(At the manager's office, the Phantom's score lies open on the desk.
Andre is impatiently flicking through it)
ANDRE
Ludicrous!
Have you seen the score?
FIRMIN (entering)
Simply ludicrous!
ANDRE
It's the final straw!
FIRMIN
This is lunacy!
Well, you know my views . . .
ANDRE
Utter lunacy!
FIRMIN
But we daren't refuse . . .
ANDRE (groans)
Not another chandelier!
FIRMIN
Look, my friend,
what we have here:
(He has two notes from the Phantom, one of which he
hands to Andre, who opens it and reads):
ANDRE
"Dear Andre,
Re my orchestrations:
We need another first bassoon.
Get a player with tone -
and that third trombone has to go!
The man could not be deafer,
so please preferably one who plays in tune!"
FIRMIN (reading his letter)
"Dear Firmin,
vis a vis my opera:
some chorus-members must be sacked.
If you could, find out which
has a sense of pitch - wisely, though,
I've managed to a**ign
a rather minor role
to those who cannot act! "
(They are interrupted by the arrival of Carlotta and
PIANGI both furiously brandishing similar notes)
CARLOTTA
Outrage!
FIRMIN
What is it now?
CARLOTTA
This whole affair is an outrage!
FIRMIN
Signora, please . . .
ANDRE
Now what's the matter?
CARLOTTA
Have you seen
the size of my part?
ANDRE
Signora, listen . . .
PIANGI
It's an insult!
FIRMIN
Not you as well!
PIANGI
Just look at this -
it's an insult!
FIRMIN
Please, understand . . .
ANDRE
Signor! Signora!
CARLOTTA
The things I have to do for my art!
PIANGI (stabbing a finger at the open score)
If you can call this gibberish "art" !
(Raoul and Christine enter: Carlotta bristles)
CARLOTTA (dryly)
Ah! Here's our little flower!
FIRMIN
Ah Miss Daae,
quite the lady of the hour!
ANDRE (explaining)
You have secured the largest role
in this "Don Juan".
CARLOTTA (half to herself)
Christine Daae?
She doesn't have
the voice!
FIRMIN (hearing this, to Carlotta)
Signora, please!
RAOUL (to the Managers)
Then I take it you're agreeing.
CARLOTTA (aside)
She's behind this . . .
ANDRE
It appears we have
no choice.
CARLOTTA (unable to contain herself any longer,
points accusingly)
She's the one
behind this!
Christine Daae!
CHRISTINE (who has been silent till now, incensed at
this)
How dare you!
CARLOTTA
I'm not a fool!
CHRISTINE
You evil woman!
How dare you!
CARLOTTA
You think I'm blind?
CHRISTINE
This isn't my fault!
I don't want any part in this plot!
FIRMIN
Miss Daae, surely . . .
ANDRE
But why not?
PIANGI (baffled, to Carlotta)
What does she say?
FIRMIN (reasonably)
It's your decision -
(Suddenly rounding on her)
But why not?
CARLOTTA (to Piangi)
She's backing out!
ANDRE
You have a duty!
CHRISTINE
I cannot sing it,
duty or not!
RAOUL (comforting)
Christine,
Christine. . .
You don't have to,
They can't make you
(Meg and Giry arrive, the latter bearing another note
from the Phantom)
GIRY
Please, monsieur:
another note.
(The managers gesture: "read it". As she reads, ALL
react variously, as they are singled out)
GIRY
"Fondest greetings to you all !
A few instructions
just before rehearsal starts:
Carlotta must be taught to act . . . ,"
(The Phantom's voice gradually takes over
from her)
PHANTOM'S VOICE
. . . not her normal trick
of strutting round the stage.
Our Don Juan must lose some weight -
it's not healthy
in a man of Piangi's age.
And my managers must learn
that their place
is in an office, not the arts.
As for Miss Christine Daae . . .
No doubt she'll do her best
- it's true her voice is good.
She knows, though,
should she wish to excel
she has much still to learn!
If pride will let her
return to me, her teacher,
her teacher . . .
Your obedient friend . . .
(The Phantom's voice fades out and Giry takes over)
GIRY
". . . and Angel ."
(Attention now focuses on Raoul whose eyes are
suddenly bright with a new thought)
RAOUL
We have all been blind -
and yet the answer is staring us in the face . . .
This could be the chance
to ensnare our clever friend . . .
