Act Two Six Months Later Scene 1 MASQUERADE
THE STAIRCASE OF THE OPERA HOUSE (A gauze half conceals the tableau of guests at the opera ball. The guests (whom we cannot yet see clearly) are in fancy dress, a peacock, a lion, a dragon, Mephistopheles, a highwayman, a clown, knights, ladies, an executioner. M. ANDRE enters. He is dressed as a skeleton in an opera cape. Almost immediately M. FIRMIN arrives.He is also dressed as a skeleton in an opera cape. The two skeletons see each other and approach nervously) ANDRE M'sieur Firmin? FIRMIN M'sieur Andre? (Each raises his mask to the other. They recognise each other.) FIRMIN Dear Andre what a splendid party! ANDRE The prologue to a bright new year! FIRMIN Quite a night! I'm impressed! FIRMIN Well, one does one's best . . . ANDRE/FIRMIN (raising their glasses) Here's to us! A toast to all the city! FIRMIN Such a pity that the Phantom can't be here! (The gauze lifts fully to reveal the staircase of the opera house. The opera ball begins. Among the GUESTS are four carrying strange percussion instruments: a monkey with cymbals, a toy soldier with a drum, a triangle, bells. Together they play weirdly throughout) CHORUS Masquerade! Paper faces on parade . . . Masquerade! Hide your face, so the world will never find you! Masquerade! Every face a different shade . . . Masquerade! Look around - there's another mask behind you! Flash of mauve . . . Splash of puce . . . Fool and king . . . Ghoul and goose . . . Green and black . . . Queen and priest . . . Trace of rouge . . . Face of beast . . . Faces . . . Take your turn, take a ride on the merry-go-round . . . in an inhuman race . . . Eye of gold . . . Thigh of blue . . . True is false . . . Who is who . . .? Curl of lip . . . Swirl of gown . . . Ace of hearts . . . Face of clown . . . Faces . . . Drink it in, drink it up, till you've drowned in the light . . . in the sound . . . RAOUL/CHRISTINE But who can name the face . . .? ALL Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . . Masquerade! Take your fill - let the spectacle astound you! Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads . . . Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you! Masquerade! Seething shadows breathing lies . . . Masquerade! You can fool any friend who ever knew you! Masquerade! Leering satyrs, peering eyes . . . Masquerade! Run and hide - but a face will still pursue you! (The ENSEMBLE activity becomes background, as ANDRE, FIRMIN, MEG, GIRY, PIANGI and CARLOTTA come to the fore, glasses in hand) GIRY What a night MEG What a crowd! ANDRE Makes you glad! FIRMIN Makes you proud! All the creme de la creme! CARLOTTA Watching us watching them! MEG/GlRY And all our fears are in the past! ANDRE Six months... PIANGI Of relief! CARLOTTA Of delight! ANDRE/FIRMIN Of Elysian peace! MEG/GIRY And we can breathe at last! CARLOTTA No more notes! PIANGI No more ghost! GIRY Here's a health! ANDRE Here's a toast: to a prosperous year! FIRMIN To the new chandelier! PIANGI/CARLOTTA And may its splendour never fade! FIRMIN Six months! GIRY What a joy! MEG What a change! FIRMIN/ANDRE What a blessed release! ANDRE And what a masquerade! (They clink glasses and move off RAOUL and CHRISTINE emerge. She is admiring a new acquisition: an engagement ring from RAOUL, which she has attached to a gold chain around her neck.) CHRISTINE Think of it! A secret engagement! Look - your future bride! Just think of it! RAOUL But why is it secret? What have we to hide? CHRISTINE Please, let's not fight . . . RAOUL Christine, you're free! CHRISTINE Wait till the time is right . . . RAOUL When will that be? It's an engagement, not a crime! Christine, What are you afraid of? CHRISTINE Let's not argue . . . RAOUL Let's not argue . . . CHRISTINE Please pretend . . . RAOUL I can only hope I'll . . . CHRISTINE You will . . . BOTH . . . understand in time . . . (Dance section, in which CHRISTINE, almost coquettish almost jittery, goes from man to man. But too many of her partners seem to be replicas of the PHANTOM, and each spins her with increasing force. Eventually RAOUL rescues her and holds her tightly. He whirls her back into the dance, as the music heads towards its climax.) ALL Masquerade! Paper faces on parade! Masquerade! Hide your face, so the world will never find you! Masquerade! Every face a different shade! Masquerade! Look around - There's another mask behind you! Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads . . . Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you! Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds . . . Masquerade! Take your fill - let the spectacle astound you! (At the height of the activity a grotesque figure suddenly appears at the lop of the staircase. Dressed all in crimson, with a death's head visible inside the hood of his robe, the PHANTOM has come to the party. With dreadful wooden steps he descends the stairs and takes the centre of the stage) PHANTOM Why so silent, good messieurs? Did you think that I had left you for good? Have you missed me, good messieurs? I have written you an opera! (He takes from under his robe an enormous bound manuscript) Here I bring the finished score - "Don Juan Triumphant" ! (He throws it to ANDRE) I advise you to comply - my instructions should be clear - Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier . . . (CHRISTlNE, mesmerized, approaches as the PHANTOM beckons her. He reaches out, grasps the chain that holds the secret engagement ring, and rips it from her throat) Your chains are still mine - you will sing for me! (ALL cower in suspense as the music crescendos, until suddenly, his figure evaporates)
Scene 2 BACKSTAGE
(GIRY is hurrying across. RAOUL appears and calls after her) RAOUL Madame Giry. Madame Giry . . . GIRY Monsieur, don't ask me - I know no more than anyone else. (She moves off again. He stops her) RAOUL That's not true. You've seen something, haven't you ? GIRY (uneasily) I don't know what I've seen . . . Please don't ask me, monsieur . . . RAOUL (desperately) Madame, for all our sakes . . . GIRY (She has glanced nervously about her and suddenly deciding to trust him, cuts in): Very well. It was years ago. There was a travelling fair in the city. Tumblers, conjurors, human oddities . . . RAOUL Go on . . . GIRY (trance-like, as she retraces the past) And there was . . . I shall never forget him: a man . . Iocked in a cage . . . RAOUL In a cage . . ? GIRY A prodigy, monsieur! Scholar, architect, musician . RAOUL (piecing together the jigsaw) A composer . . . GIRY And an inventor too, monsieur. They boasted he had once built for the Shah of Persia, a maze of mirrors . . . RAOUL (mystified and impatient, cuts in) Who was this man . . .? GIRY (with a shudder) A freak of nature . . . more monster than man . . . RAOUL (a murmur) Deformed . . .? GIRY From birth, it seemed . . . RAOUL My God . . . GIRY And then . . . he went missing. He escaped. RAOUL Go on. GIRY They never found him it was said he had died . . . RAOUL (darkly) But he didn't die, did he? GIRY The world forgot him, but I never can . . . For in this darkness I have seen him again . . . RAOUL And so our Phantom's this man . . . GIRY (starts from her daze and turns to go) I have said too much, monsieur. (She moves off into the surrounding blackness) And there have been too many accidents . . . RAOUL (ironical) Accidents?! GIRY Too many . . . (And, before he can question her further, she has disappeared) RAOUL (running after her) Madame Giry . . .!
Scene 3 THE MANAGERS ' 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. Every note's overblown- 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 assign 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 .an 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 GlRY 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)
Scene 4 A REHEARSAL FOR DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT
(REYER supervises the learning of the new piece from the piano. Present are PIANGI, CHRISTINE, CARLOTTA, GlRY and CHORUS) CHORUS Hide our sword now wounded knight! Your vainglorious gasconnade brought you to your final fight for your pride, high price you've paid! CHRISTINE Silken couch and hay-filled barnQ both have been his battlefield. PIANGI (wrong) Those who tangle with Don Juan . . . REYER (stopping him) No, no, no! ChorusQrest, please. Don Juan, Signor Piangi - here is the phrase. (He demonstrates it) "Those who tangle with Don Juan . . ." If you please? PIANGI (still 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) Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing . . . Her Father promised her that he would send her the Angel of Music . . . Her father promised her . . . Her father promised her . . .
