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Emilie Kouatchou in The Phantom of the Opera
Emilie Kouatchou in The Phantom of the Opera

Emilie Kouatchou to Star as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera

Emilie Kouatchou continues to make history in Broadway’s longest-running musical. Currently the Christine Daaé alternate, Kouatchou is the first Black performer to play the role in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. On January 26, 2022, Kouatchou will take over the role full-time, succeeding Meghan Picerno, the current Christine, who plays her final performance on January 23. Julia Udine will replace Kouatchou as the Christine Alternate.

The current Broadway cast, in addition to Kouatchou and Picerno, includes Ben Crawford as The Phantom, John Riddle as Raoul, Bradley Dean as Monsieur André, Craig Bennett as Monsieur Firmin, Raquel Suarez Groen as Carlotta Giudicelli, Maree Johnson as Madame Giry, and Carlton Moe as Ubaldo Piangi.

Ben Crawford and Emilie Kouatchou in The Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Ben Crawford and Emilie Kouatchou in The Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Broadway’s blockbuster phenomenon, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by the late Harold Prince, is one of the world’s all-time most successful entertainment properties. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group, The Phantom of the Opera has been the longest-running show in Broadway history for well over a decade, and its astounding longevity in New York and around the world is unprecedented. On Broadway alone, the musical has played an unheard of more than 13,000 performances to 19 million people at the Majestic Theatre.

The Phantom of the Opera is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history.  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting, and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song.  It tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of The Paris Opera House.  Mesmerized by the talents and beauty of the young soprano Christine, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness, and passions collide.

Learn More About The Phantom of the Opera