Everyone knows that Christine is a VERY demanding vocal part, but what about the acting? I hear a lot of complaints about Sarah Brightman and Emmy Rossum's poor acting in the role. How do you guys think the character of Christine should be portrayed?

I think Christine is sometimes poorly acted because the typical actresses that could perform that role have focused more on their voice throughout their careers.

^Very well said...

I don't think the problem with Rossum and Brightman were that they couldn't act...just that they didn't...they didn't weld the two together...

I have yet to see the part acted well...all three times I saw it it was sung well...

I would think that WYWSHA for instance would make her morbidly depressed...I would think she would be in tears...or break down and sort of collapse at the climax...that would make the song that much more moving.

I think Rachel Barrell had a good take on the role.

I agree with the above. Rachel Barrel is by far my favorite "Christine" when it comes to acting.

I do think that when it comes to Phantom, the most important thing for Christine is to sing well. In some cases, she can be portrayed as just a pretty thing that both leading men have fallen for, and nothing would be incorrect in that. However, I think the experience of watching the show is altogether more moving if Christine, too, had depth.

Just my opinion, though. ^^

Very much agreed with HarmonicSoul.

I can't quite understand why the acting is so nonexistent, as songs like "Wishing..." make it perfectly clear how they should be acted, and yet the young ladies do not seem to comprehend that.

Christine is a much deeper character than she is usually acted. sigh.

I agree, Rachel really acted the part well.x

I saw Ana Marina in the current Australian production in Melbourne and she is a fantastic actress!, I agree a lot of actresses don't seem to be able to bring out the emotion or bring depth and detail to the role but Ana Marina was truly brilliant her 'Wishing' she was absolutely heartbreaking with the emotion, you could see she really needed to move on and let go to move on with her life. You could clearly see each thought and emotion throughout her performance, she was truely passionate and you could tell she was giving her all to the role. Final lair was also just superb, she's a truley exceptional and talented actress. I have never been moved as much as I was when seeing/hearing Ana Marina. Her voice was equaly brilliant, strong and crystal clear and so expressive. My absolute standout favourite Christine.

I completely agree. I just really had issues with Emmy Rossum, though. She was the thing that really took the film down for me. I won't even get started!

Anyway, I will say that the first time I saw it, I think that the actress I saw (Diane Frantantoni) was actually decent, acting wise. She sang quite well, too. It was a very pleasant surprise.

The second time I saw it, though, it was just a great disappointment for me. The actress seemed to be overplaying the character. Making her a little too vulnerable, I guess. Her voice was kind of irritating. Slightly screechy. Not much meat to it. So, the combination of the two made her extremely annoying. I feel that the when they are casting the show they should pay a little more attention to the person they are ultimately choosing to play their lead! It is a little ridiculous that Carlotta is basically always better (considering Christine is supposed to be the standout here!). So, I will say that I am pretty content to have seen at least Frantantoni doing a satisfactory job!

I think a person should pay just as much attention to their stage presentation and acting as well as their voice. After all, they aren't just singing these songs in a concert! They are acting in a musical play!

Emmy Rossum singing/acting is HORRIBLE!
She puts no expression, emotion to the song

I second that. I saw Ana a couple of weeks ago. The Melbourne show with Anthony Warlow and Ana Marina just works. Quite simply, it's amazing.