Biography:

Christopher Carl comes directly from the 2nd National Tour of Phantom to join the San Francisco company. To date his career has taken him to 49 out of 50 states and many tours abroad. His credits range from playing Lancelot opposite Robert Goulet's Arthur in Camelot to singing the National Anthem at a Seattle Super Sonics vs. Phoenix Suns game. He has been seen in such roles as Ravenal in Showboat, Billy in 42nd Street, Billy in Carousel - that's a lot of Billys! - Max in Lend Me a Tenor and Freddy in My fair Lady - to name only a few. Originally from Huntington, Indiana, he now calls New York City home. As a young Hoosier he had his first claim of fame - being Dan Quayle's paperboy. Christopher dedicates his performance to his loving family and friends for their incredible support and encouragement.

Recordings:

- The Portrait, featuring Christopher Carl and Karen Culliver, can be ordered by calling 1-800-601-1551
- Christmas Center Stage features songs sung by the cast of the San Francisco company of Phantom. Available at selected record stores in the U.S., as well as at the Curran Theater

Television Credits:

- Hugh Simonsen in the CBS day time drama, "The Guiding Light"

Quotes:

"I love playing the role of Raoul. It's alot of fun.

The Phantom is a totally different character for me. I've rarely had the opportunity to play "bad" guys....so I find it a real treat to be able to work on a character that challenges me. And the more I perform it...the more comfortable I get with it....you might say that my Phantom is a work in progress. Being an understudy means that every time you go on you are fighting the battle of nerves...you are doing something that you are not fully at ease doing and you have to add that element into your performance...without letting it drive your performance...it's quite an experience.

I find myself listening to all different kinds of music. Sometimes I just like to sit back and listen to new age music to help me relax. I particularly like Loreena Mckennitt....she has several CD's out there...you should check her out.....very interesting Gallic sound."

Birthdate:

November 11, 19??

"Here I Have A Note":

On the official Christopher Carl page I saw a picture of Chris at a gala, and in front of him was a mic with the letters "WPOTO" on it. I posted on the board, asking what the "W" stands for, and was very pleased when I got a response from Christopher himself.

Hi Barbara,

What a great question. And a very observant one. We set that particular section of the benefit in a 1940's radio studio in NYC. In order to give it authenticity, we gave our "radio station" call letters. If you notice, all radio and television stations east of the Mississippi river begin with the letter W...all stations west begin with the call letter K....ie KGO, KPIX,..etc. We set our radio program in NYC...so we began the call letters with a W and for fun finished up with POTO just for in inside joke! I t would be interesting to actually find out why these different call letters are used...but that is why we used the W.

All the best,

Christopher

And here's another clip from when I asked Christopher a number of questions:

I actually answer the question of how I feel about the role of Raoul in this months newsletter but as for my PHANTOM audition experience...I was called into an agent's call audition, so it was an appointment. The casting people had sent a side(a term used for a song or scene from the show) to my agent and asked that I be familiar with the material on my audition date...plus have other selections available for them to hear. I came into the audition with the role of Raoul in my mind...and that was the role that they wanted to see me for. The casting people were very supportive and helpful. I sang a condensed version of All I Ask of You that made it a solo and included all of the low and high notes that exsist in the song. I had a great time at the audition...but it was the beginning of a long road...I eventually had at least 7 auditions over the course of a year and a half before they offered me the Raoul understudy in the Raoul company...I wasn't there long before they offered me the actual role in SF. One of my favorite memories of all those audition is a working audition with Hal Prince on the stage of the Majestic Theatre in NYC....we read the dressing room scene without the music...just to get the actual feel of the dialouge without the coloring of the orchestration....it was a great experience...and a wonderful memory for me. I hope that answered your question. To hear a very detailed answer to my rather intense feelings about the character on Raoul....you can get the whole thing in the newsletter this month! (July, 1998)

Below is a message that Christopher wrote on September 16th, 1998:

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

As promised, I am informing you all of the outcome of a Phantom company meeting I just attended. The producers have posted a closing notice for the San Francisco production of The Phantom of the Opera. The last performance is scheduled for Sunday December 13th, 5 years and one day running in SF. They are looking at a possible extension through the 3rd of January.....but no later than that I'm afraid. Sorry to be the messenger of ill tidings...but I knew you would all want to know ASAP.

All the best,
Christopher

From Mercury News, Jan.8/99:

"It's been wonderful for an actor to have a job this solid, this secure, which is not very indicative of theater," says Carl, who for 2 1/2 years played Raoul. "It's been a real treat. A lot of people have been able to raise families because they knew they were going to be here for so long. We've almost forgotten what it's like to have a show close and have to audition."

Tidbits:

Did you know that Christopher has his teaching credentials to be a History teacher?

Current Engagements:

Christopher is currently appearing in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in Sacramento, CA, as Niles. (May, 2000).

Links:

The Official Christopher Carl Page. Message Board, Updates, picture gallery, and more.
Christopher as Christine Yep, the Raoul and Phantom understudy has dressed up as Christine for Halloween, 1998.
Chat with Christopher A transcrip from an online chat that Chris answered questions at, 2/23/98