Scene 5 WISHING YOU WERE SOMEHOW HERE AGAIN
A GRAVEYARD (A mausoleum with hanging moss. In the centre a pyramid of skulls in front of a cross.) CHRISTINE You were once my one companion . . . you were all that mattered . . . You were once a friend and father - then my world was shattered . . . Wishing you were somehow here again . . . wishing you were somehow near . . . Sometimes it seemed if I just dreamed, somehow you would be here . . . Wishing I could hear your voice again . . . knowing that I never would . . . Dreaming of you won't help me to do all that you dreamed I could . . . Three long years I knelt in silence, held your memory near me, Three long years, of morbid sorrow- willing you to hear me. . . Too many years fighting back tears . . . Why can't the past just die . . .? Wishing you were somehow here again . . . knowing we must say goodbye . . . Try to forgive . . . teach me to live . . . give me the strength to try . . . No more memories, no more silent tears . . . No more gazing across the wasted years . . . Help me say goodbye. (The PHANTOM emerges from behind the cross) PHANTOM (very soft and enticing) Wandering child . . . so lost . . . so helpless . . . yearning for my guidance . . . (Bewildered, CHRISTINE looks up, and murmurs breathlessly): CHRISTINE Angel . . . or father . . . friend . . . or Phantom . . . ? Who is it there, staring . . . ? PHANTOM (more and more hypnotic) Have you forgotten your Angel . . .? CHRISTINE Angel . . . oh, speak . . . What endless longings echo in this whisper . . .! (RAOUL appears in the shadows and watches for a moment transfixed) PHANTOM (now drawing CHRISTINE towards him) Too long you've wandered in winter . . . RAOUL (to himself a murmur) Once again she is his . . . PHANTOM Far from my far-reaching gaze . . . RAOUL Once again she returns . . . CHRISTINE (increasingly mesmerized) Wildly my mind beats against you . . . PHANTOM You resist . . . PHANTOM/CHRISTINE Yet your/the soul obeys . . . RAOUL . . . to the arms of her angel . . . angel or demon . . . still he calls her . . . luring her back, from the grave . . . angel or dark seducer . . .? Who are you, strange angel . . .? PHANTOM Angel of Music! You denied me, turning from true beauty . . . Angel of Music! Do not shun me . . . Come to your strange Angel . . . CHRISTINE Angel of Music! I denied you, turning from true beauty . . . Angel of Music! My protector . . . Come to me, strange Angel . . . (CHRISTINE moves towards the figure of the PHANTOM) PHANTOM (beckoning her) I am your Angel of Music . . . Come to me: Angel of Music . . . RAOUL (suddenly calling out) Angel of darkness! Cease this torment! (Inexorably the PHANTOM continues to beckon CHRISTINE) PHANTOM I am your Angel of Music . . . Come to me: Angel of Music . . . RAOUL (in desperation) Christine! Christine listen to me! Whatever you may believe, this man . . . this thing . . . is not your father! (to the PHANTOM) Let her go! For God's sake, let her go! Christine ! (Coming out of her trance CHRISTINE turns and mouths the words): CHRISTINE Raoul . . . (She turns lo RAOUL who embraces her protectively. The PHANTOM freezes for a moment and then suddenly seizes a pike upon which is impaled a skull. At a movement from him a flash of fire streaks from the gaping mouth of the skull and lands at RAOUL's feet) PHANTOM Bravo, monsieur! Such spirited words! (Another fireball) RAOUL More tricks, monsieur? PHANTOM Let's see, monsieur how far you