A lot goes into making a stellar Christine Daae, the leading lady of the iconic Broadway musical The Phantom of the Opera; but, if we are going to be truly honest with ourselves, it all comes down to nailing the Act Two solo “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.” BroadwayBox trolled YouTube far and wide to come up with 10 videos of actresses singing the powerful Andrew Lloyd Webber tune [note some of your favorites might not be here because Broadway/West End bootlegs were disqualified—official videos only]. Scroll on as we countdown from “meh” to middle of the office standing ovation, then tweet us (@BroadwayBox) your picks.
PS: If you want to hear how current Christine (Mary Michael Patterson) measures up, snag a ticket to see
Phantom at the Majestic Theatre.
10. Tabitha Webb
It just needs a little more. Doesn’t quite pack the full punch.
9. Hollie Steel
This ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ contestant gets points for being so young and even taking the mammoth song on.
8. Emmy Rossum
Emmy Rossum, star of the criminally underrated
Phantom movie, brings some real emotion to the piece.
7. Erin Fillingham
Ms. Fillingham has the distinction of being the only high school performer to make the countdown. #WellDeserved
6. Kristin Chenoweth
It’s such a treat to hear Cheno sing this song. Ah, what could have been.
5. Lisa Crosato
It’s quite amazing how effortlessly Crosato sings the big notes.
4. Michael Crawford
The only male on the list, Michael Crawford can do no wrong when it comes to ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’
3. Mirusia Louwerse
This real-life Australian opera singer is giving all kinds of vocal moments and flair.
2. Sarah Brightman
The original Angel of Music, Sarah Brightman, still has one of the best renditions you'll ever hear (even with different lyrics).
1. Sierra Boggess
However, it’s safe to say the quintessential “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” now belongs to Broadway’s own Sierra Boggess, who played Christine in Vegas, London and NYC.
