new Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera for which she has
received rave reviews. She most recently played Christine Daae (alternate)
in the World Tour Production of The Phantom of the Opera that travelled to
Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong and Singapore. Ana Marina has also
performed the role for more than sixty performances on London’s West End
at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
In 2006 Ana Marina played the role of Caroline Neville in Titanic (Sydney).
She also played the role of Cosette for the 10th Anniversary production of
Les Miserables that toured Australia and New Zealand. Other performances
include the concert production of Chess (Brisbane). Phantomine
(Melbourne), concerts with the Queensland Pops Orchestra, Hats Off
(Melbourne) and Savitri for Upstart Opera. Ana recorded the role of Fanny
Robin from the musical Far From the Madding Crowd by composer Tim
Passmore.
Television appearances include singing the National Anthem for the
international television broadcast of the 1999 State of Origin, solo
performances on Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, the ABC’s
Quest – The Percy Grainger Award with the Queensland Symphony
Orchestra, and Brisbane Extra. International appearances include live
televised concerts in Shanghai and Seoul.
Ana Marina studied voice at The Queensland Conservatorium of Music and
graduated with a Diploma of Music. Whilst at the Conservatorium she
performed in the Operas, Gloriana, Albert Herring, L’Enfant et Les
Sortileges, Elijah and Il Tabaro.
She also studied at The National Actor’s Conservatory (QLD) where she
graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Stage Acting and for
2007 has been honoured by the Actors Conservatory with The Outstanding
Industry Achievement Award.
Many thanks go to her family, friends and partner Richard for their love and
support throughout the years.
Ana Marina is currently working on a solo album. For more information
please visit her website at www.anamarina.com
Thank you so much, Ana Marina, I wish you all the best in the Australian
production of Phantom!
Sandra - What has it meant for your artistic career being part of the Phantom
of the Opera in Webber's musical?
Ana Marina - As a Child when I first Heard the recording of The Phantom
of the Opera, this is when I really fell in love with musicals. Its given me a
great vehicle to show-case my passion for performance in one of the greatest
female roles to play.
Sandra - What are some of the aspects you have brought into your
interpretation of Christine?
Ana Marina - I really try to show her innocence, vulnerability and
confusion, a very lonely young girl. I try to make clear the emotional
journey that she goes on throughout the show, finding strength and
understanding to mature and move forward. I also keep in mind the style of
acting it was originally intended to be played and that is the style of
Victorian Melodrama. So I play things a little larger than life, but still kept
truthful. If you go back to the old black and white movie you can clearly see
this style. This was not portrayed in the latest Phantom of the Opera movie.
Sandra - What scene/song of the Phantom musical is your favourite and why.
Ana Marina - Final lair is my favourite scene, this is when Christine finally
shows a lot of strength and stands up for herself, I also love playing the
high stakes of this scene, the emotion and the tears.
Sandra - How did you prepared for Christine role?
Ana Marina - I wrote down a whole lot of ideas about the character and her
life, filled in any gaps I needed to about her life to get a clear picture of who
Christine was and her relationships with other characters. I also trained
hard to be able to dance on Pointe, I've noticed a lot of Christines don't
dance on Pointe. Each night I play Christine I am always discovering new
thoughts and ideas which keep things very fresh and interesting. I also have
a fairly sensible & quiet social life, as I am always saving my energy and
voice for the show. I try to stay healthy, mentally as well as physically.
Sandra - What do you think about Christine role and her relationship with
the Phantom and Raoul?
Ana Marina - I don't know that Christine is completely in love with Raoul, I
think she's a little confused about this, he is like her rock keeping her
stable, SAFE, sensible and keeping her sane. In regards to the Phantom I
think that he comes along at the time in Christine's life when she really
needs guidance, so she is easily lead, she is awakening as a woman, she's
discovering sexual feelings and excitement and is in awe of the Phantom
and his passion for music which he gives to her, it is also a very dangerous
relationship.
Sandra - What is it, in your opinion, what makes the show so appealing?
Ana Marina - The whole package of an astonishing set, the costumes are
amazing, the classic love story of love, passion, murder and betrayal and of
course the music is just a masterpiece for musical theatre. Its high tension,
high stakes and true escapism.
Sandra - I know you played Christine role in Phantom World Tour
production, how has been this experience?
Ana Marina - I really really enjoyed the travelling, it was interesting to see
the audience behaviour in each city. In Shanghai even though it was
prohibited people would take flash photography and answer their mobile
phones during the performance which could be quite distracting. In Seoul
they so enthusiastic and loud with their cheering it was great. It was a
pleasure working with Brad Little, he really is a great Phantom and also the
rest of the cast which were from South Africa, England, Australia, Sweden,
Korea and America it was a fantastic experience, I learnt a lot and I will
always treasure it close to my heart. I also met my partner on the World
Tour which is wonderful.
Sandra - Now you are playing the lead role of Christine Daae opposite
Anthony Warlow in the new Australian production, how do you feel as part
of a musical which return to Australia after so many years?
Ana Marina - I was really hoping it would return as my dream was to play
the principal Christine in my home country and to play opposite Anthony is
just fantastic, I admire his work. I really enjoy working with both Anthony
and John Bowles (Raoul) we all have a fantastic re-pour together.
Sandra - You have been in wonderful musicals such as Les Miserables,
Titanic, Chess, Into the woods...what role would you like to play some day?
Ana Marina - Maria in West side story, Glinda in Wicked would be fun.
Sandra - What would you say to your fans?
Ana Marina - Thank you so much for your support, it means more than you
could know. I'm so happy that I can share this dream with you and be of
inspiration. I wish that your dreams come true as mine have. Believe in
yourself, be strong, be compassionate to yourself and others, work hard and
be open to possibilities. Thank you, Thank you.
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