dare go! (Another fireball) RAOUL More deception? More violence? CHRISTINE (to RAOUL) Raoul, no . . . (RAOUL has begun to walk slowly and resolutely towards the PHANTOM the fireballs always landing just ahead of him) PHANTOM That's right, that's right, monsieurQ keep walking this way! (Two more fireballs) RAOUL You can't win her love by making her your prisoner. CHRISTINE Raoul, don't . . . RAOUL (to CHRISTINE) Stay back! PHANTOM I'm here, I'm here, monsieur: the angel of death! Come on, come on, monsieur Don't stop, don't stop! (Three more fireballs. RAOUL. is almost at the PHANTOM's feet. A confrontation is imminent when CHRISTINE suddenly rushes across to RAOUL) CHRISTINE Raoul! Come back . . . (She pulls him away) PHANTOM Don't go! (As they are exiting, the PHANTOM declaims in fury): So be it! Now let it be war upon you both! (At a gesture from the PHANTOM, there is a flash of lighting and the stage erupts into flame)
Scene 6 BEFORE THE PREMIERE
THE OPERA HOUSE ON THE NIGHT OF THE PREMIERE OF "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT'' (The orchestra is tuning. A whistle soundsQthe CHIEF FIRE OFFICER is reviewing two FIRE MARSHALLS in tin helmets. A worklight on a stand illuminates them. Also present are RAOUL, ANDRE and FIRMIN, supervising the proceedings, and a MARKSMAN, at present hidden in the pit) CHIEF You understand your instructions? FIREMEN (severally) Sir! CHIEF When you hear the whistle, take up your positions. I shall then instruct you to secure the doors. It is essential that all doors are properly secured. FIRMIN' Are we doing the right thing, Andre? ANDRE Have you got a better idea? CHIEF Monsieur le Vicomte, am I to give the order? RAOUL Give the order. (The CHIEF blows his whistle. The FIREMEN fan out, leaving RAOUL, the CHIEF and the MANAGERS on stage) RAOUL (to the MARKSMAN) You in the pit - do you have a clear view of this box? MARKSMAN (appearing from the pit) Yes, sir. RAOUL Remember, when the time comes, shoot. Only if you have to - but shoot. To kill. MARKSMAN How will I know, sir? RAOUL You'll know. FIRMIN Monsieur le Vicomte, are you confident that this will work? Will Miss Daae sing? RAOUL Don't worry, Firmin. Andre? ANDRE We're in your hands, sir. CHIEF My men are now in position, sir. RAOUL Go ahead, then. (Sounding his whistle again, the CHIEF shouts into the auditorium): CHIEF Are the doors secure? (Exit doors are slammed all over the building, The FIREMEN answering one by one: "Secure."' The orchestra falls silent. Very quietly from nowhere, we hear the VOICE of the PHANTOM) PHANTOM'S VOICE I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera . . . (ALL look around apprehensively. FIREMEN start to run in the direction of the VOICE) PHANTOM'S VOICE (from somewhere else) I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera . . . (Again, they follow the VOICE. This happens several times, the PHANTOM'S VOICE darting more and more bewilderingly from place to place. Finally it is heard from Box Five, and in the confusion the MARKSMAN fires a shot. RAOUL rounds on the MARKSMAN furiously) RAOUL Idiot! I said: only when the times comes! MARKSMAN But, Monsieur le Vicomte . . . (The PHANTOM'S VOICE cuts in, filling the building. All look up) PHANTOM'S VOICE No "buts"! For once, Monsieur le Vicomte is right . . . Seal my fate tonight - I hate to have to cut the fun short but the joke's wearing thin . . . Let the audience in . . . Let my opera begin!