ANDRE
We're listening!
FIRMIN
Go on.
RAOUL
We shall play his game -
perform his work -
but remember we hold the ace . . .
For, if Miss Daae sings,
he is certain to attend
ANDRE (carried along by the idea)
We make certain
the doors are barred!
FIRMIN (likewise)
We make certain
our men are there!
RAOUL
We make certain
they're armed . . .
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN (savouring their victory)
The curtain falls -
his reign will end!
(ALL have been listening intently. Giry is the first to
express a reaction. Christine remains silent and
withdrawn)
GIRY
Madness!
ANDRE
I'm not so sure . . .
FIRMIN
Not if it works . . .
GIRY
This is madness!
ANDRE
The tide will turn!
GIRY
Monsieur, believe me -
there is no way of
turning the tide!
FIRMIN (to Giry)
You stick to ballet!
RAOUL (rounding on Giry)
Then help us!
GIRY
Monsieur, I can't . . .
RAOUL
Instead of warning us,
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN
Help us!
GIRY
I wish I could . . .
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN
Don't make excuses!
RAOUL
Or could it be that
you're on his side?
GIRY (to Raoul)
Monsieur, believe me,
I intend no ill,
(to Andre and Firmin)
But messieurs, be careful -
we have seen him kill
ANDRE/FIRMIN (to Giry)
We say he'll fall
and fall he will!
CARLOTTA
She's the one behind this!
Christine!
This is all her doing!
PIANGI
This is the truth!
Christine Daae!
RAOUL
This is his undoing!
ANDRE/FIRMIN (to Raoul)
If you succeed
you free us all -
this so called "angel"
has to fall!
RAOUL
Angel of music,
fear my fury -
Here is where you fall!
GIRY (to Raoul)
Hear my warning!
Fear his fury!
CARLOTTA
What glory can
she hope to gain?
It's clear to all
the girl's insane!
ANDRE (to Firmin)
Christine sings
We'll get our man . . .
PIANGI
She is crazy!
She is raving!
FIRMIN (to Andre)
If Christine helps
us in this plan . . .
RAOUL
Say your prayers,
black angel of death!
CHRISTINE (vainly pleading amidst the tumult)
Please don't . . .
ANDRE (to FIRMIN)
If Christine won't,
then no-one can . . .
GIRY (to RAOUL)
Monsieur, I beg you,
do not do this . . .
PIANGI/CARLOTTA
Gran Dio!
Che imbroglio!
ANDRE/FIRMIN
This will seal his fate!
CHRISTINE (bursting through the hubbub with a
great cry)
If you don't stop,
I'll go mad! ! !
(to RAOUL, pleading)
Raoul, I'm frightened -
don't make me do this . . .
Raoul, it scares me -
don't put me through this
ordeal by fire
He'll take me, I know . . .
We'll be parted for ever,
he won't let me go.
What I once used to dream
I now dread
If he finds me, it won't
ever end . . .
and he'll always be there,
singing songs in my head . . .
he'll always be there,
singing songs in my head . . .
(ALL stare at her)
CARLOTTA
She's mad . . .
RAOUL (to Christine)
You said yourself
he was nothing
but a man . . .
Yet while he lives,
he will haunt us
till we're dead
______________
(Christine turns away unhappily)
[Christine]
Twisted every way,
what answer can I give?
Am I to risk my life,
to win the chance to live?
Can I betray the man
who once inspired my voice?
Do I become his prey?
Do I have any choice?
He kills without a thought,
he murders all that's good . . .
I know I can't refuse
and yet, I wish I could . . .
Oh God - if I agree,
what horrors wait for me
in this, the Phantom's opera . . .?
[Raoul (to Christine, very tenderly)]
Christine, Christine,
don't think that I don't care -
but every hope
and every prayer
rests on you now . . .
(Christine, overcome by her conflicting emotions turns away and hurries out. RAOUL strides forward and addresses an imaginary Phantom)
[Raoul]
So, it is to be war between us! But this time, clever
friend, the disaster will be yours!
(As lights fade, Attendants stretch a red, velvet rope across the downstage area. Others bring on gilt chairs. Carlotta, Piangi and Giry move downstage to take their places for the next scene)
(A rehearsal for Don Juan Triumphant)
(Reyer supervises the learning of the new piece from the piano. Present are Piangi, Christine, Carlotta,Giry and the Chorus)
[Reyer]
Don Juan, Signor Piangi - here is the phrase.
