Trista Moldovan on Finding Love On Stage and Off in The Phantom of the Opera

Age & Hometown: “Timeless”; Cleveland, Ohio

Current Role A Broadway debut as Christine Daae, golden voiced protégée of the title character in The Phantom of the Opera.

All in the Mix: “I’m a huge theater nerd,” declares Moldovan, citing her passion for mixing plays, musicals and even improv comedy. Since graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in her hometown, the actress has juggled 500 performances in Phantom’s national tour and starring roles in regional theater productions of Guys and Dolls, Nine, Born Yesterday and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. “I love all kinds of theater,” she says, “and I’ve dreamed of being on Broadway since I was a little girl.”

Puppy Love: Moldovan hit the road in Phantom with Thisbe, her pet puggle (pug and beagle), enjoying post-show “doggie parties” with castmates in each city. “I had my own dressing room, so she would stay with me, and she’s a great traveler,” the actress says. “There’s nothing that says ‘home’ like a little dog wagging its butt at you!” She met her fiancé, actor Stephen Tewkesbury, on tour, as well, though they were just friends when playing the Phantom and Christine. Now at home in Brooklyn and planning a September 2012 wedding in New England, Moldovan marvels, “It’s such a novelty to work in the town you live in, and to come home at night and sleep in your own bed!”

Come to Me, Angel of Music: After collecting stellar reviews around the country as Christine, Moldovan is thrilled she’ll be part of Phantom’s 10,000th Broadway performance in February. “I grew up listening to the double cassette of the show,” she says, “and this music is part of me. It’s so sweeping and beautiful and melodic.” And no, she’s not surprised that the music of the night has been going strong on Broadway for 24 years. “My personal theory is that it’s about an underdog, and we all love rooting for the underdog. It’s just a monumental show.” So, who does Christine really love—the Phantom or Raoul? “That’s the secret,” she says with a laugh, “and I’m not going to tell!”