Asian-American songstress plays lead on Broadway

World Today

For the first time, an Asian American songstress is playing the lead role in Broadway’s longest running musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” It’s a sign of a Broadway in which diversity is taking center stage.

For the first time, an Asian American songstress is playing the lead role in Broadway’s longest running musical “The Phantom of the Opera.” It’s a sign of a Broadway in which diversity is taking center stage.

CCTV America’s Liling Tan reports. Follow Liling Tan on Twitter @LilingTan

It is the multiple award-winning story of passion, betrayal, revenge and the longest-running musical on Broadway.

But for the first time since The Phantom of the Opera debuted here in 1988, the lead role of Christine Daaé is being played by an Asian-American actress.

Ali Ewoldt, whose mother is Filipino, was born in Chicago and grew up in Pleasantville, New York.

Ali debuted as Christine in June this year. And over the summer, New Yorkers and tourists got a sneak peek during a free performance at Byrant Park. She has also starred in “Les Miserables” and “West Side Story.”

Asian Americans have been making inroads on Broadway both onstage and offstage. While Ali Ewoldt plays the lead role of Christine in the Phantom of the Opera, down here, this 27-piece orchestra is being led by renowned Asian-American conductor David Lai.

Now, David Lai and Ali Ewoldt find themselves as role models for aspiring performers around the world with big dreams of taking center stage on Broadway.