Rachel Zegler’s Broadway Ambitions: Dreaming of Iconic Musical Roles
Rachel Zegler opens up about her ultimate musical theater dreams, sharing her passion for playing Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera and a gender-swapped Javert in Les Misérables.
Life can change in the blink of an eye, and Rachel Zegler knows that better than most. At just 24, she’s already weathered the kind of online storms that would make most people want to hide from the spotlight. The controversy surrounding her live-action Snow White role—sparked by a few red carpet interviews and some CGI choices—seemed to blow up overnight. But despite the noise, Zegler’s undeniable talent has kept her moving forward at a breakneck pace. She shot to fame as a teenager, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actress at 19 for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake. That’s a meteoric rise for someone who was still in high school just a few years ago.
While some celebrities have stumbled in the public eye, Zegler has managed to keep her focus on her craft. After Snow White’s release, she quickly shifted gears, selling out solo shows in London’s West End. Her schedule is relentless: in 2023 alone, she starred in Shazam: Fury of the Gods, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and the comedy- horror Y2K. The following year, she took on Broadway, starring in a modern take on Romeo and Juliet directed by Jack Antonoff, and then led the cast of Evita in London, bringing Eva Perón’s story to life on stage.
Musical Theater Dreams
Despite her packed calendar, there are still roles Zegler dreams of playing. She recently shared her aspirations in an interview, revealing a deep connection to musical theater classics.
“While I’m still young and sprightly, I would love to do Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera. That would be a dream come true because I don’t get the opportunity to return to my soprano operatic training roots. And if ever given the chance, I would love to be Javert in a gender-bent Les Miz.”
Her passion for these roles is clear, and she’s eager to revisit her classical vocal training on stage.
Iconic Roles and Lasting Legacy
Phantom of the Opera, first staged in 1986, centers on Christine Daaé, a young soprano who becomes the obsession of a mysterious musical genius haunting the Paris Opera House. The original production starred Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, and its soundtrack has sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Zegler’s other dream role, Javert, is the relentless police inspector in Les Misérables, a show that’s been running in London’s West End since 1985 and was adapted into a film in 2012 with Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean.
Even as she sets her sights on these legendary parts, Zegler isn’t slowing down. Next year, she’s set to return to the West End in The Last Five Years, a musical that explores the highs and lows of a relationship between a novelist and an aspiring actress. The show was also adapted into a film starring Anna Kendrick in 2014. Zegler’s drive and versatility continue to set her apart, making her one of the most exciting talents in musical theater today.