(He demonstrates it)
"Those who tangle with Don Juan . . ."
If you please?
[Piangi (wrong wrong)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
[Reyer]
No, no. Nearly - but no.
"Those who tan, tan, tan . . ."
[Piangi (still wrong)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
[Carlotta (to the others)]
His way is better.
At least he make it sound like music!
[Giry (to Carlotta)]
Signora - would you speak that way in the presence of the composer?
[Carlotta (deaf to the implications of this remark)]
The composer is not here. And if he were here, I would . . .
[Giry (cutting in, ominous)]
Are you certain of that, Signora . . .?
[Reyer]
So, once again - after seven.
(He gives the note and counts in)
Five, six, seven . . .
[Piangi (wrong again)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
(Gradually everyone starts either to talk or to
practice the phrase simultaneously)
[Carlotta]
Ah, piu non posso! What does it matter what notes we sing?
[Giry]
Have patience, Signora.
[Carlotta]
No-one will know if it is right or if it is wrong.
No-one will care if it is right, or if it is wrong.
[Carlotta (mocking)]
Those who tangle
with Don Juan!
[Piangi (trying again)]
Those who tan . . . tan . . .
(to Christine)
Is right?
[Christine (to Piangi]
Not quite, Signor:
Those who tan . . . tan . . .
[Reyer (attempting lo restore order)]
Ladies . . . Signor Piangi . . . if you please . . .
(Reyer thumps the piano keys, then leaves the piano, and attempts to attract attention using signals. Al the height of the mayhem, the piano suddenly begins to demonstrate the music unaided. It plays with great force and rhythm. ALL fall silent and freeze then suddenly start to sing the piece robotically and accurately. As they continue to sing, Christine moves away from the group.)
[All except Christine]
Poor young maiden! For the thrill
on your tongue of stolen sweets
you will have to pay the bill -
tangled in the winding sheets!
(As the Ensemble becomes background, Christine, transfixed, sings independently):
[Christine]
In sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came . . .
that voice which calls to me
and speaks my name . . .
(The scene begins to change. Trance-like, Christine moves slowly upstage. We hear the distant sound of bells)
Andre is impatiently flicking through it)
ANDRE
Ludicrous!
Have you seen the score?
FIRMIN (entering)
Simply ludicrous!
ANDRE
It's the final straw!
FIRMIN
This is lunacy!
Well, you know my views . . .
ANDRE
Utter lunacy!
FIRMIN
But we daren't refuse . . .
ANDRE (groans)
Not another chandelier!
FIRMIN
Look, my friend,
what we have here:
(He has two notes from the Phantom, one of which he
hands to Andre, who opens it and reads):
ANDRE
"Dear Andre,
Re my orchestrations:
We need another first bassoon.
Get a player with tone -
and that third trombone has to go!
The man could not be deafer,
so please preferably one who plays in tune!"
FIRMIN (reading his letter)
"Dear Firmin,
vis a vis my opera:
some chorus-members must be sacked.
If you could, find out which
has a sense of pitch - wisely, though,
I've managed to a**ign
a rather minor role
to those who cannot act! "
(They are interrupted by the arrival of Carlotta and
PIANGI both furiously brandishing similar notes)
CARLOTTA
Outrage!
FIRMIN
What is it now?
CARLOTTA
This whole affair is an outrage!
FIRMIN
Signora, please . . .
ANDRE
Now what's the matter?
CARLOTTA
Have you seen
the size of my part?
ANDRE
Signora, listen . . .
PIANGI
It's an insult!
FIRMIN
Not you as well!
PIANGI
Just look at this -
it's an insult!
FIRMIN
Please, understand . . .
ANDRE
Signor! Signora!
CARLOTTA
The things I have to do for my art!
PIANGI (stabbing a finger at the open score)
If you can call this gibberish "art" !
(Raoul and Christine enter: Carlotta bristles)
CARLOTTA (dryly)
Ah! Here's our little flower!
FIRMIN
Ah Miss Daae,
quite the lady of the hour!
ANDRE (explaining)
You have secured the largest role
in this "Don Juan".
CARLOTTA (half to herself)
Christine Daae?
She doesn't have
the voice!
FIRMIN (hearing this, to Carlotta)
Signora, please!
RAOUL (to the Managers)
Then I take it you're agreeing.
