Opera (longest running Christine Daae in Broadway history). New York
City Opera: The Turn of the Screw (Flora). Off Broadway: Blood on the
Dining Room Floor, WPA. Regional: Christine in Phantom
(Yeston/Kopit), Pioneer Theatre; Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel, The
New Theatre, KS. Television: Law and Order Criminal Intent; Late Night
with Conan O'Brien; One Life to Live; As the World Turns; guest
appearances on The View and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Thank you so much dear Sandra: for your wonderful interview, your
frienship and kindness.
Sandra - What has meant for your artistic career being part of the Phantom
of the Opera in Webber's musical?
Sandra Joseph - 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. I balk at self-promotion, but if
you want to see the Oprah segment, you can find it on my website:
www.sandrajoseph.com.
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.
Sandra - What are some of the aspects you have brought into your
interpretation of Christine?
Sandra Joseph - 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.
Sandra - What scene/song of the Phantom musical is your favorite and why.
Sandra Joseph - 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 hold 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.
Sandra - How did you prepared for Christine role?
Sandra Joseph - 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?
Sandra - What do you think about Christine role and her relationship with
the Phantom and Raoul?
Sandra Joseph - I nod to what the other Christines you've interviewed
have said on this one.
Sandra - What is it, in your opinion, what makes the show so appealing?
Sandra Joseph - See question number three! :)
Sandra - Tell us more about your new project, a book with your
experiences playing Christine role title Phantom Girl. I find it really
interesting, indeed!
Sandra Joseph - 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.
Sandra - Your farewell to Phantom took place on April 15, 2006. How was
that moment? I'm sure it was touching and special for you.
Sandra Joseph - 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.
Sandra - I know you played Christine role in Yeston and Kopit Phantom
production, how was this experience?
Sandra Joseph - I got cast as Christine in the Yeston/Kopit Phantom from a
non-equity open call (a long-shot at best in the business) and it really
paved the road to my getting the ALW Phantom. I love Maury Yeston's
music and I think his and Arthur Kopit's version of the story has some
fascinating and very moving elements.
Sandra - What would you say to your fans?
Sandra Joseph - 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.
Interview exclusive for this site.
Please, don't copy this text without my permission.
Copyright by Ladyghost.
Howard McGillin.
Panaro.