Scene 7 "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT"
(The set of the final scene of "Don Juan TRIUMPHANT" A huge hall with an arch. Behind the arch, which has curtains, is a bed. A fine table, laid for two. PASSARINO, DON JUAN'S servant, is directing the STAFF as they make the room ready. They are a crowd of sixteenth century ruffians and hoydens, proud of their master's reputation as a libertine) CHORUS Here the sire may serve the dam, here the master takes his meat! Here the sacrificial lamb utters one despairing bleat! CARLOTTA AND CHORUS Poor young maiden! For the thrill on your tongue of stolen sweets you will have to pay the bill - tangled in the winding sheets! Serve the meal and serve the maid! Serve the master so that, when tables, plans and maids are laid, Don Juan triumphs once again! (SIGNOR PIANGI, as Don Juan, emerges from behind the arch. MEG, a gypsy dancer pirouettes coquettishly for him.He throws her a purse. She catches it and leaves) DON JUAN Passarino, faithful friend, once again recite the plan. PASSARINO Your young guest believes I'm you - I, the master, you, the man. DON JUAN When you met you wore my cloak, she could not have seen your face,. She believes she dines with me, in her master's borrowed place! Furtively, we'll scoff and quaff, stealing what, in truth, is mine. When it's late and modesty starts to mellow, with the wine . . . PASSARINO You come home! I use your voice - slam the door like crack of doom! DON JUAN I shall say: "come - hide with me! Where, oh, where? Of course - my room!" PASSARINO Poor thing hasn't got a chance! DON JUAN Here's my hat, my cloak and sword. Conquest is assured, if I do not forget myself and laugh . . . (DON JUAN puts on PASSARINO's cloak and goes into the curtained alcove where the bed awaits. Although we do not yet know it, the Punjab Lasso has done its work, and SIGNOR PIANGI is no more. When next we see DON JUAN, it will be the PHANTOM. Meanwhile, we hear AMINTA (CHRISTINE) singing happily in the distance) AMINTA (CHRISTINE - offstage, entering) ". . . no thoughts within her head, but thoughts of joy! No dreams within her heart but dreams of love!" PASSARINO (onstage) Master?
THE POINT OF NO RETURN
DON JUAN (PHANTOM - behind the curtain) Passarino - go away! For the trap is set and waits for its prey . . . (PASSARINO leaves. CHRISTINE (AMINTA) enters. She takes off her cloak and sits down. Looks about her. No- one. She starts on an apple. The PHANTOM, disguised as DON JUAN pretending to be PASSARINO, emerges. He now wears PASSARINO's robe, the cowl of which hides his face. His first words startle her) DON JUAN (PHANTOM) You have come here in pursuit of your deepest urge, in pursuit of that wish, which till now has been silent, silent . . . I have brought you, that our passions may fuse and merge - in your mind you've already succumbed to me dropped all defences completely succumbed to me - now you are here with me: no second thoughts, you've decided, decided . . . Past the point of no return - no backward glances: the games we've played till now are at an end . . . Past all thought of "if" or "when" - no use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend . . . What raging fire shall flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks its door? What sweet seduction lies before us . . .? Past the point of no return, the final threshold - what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn? Beyond the point of no return . . . AMINTA (CHRISTINE) You have brought me to that moment where words run dry, to that moment where speech disappears into silence, silence . . . I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why . . . In my mind, I've already imagined our bodies entwining defenceless and silent - and now I am here with you: no second thoughts, I've decided, decided . . . Past the point of no return - no going back now: our passion-play has now, at last, begun . . . Past all thought of right or wrong - one final question: how long should we two wait, before we're one . . .? When will the blood begin to race the sleeping bud burst into bloom? When will the flames, at last, consume us . . .? BOTH Past the point of no return the final threshold - the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn . . . We've passed the point of no return . . . (By now the audience and the POLICE have realised that SIGNOR PIANGI is dead behind the curtain, and it is the PHANTOM who sings in his place. CHRISTINE knows it too. As final confirmation, the PHANTOM sings): PHANTOM Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime . . . Lead me, save me from my solitude . . . (He takes from his finger a ring and holds it out to her. Slowly she takes it and puts it on her finger.) Say you want me with you, here beside you . . . Anywhere you go let me go too - Christine that's all I ask of . . . (We never reach the word 'you', for CHRISTINE quite calmly reveals the PHANTOM'S face to the audience. As the FORCES OF LAW close in on the horrifying skull, the PHANTOM sweeps his cloak around her and vanishes. MEG pulls the curtain upstage, revealing PIANGI'S body garotted, propped against the bed, his head gruesomely tilted to one side. She screams.) TRANSFORMATION TO: REVERSE VIEW OF THE STAGE (POLICE, STAGEHANDS, etc. rush onto the stage in confusion. Also: ANDRE, FIRMIN, RAOUL, GIRY, CARLOTTA and MEG) CARLOTTA What is it? What has happened? Ubaldo! ANDRE Oh, my God . . . my God . . . FIRMIN We're ruined, Andre - ruined! GIRY (to RAOUL) Monsieur le Vicomte! Come with me! CARLOTTA (rushing over to PIANGI's body) Oh, my darling, my darling . . . who has done this ...? (hysterical, attacking ANDRE) You! Why did you let this happen? (She breaks down, as PIANGI's body is carried off on a stretcher) GIRY Monsieur le Vicomte, I know where they are. RAOUL But can I trust you? GIRY You must. But remember: your hand at the level of your eyes! RAOUL But why . . .? GIRY Why? The Punjab lasso, monsieur. First Buquet. Now Piangi. MEG (holding up her hand) Like this, monsieur. I'll come with you. GIRY No, Meg! No, you stay here! (to RAOUL) Come with me, monsieur. Hurry, or we shall be too late . . .
