The Phantom of the Opera - Ali Ewoldt

The Phantom of The Opera is the longest running musical on Broadway. They’ve recently made headlines by casting the first Asian American actress in the leading role, long dominated by Caucasian actresses. Reporter Minnie Roh gets up and personal with Ali Ewoldt.
Show: Asian American Life
Aired: October 2016

[@OceanbornAngel]

Seriously, the ethnicity of the actress that currently plays Christine has not been an issue for me at all. In fact I'd rather not know what her ethnicity is at all and just enjoy her for the person and the performer that she is period, none of this excessive focus on ethnicities and all. Ali Ewoldt as a human being is an absolute delight as Christine Daae.

[@LibertyOrBust]

I just saw Phantom for the first time last month and had no idea. I wasn't thinking about ethnicity. I was impressed by her though. Granted maybe it's because I assumed she is white from where I was sitting and that confirmed all my biases. lmao.

[@Evevangelion]

Shes a wonderful Christine!

[@brianimoto4634]

They used to tell Asian talent there wasn't much opportunity for us outside of stereotypes. Therefore, when one of us rips through the "yellow ceiling" it's something we celebrate.

[@aileydavis3553]

the way the reporter said
raoul tho😖😖😖😖😖

[@springdayisnottoday371]

OH MY GOD A FILIPINO AMERICAN. She didn't look FILIPINO, I guess Chinese or somewhat similar. BUT SHE DOES LOOK BEAUTIFUL AS CHRISTINE

[@SamShakya]

Yes, indeed she is beautiful. Equally, her voice is amazing.

[@sinsjy1504]

Omg I didn't expect to see a sone here😂👋

[@hazelannegarcia7232]

Im from the Philippines and I think she looks Filipina to me 😄

[@anjelicafami7369]

Uhmmm, Lea Salonga is not Filipino-American. She is PURE FILIPINO

[@offgun6466]

She’s Filipino American because she’s a citizen in the US. That’s what makes her Fil-Am. Having 2 citizenships.

[@scotthamp384]

So, now we've had three African-American Phantoms here in the US, an non-Caucasian Christine and a non-Caucasian Raoul

[@carolynhamilton6870]

This is such a weird video. I mean the message is great and all but we see six minutes of "OMG Christine is Asian American ahhhh" and then at the very end its like "oh btw Raoul is black mkay bye" like dude what

[@SamShakya]

Thank you for your comment. This segment is part of a larger show called Asian American Life which airs on CUNY TV. The show has exclusive interviews with newsmakers and community leaders, artists, politicians and philanthropists in the community.

[@carolynhamilton6870]

Sam Shakya omg thank you! That explains so much haha! I'll check that out

[@kikiza123]

As long as they have the voice no one should care. And boyyy does she! Went for my first time in 2016 and absolutely loved it!

[@gerr2035]

Very nice segment on Ali. She is wonderful as Christine. Be sure to see her! ☆☆☆☆☆

[@SamShakya]

Thank you. Indeed, she has an amazing voice! ♡

[@tini.quadra]

1. It’s Lay-ah. Not Lee- ah. 2. She’s FULL Filipino. Not Asian American.

[@Thepixiebella]

You give everyone who wants to play Christine ( like me ) hope!

[@sisi2654]

When Ali started crying, so did I. She's so amazing and just an awesome person!

[@singerAR0406]

Thanks for making me cry.

[@rebekahbrown2560]

6:04 ....RaOOOL.....?

[@davidbadiola3005]

Filipino's are the best

[@emilia4370]

ommggg we have the same Broadway role model 😭 ( lea salonga )

[@Evevangelion]

I saw her a few months ago and she was A M A Z I N G!! She packs a punch!

[@stuartewoldt1513]

Always wondered If I was some how affiliated with Ali.

[@ninasullivan5496]

I wish they recorded her singing it as a sound track

[@rebekahbrown2560]

I LOVE ALI!!!!!!! SHES SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDD

[@Broadwayfan1999]

Rebekah Brown HYFRRRRRR

[@Niqhtmusic]

I’ve visited the majestic, but I haven’t seen it yet

[@NiiJnrGaming]

Hey this lee I'm here to show you love and support you... done sub

[@MarianDevotee-jg4ip]

FILIPINO-AMERICAN?! IM A FILIPINO

[@quaxonetwothree6024]

vau