Marni Raab to Play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera

Marni Raab will assume the role of Christine in the Broadway company of The Phantom of the Opera on August 20, replacing Jennifer Hope Wills, who will depart for maternity leave on August 16. Wills is expected to return to the company in June 2009. From August 18 to 20, the role will be played by current Christine alternate Elizabeth Loyacano.

Raab made her Phantom debut with the U.S. tour in September 2001 as the Mirror Bride and a Christine cover, eventually moving up to the Christine alternate through December 2003. She originated the role of Christine for the Asian world tour in December 2004 and continued through August 2006, then rejoined the U.S. tour until September 2007. Raab made her Broadway debut earlier this year with a temporary stint as a Christine cover, prior to rejoining the tour in June 2008. She is now making her official Broadway Christine debut.

Addtional credits include Cats in Hamburg; Roberta and Have a Heart in New York; regional appearances in My Fair Lady, Carousel and The Fantasticks; and concert and recital work nationally and internationally.

Raab becomes only the thirteenth actress to be cast as Christine in the Broadway production not including alternates and understudies, following Sarah Brightman, Patti Cohenour, Rebecca Luker, Karen Culliver, Mary D'Arcy, Tracy Shayne, Sandra Joseph, Adrienne McEwan, Sarah Pfisterer, Lisa Vroman, Rebecca Pitcher and Jennifer Hope Wills.

The Phantom of the Opera currently stars Howard McGillin in the title role and Tim Martin Gleason as Raoul. The musical also co-stars George Lee Andrews Monsieur André, David Cryer Monsieur Firmin, Patricia Phillips Carlotta, Rebecca Judd Madame Giry, Evan Harrington Piangi and Polly Baird Meg Giry. At certain performances, Elizabeth Loyacano plays Christine.