"I think back at the time, if it had been 1988, I would have thought Michael and Sarah probably would have been cast but I don't think, I think it's much better that the girl is younger and if Sarah would have been 26 or 27 then"

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s reflection reveals his thoughts on the casting process for one of his productions, quite likely "The Phantom of the Opera", where casting choices can dramatically influence the audience’s experience and the integrity of the story. He recalls a time in 1988, implying that during that era, the logical casting decision might have been Michael and Sarah, presumably referring to Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, both original stars of the musical. Webber notes that had he been casting then, these choices would have suited the stage and perhaps aligned with audience expectations or popular opinion at the time.

However, he expresses appreciation for the eventual choice of casting a younger actress for the female lead. His perspective has shifted to believe that the character, likely Christine Daaé, works better portrayed as a younger woman. This artistic preference doesn’t just relate to superficial qualities but points to the narrative itself; classic stories like "The Phantom of the Opera" hinge on the innocence and development of a young protagonist. Should the actress, in this case Sarah, have been in her mid-to-late twenties (26 or 27), he suggests this would not have carried the same effect or realism for the character. The age of the performer, especially in musical theatre, can deeply affect the authenticity of the relationships and emotional journeys depicted.

By emphasizing the value of Christine being younger, Webber highlights a broader conversation about theatrical casting and authenticity. Theatre is compelled by illusion, yet some aspects, such as the believability of a character’s age or experience, create stronger connections with the audience. Webber underscores that while tradition might have favored certain stars, re-examining the needs of the story and its characters ultimately results in a more truthful, impactful performance. His comments recognize how artistic choices evolve and mature, separate from nostalgia or personal bias.