Andrew Lloyd Webber And Antonio Banderas Musical Collaboration

An exciting new musical collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Antonio Banderas has been announced, with the pair set to translate Webber’s much-loved productions into Spanish. The pair have created a new partnership and organisation together, with eight musicals named in the works so far, and the long-term aim to produce Spanish language theatre, musicals and live entertainment shows.

Amigos Para Siempre (APS)

The new collaboration is officially called “Amigos Para Siempre” (friends for life) and is a nod to Lord Lloyd Webber’s 1992 composition for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain. This venture will licence, produce and develop work for the world’s Spanish-speaking markets, including Spanish-speaking markets within the US.

So far, the eight musicals being created have been named as:

The Phantom of the Opera

Sunset Boulevard

Starlight Express

Jesus Christ Superstar

Evita

Cinderella

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

School of Rock

Speaking on the partnership, Andrew Lloyd Webber said:

“Not only is Antonio Banderas entertainment royalty, he is also one of the most versatile, creative minds I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Partnering with Antonio to bring my work, as well as other brilliant Broadway and West End titles, to Spanish-speaking markets is truly exciting. While millions of people in these parts of the world already support our shows and listen to our music, the musical and theatrical talent coming out from the Spanish speaking world is extraordinary and I can’t wait to work with Antonio to bring the very highest quality Spanish language productions to the world.”

Antonio Banderas also added that:

“I had the great privilege to work closely with Andrew during the recording and shooting of his celebrated musical EVITA in 1996, but it was when I saw Jesus Christ Superstar back in the early 70’s that I became attached to the music, the theatre and the fabulous talent of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that I became an actor because of the enormous influence and the strong impression I experienced when I saw Andrew’s musicals. To have the opportunity to work with one of the most respected and admired composers of all times, offering his amazing works for Spanish speaking audiences, is one of the highlights of my career in show business.”

The official release added that, “Andrew, Antonio and The Really Useful Group are delighted about this new opportunity, so watch this space to find out more!”

In an almost perfectly timed synchronicity, Lloyd Webber also posted on Twitter on 29^th June (just two days after the announcement) that it was the 30 year anniversary of Amigos Para Siempre being performed at the Olympics closing ceremony by Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, with a reminder of how lovely the song was, and still is.

30 years ago today, Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) was released! Composed by Andrew with lyrics from Don Black for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics closing ceremony, it was performed by the incredible @SarahBrightman & Jose Carreras:

Listen here:https://t.co/Spx4g3Qzzo pic.twitter.com/VDhBjvKCFc

— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) June 29, 2022

While it’s unknown how far into the process the pair and APS are, and when exactly we can look forward to upping our Spanish lyric abilities, we are certain that many will be ‘muy emocionad@’ at the prospect of hearing all new versions of classic favourites, debuted in a beautiful language.

Andrew Lloyd Webber Official Website

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