This page contains excerpts of an interview conducted by Sandra Andres of Spain in August of 2007. To view the interview in its entirety, visit here.  Special thanks to Ms. Andres for permission to reprint this interview.

What has it meant for your artistic career being part of the Phantom of the Opera in Webber's musical?

Because of my involvement in Phantom, I was able to meet and thank the woman who inspired me to pursue big dreams, Oprah Winfrey.  After the show aired, I was able to connect with people from all over the world, and hopefully, inspire some to believe in themselves and press on in the direction of their dreams.  The biggest gift the show ever gave to me personally was in 1997, when Ron Bohmer joined the cast of the national tour as the Phantom.  We fell in love on and off stage and were married in 2002. 


What are some of the aspects you have brought into your interpretation of Christine?

This is difficult to answer without sounding self-congratulatory.  I will say only one thing: I always did my best to bring something raw and real that the audience would connect to on an emotional level.  Other than that, I prefer to let the fans interpret my portrayal for themselves.  Many of the other actresses who have played Christine are friends of mine and I believe we each brought something to the role as unique and personal as our own fingerprint.  That's the beauty of art; there are as many different ways as there are people, and each way is right. 


What scene/song of the Phantom musical is your favorite and why?

There were many scenes that were fun to play (who wouldn't love being seduced by Howard McGillan or Hugh Panaro?) but there is one moment that sums up the entire show for me.  It's a brief, fleeting moment, but to me, it's the whole play.  After Christine kisses the Phantom, she immediately hugs him, then kisses him again.  But in between the hug and the second kiss, there is a moment.  There is a moment when she holds his face- his unmasked face- in her hands, looks him straight in the eyes, and really sees him.  There is no dialogue, no singing, just music at that moment, but if the Phantom could hear Christine's thoughts, I believe she would be saying, "I see you.  I see all of you...and it's okay."  Then, she kisses him again.  It is the ultimate validation.  It's what every human being craves- to be seen, wholly seen-the good, the bad, and the ugly- and to be deemed worthy. 


How did you prepare for the Christine role?

I'm sure any actor would agree, the preparation for a role is the fun part.  It's where you get to let your imagination run wild.  You get to fill in the blanks, create for yourself what is not on the page, find your character's thoughts, motivations, drives.  It's carnal and gooey and deliciously changeable-very right-brain stuff.  And then there's the heady, meticulous left-brain side, too.  I coached that music within an inch of its life.  What good is all of the other prep if no one can understand your words? 


What is it, in your opinion, that makes the show so appealing?

See question number three! :)


Tell us more about your new project, a book with your experiences playing Christine, titled Phantom Girl.

Thank you for asking.  I am still in the process of writing the book and it is the most challenging project I've ever taken on.  It is a very honest, often hilarious account of my personal struggles with depression, many health-related issues, and my never-ending search to find meaning in life and the right shoes.  I can promise Phantom phans the phollowing:  You will learn how I got the part, including detailed descriptions of my auditions (some quite embarrassing); lots of back stage stories (a window into a world few get to see); and the truth about what it really feels like to perform the same role for ten-plus years.  The book is also for people who have no interest in musicals.  I believe every human being can relate to the feeling of being "not enough."  I hope that my story will inspire, or at the very least, make readers smile in recognition and know they are not alone.


Your farewell to Phantom took place on April 15, 2006. How was that moment?

You'll find out a great deal about this in my book, but let me try to summarize briefly by saying- I was ready.  It was time.  I confess, even though playing Christine was the biggest dream come true of my life, I was limping to the finish line.  When my final performance finally arrived, I thought I would smile and feel nothing but relief through the entire show.  I surprised myself when "Think of Me" started and I got so choked up that I could not utter a sound.  I stood there in silence as the music played, holding that scarf, feeling the support of the cast and crew that meant so much to me over the years, and I was just broken.  I cried and smiled throughout the entire show.  Thankfully, Howard McGillan gave a speech at the end of the show and explained to the audience the reason for my overblown emotion.  It was a night full of gratitude, fulfillment, and, yes, relief. 


What would you say to your fans?

The book I am writing is dedicated to you.  I look forward to continuing to connect with you in the coming years.  Thank you, Spanish Sandra, for your thoughtful questions and for all that you've done for Phantom fans worldwide. 



© 2007 The Official Website of Sandra Joseph
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