Ken Hill's 
Script 
A big thanks to Tom

Act 1

Act One - Scene One: Under New Management
The stage and auditorium of the Paris Opera House at the turn of the nineteenth century.

::The boxes are on stage, the curtains are closed, the chandelier and the House Lights are on. On cue, a quiet sinister drone creeps in under audience chatter. Once established, House Lights and stage Lights fade to Black-out. In this, the CURTAIN opens. A long shaft of "working light" builds along the floor from UL, followed by a dim acting area. UC, below the second portal, is a very tall pair of wooden step-ladders, the 'A' shape facing the audience. Beyond, in the blackness, there are a couple of paint-spattered chairs with pots of paint and brushes lying about. After a moment, JAMMES enters from UL, crossing behind the ladder to UR, on her way out after a long rehearsal. She is a pretty, teenage ballet dancer, wearing a practice skirt and shawl, carrying a reticule, her black hair done up in a neat bun. As she passes the ladder R, she becomes aware that the stage and auditorium is empty, and pauses to peer out. Seeing no-one, she runs to C. There is still nobody about. Delighted, she tosses her shawl and reticule off R, moves back to C, strikes a pose, and begins to dance. The dance becomes a set of pose turns, traveling to DL, where the last one goes wrong, and she falls over. Her muttered 'shit!' is well audible but she rises to smile prettily and continue. She finishes in a low pose R. As she does so, a white rose is tossed from high above to land before her. Big sting in the music. She picks the rose up and turns quickly to peer off R. Another big sting. Slowly she lifts her eyes, higher and higher, the music building, until she is pointing almost straight up to where the rose came from.::

JAMMES:

::screaming::

It's him! It's him! He's been watching me!

::Screaming, she runs off L, her screams taken up by the other girls, fading away down corridors. The music stops except for a thin sound of strings. A lengthy pause, then a sudden high-pitched giggling cry is heard from the rear of the auditorium, hopefully making people jump. It is from REMY, who can be seen blundering down an aisle, L, followed by RICHARD. RICHARD is in a coat and top-hat, carrying a cane. REMY carries a ledger and pencil. He wears glasses.::

RICHARD:

::irritably::

What is it, Remy?

REMY:

I banged my nose on this pillar, Sir. It's so dark in here.

RICHARD:

Why don't they turn on some lights? I'm the new manager of the Paris Opera House, not a bloody owl.

REMY:

I did tell Mr. Debienne we were coming, Sir.

RICHARD:

Not loudly enough, it seems. Now come here.

REMY:

What about my nose?

RICHARD:

Bring it with you.

::He climbs steps up onto the stage, L::

This is intolerable. It's my first day here, and I'm being completely ignored.

You're my secretary, Remy, do something!

REMY:

::clambering up steps::

How many steps are there, Sir?

RICHARD:

I think there are five.

::Crash and yell from REMY.::

RICHARD:

Six. Now get up, and turn on some light!

::Bright lights build, revealing RICHARD standing and REMY, lying flat, extreme DL.::

RICHARD:
Well done, REMY. You see how easy it is when you try?

::DEBIENNE drags JAMMES on from L, crossing to R.::

DEBIENNE:

::To her::

Come on, you silly girl. We've turned the stage lights on for you, there's no need to be frightened.

::He pushes her in front of him, and indicates above::

There you are - nothing.

::RICHARD and REMY ease UL trying to see what he's talking about.::

DEBIENNE:

And don't spread silly rumors. There's a new manager due, and he's a pompous old -

RICHARD:

Debienne!

DEBIENNE:

::spinning around::

Good Lord, I'm awfully sorry, Sir. We were expecting you later.

RICHARD:

That's quite obvious.

::He indicates JAMMES::

Now what's all this about?

JAMMES:

::leaping up and down, doing entrechats in her excitement, pointing::

I saw him, Sir, I saw him! Clear as anything!

RICHARD:

Saw who? What is she talking about?

DEBIENNE:

::quickly::

Nothing, Sir. Imagination. Allow me to present Miss Jammes - a member of our Corps de Ballet.

