US Based Cameroonian Emilie Kouatchou Becomes Broadway’s 1st Black Christine in “Phantom of the Opera“
After breaking down barriers to become Broadway’s first Black Christine, Emilie Kouatchou has taken up the role full time.
US based Cameroonian Emilie Kouatchou has becomes Broadway’s 1st Black Christine in “Phantom of the Opera“. Emilie make history as she become first-ever black woman to play the lead role in “Phantom of the Opera.”
The musical is the longest-running show on Broadway, celebrated 34 years on January. And marked its milestone by debuting its first Black Christine on Broadway, played by our very own Emilie Kouatchou.
Emilie Kouatchou, a University of Michigan graduate had unsuccessfully auditioned for the musical twice before landing a role as the understudy. But she says she’s at peace with how things unfolded. Emilie Kouatchou took up the title role full time on 26 January at New York City’s Majestic Theater.
Speaking about her first performance as Christine, the 25-year-old actor said:
“I remember feeling a lot of support from the audience. They cheered when I first came on stage,”. “I remember feeling like, ‘OK, no matter what happens, the people out there have me and the people backstage have me and are supporting me.’ I remember it being a whirlwind and being extremely tired by the end, ready to drop. But yeah, it was a wonderful night.”
Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, “Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a love triangle that blossoms after two businessmen take ownership of a haunted opera house.