Scene 8 DOWN ONCE MORE.../TRACK DOWN THIS MURDERER
THE LABYRINTH UNDERGROUND (Meanwhile, down below, we see the PHANTOM and CHRISTINE in the boat, crossing the underground lake) PHANTOM (furiously propelling the boat onwards) Down once more to the dungeon of my black despair! Down we plunge to the prison of my mind! Down that path into darkness deep as hell! (He rounds on her, bitterly) Why, you ask, was I bound and chained in this cold and dismal place? Not for any mortal sin, but the wickedness of my abhorrent face! (He hears the offstage voices of the pursuing MOB) MOB (offstage) Track down this murderer! He must be found! PHANTOM (moving off again) Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind words from anyone! No compassion anywhere! Christine, Christine . . . Why, why . . .? (RAOUL and GIRY appear above. They make their way down, meeting a pack of rats. GlRY screams and lowers her guard. The rats and the RATCATCHER pass them. GIRY raises her hand again) GIRY Your hand at the level of your eyes! RAOUL . . . at the level of your eyes . . . MOB (offstage) Your hand at the level of your eyes! GIRY He lives across the lake, monsieur. This is as far as I dare go. RAOUL Madame Giry, thank you. (She turns to go back up the slope. RAOUL looks at the water. He removes his coat and plunges in. The MOB appears at the top of the slope. They come down to the lake edge, their torches flickering.) MOB Track down this murderer - He must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground! Too long he's preyed on us - but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below . . . He's here: the Phantom of the Opera . . . (They turn back up the slope. Perhaps there is another way in. The gate to the lair descends, as the rest of the lair appears.)
Scene 9 BEYOND THE LAKE
(The dummy of CHRlSTlNE sits crumpled on a large throne. The PHANTOM drags CHRISTINE roughly out of the boat. She frees herself and backs away as he stares blackly out front. Braving her terror, she addresses him fiercely). CHRISTINE Have you gorged yourself at last, in your lust for blood? (no reply) Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh? PHANTOM (Coldly) That fate, which condemns me to wallow in blood has also denied me the joys of the flesh . . . this face - the infection which poisons our love . . . (He lakes the bridal veil from the dummy, and moves slowIy towards her) This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing . . . A mask, my first unfeeling scrap of clothing . . . (He places the veil on her head) Pity comes too late - turn around and face your fate: an eternity of this before your eyes! (They are almost touching. She looks calmly and coldly into his face) CHRISTINE This haunted face holds no horror for me now . . . It's in your soul that the true distortion lies . . . (The PHANTOM suddenly senses RAOUL'S presence. Behind the portcullis, RAOUL climbs out of the water) PHANTOM Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest! (to RAOUL) Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight! I had rather hoped that you would come. And now my wish comes true - you have truly made my night! RAOUL (pleading, grasping the bars of the gate) Free her! Do what you like only free her! Have you no pity? PHANTOM (to CHRISTINE, dryly) Your lover makes a passionate plea! CHRISTINE Please, Raoul, it's useless . . . RAOUL I love her! Does that mean nothing? I love her! Show some compassion . . . PHANTOM (snarls furiously at RAOUL) The world showed no compassion to me! RAOUL Christine . . . Christine . . . (to PHANTOM) Let me see her . . . PHANTOM (drily) Be my guest, sir . . (He gestures, and the fence rises. RAOUL enters) Monsieur, I bid you welcome! Did you think that I would harm her? Why should I make her pay for the sins which are yours? (So saying, he takes the Punjab lasso and, before RAOUL has a chance to move, catches him by the neck. The end of the rope, of which the PHANTOM has let go, remains magically suspended in mid-air) (taunting) Order your fine horses now! Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes! Nothing can save you now - except perhaps Christine . . . (He turns to her) Start a new life with me - Buy his freedom with your love! Refuse me, and you send your lover to his death! This is the choice - This is the point of no return! CHRISTINE (to the PHANTOM) The tears I might have shed for your dark fate grow cold, and turn to tears of hate . . . RAOUL (despairing) Christine, forgive me please forgive me . . . I did it all for you, and all for nothing . . . CHRISTINE (looking at the PHANTOM but to herself) Farewell my fallen idol and false friend . . . PHANTOM Too late for turning back, Too late for prayers and useless pity... CHRISTINE One by one I've watched illusions shattered . . . PHANTOM Past all hope of cries for help: no point in fighting - RAOUL Either way you choose, he has to win . . . PHANTOM For either way you choose, you cannot win! So, do you end your days with me, or do you send him to his grave? RAOUL (to PHANTOM) Why make her lie to you, to save me? CHRISTINE Angel of Music . . . PHANTOM Past the point of no return - RAOUL For pity's sake, Christine, say no! CHRISTINE . . . why this torment? PHANTOM . . . the final threshold . . . RAOUL Don't throw your life away for my sake . . . CHRISTINE When will you see reason . . .? PHANTOM His life is now the prize which you must earn! RAOUL I fought so hard to free you . . . CHRISTINE Angel of Music . . . PHANTOM You've passed the point of no return . . . CHRISTINE . . . you deceived me - I gave my mind blindly . . . PHANTOM (to CHRISTINE) You try my patience - make your choice! (She reflects for a moment, then with resolution moves slowly towards the PHANTOM) CHRISTINE (quietly at first, then with growing emotion) Pitiful creature of darkness . . . What kind of life have you known . . .? God give me courage to show you you are not alone . . . (Now calmly facing him, she kisses him long and full on the lips. The embrace lasts a long time. RAOUL watches in horror and wonder. The PHANTOM lakes a lighted candle and holds it above RAOUL's head. A tense moment. But the suspended rope suddenly falls harmlessly - the PHANTOM has burned the thread by which the noose was held. Resigned, he addresses RAOUL, as we hear the offstage voices of the approaching MOB) MOB Some: Track down this murderer - he must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground! Too long he's preyed on us - but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below . . Others: Who is this monster, this murdering beast? Revenge for Piangi! Revenge for Buquet! This creature must never go free . . . PHANTOM Take her - forget me - forget all of this . . . Leave me behind - forget all you've seen . . . Go now - don't let them find you! Take the boat -swear to me, never to tell the secrets you know,. of the angel in hell.. Go . . . Go now - go now and leave me! (RAOUL and CHRISTINE move off towards the boat. The PHANTOM looks mockingly at his mask. The musical box starts up magically, and he listens to it) Masquerade . . . Paper faces on parade . . . Masquerade . . . Hide your face so the world will never find you . . . (CHRISTINE re-enters and walks slowly towards him. She takes off her ring and gives it to the PHANTOM) PHANTOM Christine, I love you . . . (She hurries off The PHANTOM puts the ring on his finger) CHRISTINE (In the distance, to RAOUL, as the boat pulls away in the shadow) Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime . . . say the word and I will follow you . . RAOUL Share each day with me . . . CHRISTINE . . . each night . . . BOTH . . . each morning . . . PHANTOM (looking after her) You alone can make my song take flight - it's over now, the music of the night . . . (The PHANTOM walks slowly towards the throne. He takes his place on it, sitting on his cloak. The MOB including MEG, appears above, climbing down the portcullis. As the MOB enters the lair, the PHANTOM wraps his cloak around himself and disappears. MEG crosses to the throne and picks up his mask in her small hand)