Elizabeth Loyacano is New Christine Alternate in 'Phantom'

Beginning this Saturday, December 8 with the 2PM matinee, Broadway performer Elizabeth Loyacano, an original star of the new Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera, will join the Broadway production of the record-breaking Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, directed by Harold Prince, at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street).  On that day, she'll assume the role of the 'Christine' Alternate, playing the leading female role of 'Christine Daaé' twice a week.

Ms. Loyacano joins the Broadway Company after originating the role of 'Christine' in the original cast of the new Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera (newly-titled Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular).  On Broadway, she'll reunite on stage with Tim Martin Gleason ('Raoul'), who originated the role of 'Raoul' in the Vegas production and recently returned to the New York cast in September.  She succeeds Julie Hanson, who played her final performance as the 'Christine' Alternate on Thursday, November 15.

Ms. Loyacano last appeared on Broadway in another Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, The Woman in White (understudy for the title role).  She made her Broadway debut in the Cameron Mackintosh presentation of the Royal National Theatre production of Oklahoma! (understudy for 'Laurie') and also appeared in the musical Dracula (seen as 'Mina'). Originally from Los Angeles, and a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Film, Ms. Loyacano began her career behind the camera as a production intern on "ER." Additional theater credits include the pre-Broadway production of Barry Manilow's Harmony, as well as Regional productions of Titanic and Grease.  She was a featured soloist in Mexico's Radio City Christmas Show and has appeared in concert with the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, directed by theater legend Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Company, Inc., is the most successful stage musical of all time, with worldwide ticket sales exceeding $3.2 billion (far surpassing the highest-grossing film of all time, Titanic, which has grossed $1.2 billion worldwide).  The Phantom of the Opera is also the longest-running show in Broadway history, having surpassed the 7,486-performance run of Cats on January 9, 2006. 

The winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the New York production has been seen by 11.5 million people and grossed over $665 million.  On April 4, 2007, it became the first show in Broadway history to reach 8,000 performances.  On January 26, 2008, it will become the first show in Broadway history to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and enter its 21st year – and all with no end in sight.

"Based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.  He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command," explain press notes. Having donned the mask in over 2,000 performances, current leading man Howard McGillin has played the title role more than any other performer on Broadway.

Continuing in their roles are Howard McGillin (The Phantom), Jennifer Hope Wills (Christine), Tim Martin Gleason (Raoul), George Lee Andrews (Monsieur André; Mr. Andrews is the only cast member to have been with the Broadway production for the entire run), David Cryer (Monsieur Firmin), Marilyn Caskey (Madame Giry), Wayne Hobbs (Piangi) and Heather McFadden (Meg Giry).

The performance schedule for The Phantom of the Opera is Monday evenings at 8 PM, Tuesday evenings at 7PM, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM.  Ticket prices range from $26.25 - $111.25.  To order tickets visit telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.

For complete information on the Broadway and worldwide productions, visit the official website at www.thephantomoftheopera.com.

Elizabeth Loyacano: Photo by Joan Marcus