Phantom’s New Leading Lady Julia Udine on Her Carb Obsession & Getting Out of the Friend Zone

Age: 21

Hometown: Voorhees, NJ

Current Role: A Broadway debut as wide-eyed chorus girl Christine Daae, who falls under the spell of a mysterious masked man in the long-running hit musical The Phantom of the Opera.

Stage & Screen Cred: After stints on Law & Order: SVU and the All My Children webseries, Udine hit the road at age 19, playing Christine in the national touring production of Phantom.

“When I was three years old, my mom put me in ballet because I was a really loud kid. I think it really helped me learn to shut up!”

“I can’t live without pasta. I tell myself carbs aren’t good for me, but then I’ll eat something else and I’m not satisfied. Pasta is where it’s at...until I get really fat and can’t fit into my costume [laughs].”

“This is embarrassing, but I’ve known my boyfriend since seventh grade. I had a crush on him for seven years when we were just friends! He finally asked me out and we’ve been together more than a year. He’s a business major at the University of Tampa.”

“After touring for a year, I’m so thrilled not to be living out of a suitcase anymore. The most exciting thing is for me to have a closet! It was amazing to travel but I’m so happy to be in my own space close to my family.”

“I was freaking out when I first rehearsed with Norm Lewis [who plays the Phantom]. I was so nervous! I just wanted to do well and I didn’t want to make a fool out of myself. I was starstruck, but he’s the nicest person and so welcoming.”

“My head was exploding at first, because the staging on the tour is totally different than it is on Broadway. I was worried I wouldn’t be capable, but you surprise yourself. I finally got ‘Masquerade’ down, thank God!”