"The Phantom of the Opera" for 25 years: The Christines

Scion Films Phantom Production Partnership

In its long presence on Broadway and in its various manifestations on film and the stage, many women have taken on the lead role of Christine Daae. Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical's creator, remarked on "CBS This Morning" that fans are crazy about the production and its iconic female role: "There are a lot of people that are crazy, I think. ... They change their name to Christine Daae. ... It's a bit strange to me. The fans have been extraordinary. I've been very, very lucky."

Emmy Rossum in the 2004 film "The Phantom of the Opera."

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sarah Brightman in this 1991 photo. Brightman was the first woman to play Christine Daae.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Opening_Night_curtain_call,_January_26,_1988_Steve_Barton_(Raoul),_Harold_Prince,_Michael_Crawford_(The_Phantom),_Andrew_Lloyd_Webber,_Sarah_Brightman — The Phantom of the Opera

The Opening Night curtain call on January 26, 1988. From left, Steve Barton (Raoul), Harold Prince, Michael Crawford (The Phantom), Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Sarah Brightman (Christine).

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Sarah Brightman as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Sierra Boggess and Hugh Panaro in this undated photo from "The Phantom of the Opera." Boggess is the current Christine Daae on Broadway.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Samantha Hill, who will take over for Sierra Boggess after her engagement ends.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Julie Hanson as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Jennifer Hope Wills as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Sarah Pfisterer as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Actress Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine Daae and actor Tim Martin Gleason as Raoul perform during a media night preview of "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino June 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Former Russian champion Valeri Spiridinov plays the Phantom and former Russian Junior World champion Ekaterina Murgova plays Christine Daae in a version of "The Phantom of the Opera on Ice" at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon in London in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Actress Elizabeth Loyacano takes a curtain call following her performance as Christine Daae, on opening night of "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino June 24, 2006 in Las Vegas. The $75 million show is a production of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera."

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Sandra Joseph as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Karen Culliver as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Actor Anthony Crivello as The Phantom and actress Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine Daae perform during a media night preview of "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino June 23, 2006 in Las Vegas.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Actress Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine Daae performs during a media night preview of "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular" at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino June 23, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The $75 million show opened June 24, 2006.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Emmy Rossum played Christine Daae in the 2004 film version of "The Phantom of the Opera."

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Trista Moldovan as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Dale Kristien as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Adrienne McEwan as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Patti Cohenour as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Rebecca Luker as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Rebecca Pitcher as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Lisa Vroman as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Marni Raab as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Sara Jean Ford as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success

Tracy Shayne as Christine Daae in this undated photo.

Behind "The Phantom of the Opera," its 25 years of success