SERENDIPITY. Joanna Ampil rehearses 'Memory' at the 'Cats' stage in London. Photo by Cameron Ball from the Joanna Ampil Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines - Acclaimed Pinay thespian Joanna Ampil is back on stage as the glamour cat Grizabella in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, “Cats.”

A theater veteran, Joanna has played Fantine and Eponine in “Les Miserables,” Kim in “Miss Saigon,” Maria in “The West Side Story,” and Mimi in “Rent.”

READ: Leo Valdez, Eugene Domingo win at 25th Aliw Awards

In November 2012, she won Best Actress for a Musical at the 25^th Aliw Awards for her portrayal of Maria in Resorts World Manila's production of “The Sound of Music.”

SEXY CATS. Ampil (4th from left) with the cast of 'Cats' at Teddington Studios in London. Photo from the Joanna Ampil Facebook page

Her role as Grizabella takes her to the United Kingdom. She will be there until September, during which the show will tour 10 cities including Edinburgh, Manchester, Aberdeen, Southampton, and Wolverhampton.

READ: Welcome the new King and Anna

The musical will also open its curtains to two cities outside the UK: Dublin in Ireland and Oostende in Belgium.

Here is a video of Joanna Ampil singing "On My Own":

On being the 'glamour cat'

Joanna bagged the role of Grizabella after performing the song “Memory” — a well-loved song from “Cats” — at the auditions. "Memory" has been recorded by over 150 artists including Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand, and Celine Dion.

The singer-actress could not help but cry while singing the song. “Maybe that was how I won the part,” she said in a recent interview.

THE LEOTARD. Ampil during the fitting of her Grizabella leotard for 'Cats.' Photo by Cameron Ball from the Joanna Ampil Facebook page

But returning to the U.K. as Grizabella was not in Joanna’s plans. After being away from the Philippines for so many years, she was looking forward to settling in her home country and recording an OPM album with Viva Records.

Upon reflection, Joanna realized that she wanted to re-establish herself in West End and the role was a golden opportunity to do so.

READ: Lea Salonga to open American Songbook concert series

The pressure is on for the seasoned actress. The role of Grizabella has won awards for some of the actresses who have played it, including Elaine Paige and Betty Buckley. - With reports by Pia Ranada/Rappler.com

You might also want to check out:

• 'D Wonder Twins of Boac': A better ending that's up to you
• PHOTOS: Tanghalang Pilipino's 'Ibalong'
• #TheaterTuesday: 'Boeing Boeing' is bouncy and naughty
• Loving life on Avenue Q
• Joe: A Filipino 'rockssical'