CARLOTTA (aside)
She's behind this . . .
ANDRE
It appears we have
no choice.
CARLOTTA (unable to contain herself any longer,
points accusingly)
She's the one
behind this!
Christine Daae!
CHRISTINE (who has been silent till now, incensed at
this)
How dare you!
CARLOTTA
I'm not a fool!
CHRISTINE
You evil woman!
How dare you!
CARLOTTA
You think I'm blind?
CHRISTINE
This isn't my fault!
I don't want any part in this plot!
FIRMIN
Miss Daae, surely . . .
ANDRE
But why not?
PIANGI (baffled, to Carlotta)
What does she say?
FIRMIN (reasonably)
It's your decision -
(Suddenly rounding on her)
But why not?
CARLOTTA (to Piangi)
She's backing out!
ANDRE
You have a duty!
CHRISTINE
I cannot sing it,
duty or not!
RAOUL (comforting)
Christine,
Christine. . .
You don't have to,
They can't make you
(Meg and Giry arrive, the latter bearing another note
from the Phantom)
GIRY
Please, monsieur:
another note.
(The managers gesture: "read it". As she reads, ALL
react variously, as they are singled out)
GIRY
"Fondest greetings to you all !
A few instructions
just before rehearsal starts:
Carlotta must be taught to act . . . ,"
(The Phantom's voice gradually takes over
from her)
PHANTOM'S VOICE
. . . not her normal trick
of strutting round the stage.
Our Don Juan must lose some weight -
it's not healthy
in a man of Piangi's age.
And my managers must learn
that their place
is in an office, not the arts.
As for Miss Christine Daae . . .
No doubt she'll do her best
- it's true her voice is good.
She knows, though,
should she wish to excel
she has much still to learn!
If pride will let her
return to me, her teacher,
her teacher . . .
Your obedient friend . . .
(The Phantom's voice fades out and Giry takes over)
GIRY
". . . and Angel ."
(Attention now focuses on Raoul whose eyes are
suddenly bright with a new thought)
RAOUL
We have all been blind -
and yet the answer is staring us in the face . . .
This could be the chance
to ensnare our clever friend . . .
ANDRE
We're listening!
FIRMIN
Go on.
RAOUL
We shall play his game -
perform his work -
but remember we hold the ace . . .
For, if Miss Daae sings,
he is certain to attend
ANDRE (carried along by the idea)
We make certain
the doors are barred!
FIRMIN (likewise)
We make certain
our men are there!
RAOUL
We make certain
they're armed . . .
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN (savouring their victory)
The curtain falls -
his reign will end!
(ALL have been listening intently. Giry is the first to
express a reaction. Christine remains silent and
withdrawn)
GIRY
Madness!
ANDRE
I'm not so sure . . .
FIRMIN
Not if it works . . .
GIRY
This is madness!
ANDRE
The tide will turn!
GIRY
Monsieur, believe me -
there is no way of
turning the tide!
FIRMIN (to Giry)
You stick to ballet!
RAOUL (rounding on Giry)
Then help us!
GIRY
Monsieur, I can't . . .
RAOUL
Instead of warning us,
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN
Help us!
GIRY
I wish I could . . .
RAOUL/ANDRE/FIRMIN
Don't make excuses!
RAOUL
Or could it be that
you're on his side?
GIRY (to Raoul)
Monsieur, believe me,
I intend no ill,
(to Andre and Firmin)
But messieurs, be careful -
we have seen him kill
ANDRE/FIRMIN (to Giry)
We say he'll fall
and fall he will!
CARLOTTA
She's the one behind this!
Christine!
This is all her doing!
PIANGI
This is the truth!
Christine Daae!
RAOUL
This is his undoing!
ANDRE/FIRMIN (to Raoul)
If you succeed
you free us all -
this so called "angel"
has to fall!
RAOUL
Angel of music,
fear my fury -
Here is where you fall!
GIRY (to Raoul)
Hear my warning!
Fear his fury!
CARLOTTA
What glory can
she hope to gain?
It's clear to all
the girl's insane!
ANDRE (to Firmin)
Christine sings
We'll get our man . . .
PIANGI
She is crazy!
She is raving!
FIRMIN (to Andre)
If Christine helps
us in this plan . . .
RAOUL
Say your prayers,
black angel of death!
CHRISTINE (vainly pleading amidst the tumult)
Please don't . . .
