Beautiful, young New Jersey native Julia Udine is the woman at the center of The Phantom of the Opera’s epic love triangle. Udine, who played the role of Christine Daee on tour nationwide before leading the Broadway company, chats with BroadwayBox about the beloved character, the haunting score and why a SVU marathon could derail her entire day.
1. What do you admire about Christine?
I admire Christine for her innocence, along with her strength. It's exciting to see her growth throughout the show and to share the story of her beautiful journey every night.
2. Lyric from Phantom that moves you most?
In the first journey to the lair, after Christine removes the Phantom's mask where he sings
"Fear can turn to love
You'll learn to see, to find the man behind the monster
This repulsive carcass
Who seems a beast but secretly dreams of beauty,
Secretly, secretly…"
Just think this lyric says everything!
3. Favorite city you visited on tour?
Wow, I was so fortunate to see so many great cities and it was an honor to perform in a lot of really gorgeous theaters. I would have to say that I really loved Boston because of the amazing homemade Italian food in the North End, and the gorgeous historic architecture and sites to see.
4. What’s your most cherished tour souvenir?
Ahh..That’s so hard! The most cherished souvenirs would have to be handmade gifts from fans! Phantom of the Opera has the greatest fans and I received so many wonderful things like a gorgeous knitted red scarf, handmade Christine dolls, unbelievable drawings-paintings, and beautiful handmade jewelry. When I was in Memphis, I was crowned honorary ‘duck master’ at the Peabody Hotel, and I received a ‘duckmaster cane’ and I think that would have to rank right up at the top along with the others.
5. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Leaving college to train and audition in NYC.
6. Best part about growing up in the Garden State?
Most definitely going to the Jersey Shore every summer ;)
7. What was your favorite movie-musical growing up?
West Side Story; Maria has always been a dream role of mine.
8. Which of Christine’s gorgeous costumes do you love enough to steal?
ALL OF THEM. But if I have to pick just one….the blue dress I wear during “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”
9. What TV show do you always make time to watch?
Law & Order: SVU. If there is a marathon on (which is almost always) I am glued to the couch all day with no hope of doing anything productive. It’s impossible to just watch one episode!!!!
10. What’s the most-played album in your iTunes library?
Beyoncé’s most recent album. Scratch that….anything and everything Beyoncé.
Prepared to be wowed by Julia Udine in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at Broadway’s Majestic Theatre.
