Fil-Am actress Ali Ewoldt is first Asian-American Christine in Broadway’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipino Ali Ewoldt is the first Asian-American actress to play Christine on Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, according to Playbill.

Playbill says that Ali’s mother is from the Philippines, while the actress’ website says that she was born and raised in the US.

A spokesperson from the show told the magazine that Ali is also the first person of color to take on the role in the Broadway production.

Christine spoke to Broadway.com about what this role means for the conversation on Asian-American representation in the industry, saying, “It’s wild that people are now willing to talk about things they weren’t ten years ago, in terms of having real representation of the world we live in on stage.”

“Hopefully someday, everything will be open and people will have truly equal opportunities, and we can say it doesn’t matter anymore. For the moment, the key is to show young people that it’s possible to be a storyteller. I want to be able to represent all the other people of color who aspire to play Christine someday,” she added.

On Facebook, Ali thanked all those who congratulated her on landing the role, saying: “So moved, overwhelmed and grateful for all of the The Phantom of the Opera love! Thank you, wonderful friends!”

Ali previously played Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Misérables and was in the company of The King and I at the Lincoln Center.

Ali is one of 3 new actors who will join the cast on June 13. Joining her are Jordan Donica as Raoul, the first African-American to play the role on Broadway, and current ensemble cast-member Rachel Eskenazi-Gold, who will alternate as Christine.

The Phantom of the Opera, Broadway’s longest-running musical, tells the tragic love story of Christine Daae, a singer at the Paris Opera House, and the “Phantom” who lives hides in its shadows.

The music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and it is directed by Harold Prince. – Rappler.com