very good knock-knock jokes!
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