Even when I rehearse down in the bowels of the Metropolitan Opera, you can't help but think why The Phantom of the Opera was inspired by what happens in the bowels of the opera house.

It is true that I visualize music and, as I visualize music, I have some sort of story running in my head, all the time.

You don't do any show to be celebrated. In fact, you don't do any show thinking what's going to happen in the end. You immerse yourself in a room full of talent and a room full of designers and you hope for the best.

I think theatres will always remain a sacred place where people go for something live and experience things live, which is very different than the experience of film.

I always say that you can't be afraid to ask the question. What's the worst that could happen? The answer could be "no" and you go on.

I think, though, the biggest heroes in my life would have been both my mother and father. My father because he was very brave and a kid from the Depression. And my mother, a child from the Depression too, who always remained so lovely her whole life.

I think a woman who is successful is critiqued more harshly than a man is critiqued.