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This blue 'battle dress' made 'Phantom of the Opera' heroines cry on their first wear

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The lead actress in "The Phantom of the Opera" in Taiwan, Grace Roberts, has received significant praise for her performance.
  • Roberts described her journey to securing the role as a five-year process involving seven auditions.
  • A simple blue dress worn by the character Christine is particularly moving for actresses, symbolizing the realization of their dreams.

Grace Roberts, the actress portraying Christine in the touring production of "The Phantom of the Opera" currently in Taiwan, is drawing acclaim for her performance. The role is considered a dream for many musical theater actors, and Roberts shared her arduous path to securing it.

Roberts revealed that it took her five years and seven auditions to be cast as Christine. "I really couldn't believe it when I got the notification, I confirmed it with my agent several times," she said, admitting that even after two years of performing, she remains deeply moved by the story and music each time she takes the stage.

I really couldn't believe it when I got the notification, I confirmed it with my agent several times.

— Grace RobertsDescribing her reaction to being cast as Christine in 'The Phantom of the Opera'.

During a backstage tour, stage manager Sandie Bekavac showcased two of the lead actress's costumes. One is a heavily embellished gown weighing 15 kilograms, which the actress must wear while immediately beginning to sing on stage. In contrast, a simpler blue dress, referred to as Christine's "wish dress," holds profound emotional significance.

Bekavac noted that "many actresses shed tears the first time they try it on," finding it a powerful reflection of their own dreams coming true. This sentiment underscores the deep connection actors form with their roles and the iconic nature of the production.

many actresses shed tears the first time they try it on

— Sandie BekavacExplaining the emotional impact of the blue dress costume on actresses auditioning for or wearing the role of Christine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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