::To her, with meaning::

Mr. Richard - our new manager.

JAMMES:

Oh, shit -

::DEBIENNE claps a hand to her mouth, spins her into a pirouette, and she bows, low.::

DEBIENNE:

::presenting her::

She says, hallo.

RICHARD:

Get up, girl, get up. I hate fuss.

In my previous capacity as President of the Northern Railways, I had it eradicated entirely.

::He looks about::

And where's my son?

::To DEBIENNE, accusingly::

We've lost my son.

::All move about the stage, looking for him.::

Raoul!

RAOUL:

::in the auditorium, R::

Just taking a dekko at the auditorium, Dad. No need to panic.

::He runs up steps R onto stage, and crosses to C, a good-looking if slightly daft young man, wearing a hat and coat, with a white rose in his button hole, carrying a cane.::

RAOUL:

Splendid, isn't it?

::All move back downstage to peer out front.::

RICHARD:

::dubiously::

Some of it.

::RAOUL backs upstage during the following, and continues his exploration off R, to reappear in Box Six, where he takes off his hat and leaves it, together with his cane. He smiles on JAMMES who sits against the box doing exercises. Throughout the play, she is never still.::

RICHARD:
Personally, I've always thought of the Paris Opera House as being more - more -

REMY:

Bigger, Sir?

RICHARD:

Quiet, Remy.

::To DEBIENNE::

Why isn't it more...bigger?

DEBIENNE:

::snatching at anything::

It's the lighting, Sir.

Our man Mauclair turns on the gas, and the whole place is transformed.

REMY:

Yes, and speaking of lighting, Mr. Debienne, that chandelier doesn't look too secure.

RICHARD:

I shan't tell you again, Remy.

::To DEBIENNE::

Debienne, that chandelier doesn't look too secure.

DEBIENNE:

::desperately trying to remember when he last had it checked::

Well, I hope it is, Sir. Must weigh half a tone.

RICHARD:

Precisely. What if it were to fall down?

DEBIENNE:

::incredulous::

Fall down? Our chandelier?

::After a beat, he points::

What, you mean on those seats there?

RICHARD:

::pointing with cane::

Yes, and possibly there - and there - or even there.

::Brief pause, having thoroughly alarmed anybody sitting underneath the chandelier.::

REMY:

Well, the cheap seats will be safe.

::All turn to glare at him.::

FAUST:

::singing off, L::

Appear, Satan! Appear!

::RICHARD and DEBIENNE break R, REMY DL a little, looking about them.::

MEPHISTOPHELES:

::singing off, L::

I am -
::He swings on a rope to land up LC.::
- here!

::He struts down LC to strike a menacing masculine pose. He is dressed in a traditional red devil in doublet, hose, boots, horns, black beard, moustache and long tail.::

RICHARD:

::staring::

Who the devil are you?

DEBIENNE:

::quickly::

Well spotted, Sir. It is the Devil.

Mephistopheles, actually - rehearsing for tonight's performance of Faust  

::To MEPHISTOPHELES, behind RICHARD's back, indicating him carefully::

Mr. Richard - our new manager.

MEPHISTOPHELES:

::camp::

Oh! Enchanted!
::He tries to take RICHARD's hand, but RICHARD isn't having any of it.::
 D'you like the new entrance?

The producer wants me to make this sudden, surprise, supernatural out-of-the-air-from-nowhere appearance

::turning to REMY::

and I think it's rather good.

::He moves back to the rope, handing it off to a stagehand and meets FAUST who enters from L, wearing his dressing gown - a plump, pompous tenor.::

REMY:

Incidentally, who's singing Faust this evening?

FAUST:

I am.

::He moves down::

I always sing Faust.

::He hold out his hand to RICHARD::

I only sing Faust.

RICHARD:

::going to take his hand::

Well, I hope you sing it well.

FAUST:

::withdrawing his hand, offended::

Sing it well? Of course I sing it well. I'm singing it, aren't I?

DEBIENNE:

::hurrying DC::

We all sing well here, Sir. In fact, we've prepared a little musical

::he claps his hands to orchestra::

introduction for you.