ANDRE (to FIRMIN)
If Christine won't,
then no-one can . . .
GIRY (to RAOUL)
Monsieur, I beg you,
do not do this . . .
PIANGI/CARLOTTA
Gran Dio!
Che imbroglio!
ANDRE/FIRMIN
This will seal his fate!
CHRISTINE (bursting through the hubbub with a
great cry)
If you don't stop,
I'll go mad! ! !
(to RAOUL, pleading)
Raoul, I'm frightened -
don't make me do this . . .
Raoul, it scares me -
don't put me through this
ordeal by fire
He'll take me, I know . . .
We'll be parted for ever,
he won't let me go.
What I once used to dream
I now dread
If he finds me, it won't
ever end . . .
and he'll always be there,
singing songs in my head . . .
he'll always be there,
singing songs in my head . . .
(ALL stare at her)
CARLOTTA
She's mad . . .
RAOUL (to Christine)
You said yourself
he was nothing
but a man . . .
Yet while he lives,
he will haunt us
till we're dead
______________
(Christine turns away unhappily)
[Christine]
Twisted every way,
what answer can I give?
Am I to risk my life,
to win the chance to live?
Can I betray the man
who once inspired my voice?
Do I become his prey?
Do I have any choice?
He kills without a thought,
he murders all that's good . . .
I know I can't refuse
and yet, I wish I could . . .
Oh God - if I agree,
what horrors wait for me
in this, the Phantom's opera . . .?
[Raoul (to Christine, very tenderly)]
Christine, Christine,
don't think that I don't care -
but every hope
and every prayer
rests on you now . . .
(Christine, overcome by her conflicting emotions turns away and hurries out. RAOUL strides forward and addresses an imaginary Phantom)
[Raoul]
So, it is to be war between us! But this time, clever
friend, the disaster will be yours!
(As lights fade, Attendants stretch a red, velvet rope across the downstage area. Others bring on gilt chairs. Carlotta, Piangi and Giry move downstage to take their places for the next scene)
(A rehearsal for Don Juan Triumphant)
(Reyer supervises the learning of the new piece from the piano. Present are Piangi, Christine, Carlotta,Giry and the Chorus)
[Reyer]
Don Juan, Signor Piangi - here is the phrase.
(He demonstrates it)
"Those who tangle with Don Juan . . ."
If you please?
[Piangi (wrong wrong)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
[Reyer]
No, no. Nearly - but no.
"Those who tan, tan, tan . . ."
[Piangi (still wrong)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
[Carlotta (to the others)]
His way is better.
At least he make it sound like music!
[Giry (to Carlotta)]
Signora - would you speak that way in the presence of the composer?
[Carlotta (deaf to the implications of this remark)]
The composer is not here. And if he were here, I would . . .
[Giry (cutting in, ominous)]
Are you certain of that, Signora . . .?
[Reyer]
So, once again - after seven.
(He gives the note and counts in)
Five, six, seven . . .
[Piangi (wrong again)]
Those who tangle with Don Juan . . .
(Gradually everyone starts either to talk or to
practice the phrase simultaneously)
[Carlotta]
Ah, piu non posso! What does it matter what notes we sing?
[Giry]
Have patience, Signora.
[Carlotta]
No-one will know if it is right or if it is wrong.
No-one will care if it is right, or if it is wrong.
[Carlotta (mocking)]
Those who tangle
with Don Juan!
[Piangi (trying again)]
Those who tan . . . tan . . .
(to Christine)
Is right?
[Christine (to Piangi]
Not quite, Signor:
Those who tan . . . tan . . .
[Reyer (attempting lo restore order)]
Ladies . . . Signor Piangi . . . if you please . . .
(Reyer thumps the piano keys, then leaves the piano, and attempts to attract attention using signals. Al the height of the mayhem, the piano suddenly begins to demonstrate the music unaided. It plays with great force and rhythm. ALL fall silent and freeze then suddenly start to sing the piece robotically and accurately. As they continue to sing, Christine moves away from the group.)
[All except Christine]
Poor young maiden! For the thrill
on your tongue of stolen sweets
you will have to pay the bill -
tangled in the winding sheets!
(As the Ensemble becomes background, Christine, transfixed, sings independently):
[Christine]
In sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came . . .
that voice which calls to me
and speaks my name . . .
(The scene begins to change. Trance-like, Christine moves slowly upstage. We hear the distant sound of bells)