The world’s most successful musical, The Phantom of the Opera, is preparing to head west, and is bringing with it Australia’s favourite phantom – Anthony Warlow.
Joining Warlow in the leading roles are WAAPA graduate Alexander Lewis as Raoul, and Ana Marina as Christine. Marina has been nominated for Helpmann and Green Room awards for her performance.
Ironically, the 27-year-old soprano was christened Marina Ana in her homeland of New Zealand, but after the inevitable comparisons to Marina Prior – Australia’s best-known Christine – she decided to mix it up.
Comparisons to Prior and Sarah Brightman – the original Christine – are inevitable but Marina takes it all in her stride.
“I am my own person and I don’t focus on other people’s performances,” she said.
“It is more about focusing on how I can keep the role honest, believable and connected to the audience.”
Marina has played the pivotal role of the Phantom’s love interest in nearly 500 performances during a world tour.
However, she wasn’t always the production’s leading lady.
For many performances, Marina was Christine’s understudy until one night in London when she took centre stage.
“Well, I started out as the understudy. This meant I was basically part of the ensemble and then one night I got pulled out to play her,” she said.
“I still remember it vividly and it was probably one of the best shows I feel I have done because it was so exciting.”
It has been a decade since The Phantom last delighted Perth audiences, and Marina believes its ongoing success lies in its timeless story of unrequited love. “I think it is just a combination of everything,” she said.
“It is not a jukebox musical, so we know that the songs and the music have been written especially for the drama of what is happening onstage.
“It is a story that really seems to grab people and pull on their heartstrings.”
Starring in Phantom has brought about anything but unrequited love for its female star; with Marina falling in love with one of the members of the show’s travelling orchestra.
“It happened in Seoul three years ago,” she said.
“I couldn’t imagine trying to have a personal life on the road otherwise, so I guess I am pretty lucky.”
- The Phantom of the Opera is at Burswood Theatre from February 4.