Andrew Lloyd Webber and Antonio Banderas collaborated to produce theater in Spanish. EFE / Emilio Naranjo
Andrew Lloyd Webber (74) and Antonio Banderas (61) join forces to create and found Amigos Para Siempre (APS), the new company through which will produce theater, musicals and live performances in Spanish.
According to an interview with the EFE agency, the APS productions will include some of the most famous works of the brilliant composer and director, author of The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar Y avoidMoreover.
After years as collaborators and friends, Lloyd Webber and Banderas will manage the rights to produce and develop Spanish-speaking art projects, including some destined for the Spanish-speaking market in the United States.
Actor Antonio Banderas and London-based composer Andrew Lloyd Webber join forces to create “Friends Forever”. Photo EFE / Emilio Naranjo
The new company will operate through the Really Useful Group -founded by Lloyd Webber-, e will have preferential rights for his emblematic musicalswhich also include avenue of sunset, Starlight Express‘Y Rock school (Rock school), among others.
A key call between friends
The 61-year-old Spanish actor said it all started a few months ago when he received a phone call from his friend Lloyd Webber and they decided to meet for dinner in London while he was shooting indiana jones 5.
“We have known each other for a long time. And there He suggested we join forces produce and develop musical theater in Spanish, ”explained Banderas
Lloyd Webber and Banderas have been friends for many years.
Lloyd Webber, for his part, said he was thrilled to partner with Banderas to bring his plays, as well as other famous Broadway and London West End productions, to new markets.
“While millions of people in the Spanish-speaking world already love our shows and our music, the appetite for more and the level of musical and dramatic talent is extraordinary” said the London-based singer-songwriter.
“I’m looking forward to working with Antonio to bring the best quality Spanish productions to the world,” added the British producer who owns three Tony Awards, three Grammys, one Oscar, one Emmy, seven Olivier and one Golden Globe.
From Evita to the foundation of your own company
Banderas worked with Lloyd Webber on Evita, the film adaptation of the musical which was shot in Buenos Aires in 1996.
Banderas collaborated with Lloyd Webber during the film adaptation of his famous rock opera avoid (1996), directed by Alan Parker and starring Madonna, who shot many of his scenes in Buenos Aires.
The Malaga actor has defined himself as an admirer of the English composer from the 70s, when he saw Jesus Christ Superstara work that he considers one of the first influences that led him to become an actor.
“Having the opportunity to collaborate with one of the most respected and admired composers of all time, bringing these incredible works to the Spanish-speaking audience, is one of the highlights of my career,” said Banderas, who founded his Teatro of the Soho Caixabank company in 2019.
The actor has his own company and owns the Soho Theater in Malaga, his hometown. EFE / Emilio Naranjo
“For me It is essential to maintain the quality standards of London’s West End or New York’s Broadway”Banderas explained some time ago.
“This has been my ambition in my company and in my Soho theater in Malaga. I am looking for excellence. Does this guarantee success? Well no. And this is one of the great things and miseries of art, ”she added.
The name “Friends Forever” comes from a song composed by Lloyd Webber -with texts by Don Black- for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The theme was performed at the closing ceremony by Sarah Brightman and José Carreras.
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Source: Clarin