::With squeals of delight, FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES and JAMMES join REMY DL to form a tight little group, JAMMES kneeling at the front and hitting her pose instantly at the end of the introduction. DEBIENNE moves a little up LC.::

Welcome, Sir, I'm so delighted

DEBIENNE:
Welcome, Sir, I'm so delighted, Everyone is so excited...
::He indicates the group, who give RICHARD little flutters with their fingers::
What we need is someone new - just like you!
To pull this sinking ship back into shape!
::to front::

And then we might forget the very dreadful way, That really awful things go on here every day...

::There has been agitation in the ranks at this. REMY steps a little DL, rapping his ledger with his pencil. FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES cross to be behind DEBIENNE, one to each ear::

REMY:
That's quite enough of that.

FAUST / MEPHISTOPHELES:
You're not supposed to rat.

DEBIENNE:
::spreading his hands::

Slipped out.

FAUST / MEPHISTOPHELES:
::together; to each other::

No doubt.

::They drop him and REMY crosses to RICHARD, who has eased over to the box to be with RAOUL::

REMY:
::to RICHARD::

Ignore him, dear Sir.

RICHARD:
A word, if I may,
I've something to say...

::FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES have broken upstage a little and are whispering together::

REMY:
::to them::

Pay attention, there!
::to JAMMES, indicating off L::

Close that door!

::As JAMMES hurries round DEBIENNE, FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES, to disappear off UL, REMY is singing off into the wings R::

REMY:

Let's have some silence here - not a sound!

::FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES rejoin DEBIENNE who is cupping his hands to his ears. They sing to RICHARD::

DEBIENNE / FAUST / MEPHISTOPHELES:
::together::

We're all agog, Sir.

RICHARD:
::using his cane to indicate an area DR::

Gather round...

::In a little musical break, RICHARD crosses to L, RAOUL leaves the box, DEBIENNE, REMY, FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES form a little group DR, DEBIENNE and REMY at the rear, JAMMES dancing back on once more to take a low position at the front of them, hitting her pose instantly at the end of the breal::

RICHARD:

I'd like to say -

::RAOUL re-enters quickly from R, and crosses to RICHARD::

RAOUL:
We'd like to say,
::to RICHARD::

Include me, too,
Unless you feel,
I'm in the way...

RICHARD:
::irritably::

Not at all,
But let me speak.

::He crosses L a little, as the chastened RAOUL breaks upstage a little::

MEPHISTOPHELES:
He's very chic!
It's unique!

::FAUST crosses to C::

FAUST:
::to RICHARD; ingratiatingly::

We're at your service,
Devotedly.
We're waiting with bated breath...
You're loyal troops...
Especially me!

::In the small break that follows, JAMMES dances R a little, and presents her group. In all that follows, which is a simple, fairly static setting based upon three groups: FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES; DEBIENNE, REMY; RICHARD, RAOUL; JAMMES, who does not sing, fills every tiny moment with dance or movement::

RICHARD:
::crossing back in a little::

I want my staff,
To be a team,
To make me proud,
To be their boss.

FAUST:
We will, not half.

RICHARD:
::crossing back L, angrily::

Don't intervene!

RAOUL:
::moving into FAUST::

It's not allowed,
And makes him cross.

::Seizing his opportunity, MEPHISTOPHELES leaves the group, delicately pulls FAUST back by the scruff of his neck, and takes his place::

MEPHISTOPHELES:
::ingratiatingly; to RICHARD::

I like your plan,
So just say when,
I'll help you pick,
Your new recruits.

RICHARD:
Well done, that man,
Ten out of ten.

FAUST:
::to others::

She loves to lick,
The boss's boots.

::MEPHISTOPHELES turns on him moving UR::

MEPHISTOPHELES:
You rotten beast!

FAUST:
Get knotted love!

MEPHISTOPHELES:
You amateur!

FAUST:
You're such a bitch,
::to RICHARD::

The true artiste,
Is far above,
This sort of gir -
- lishness...

MEPHISTOPHELES:
That's rich!

::DEBIENNE hurriedly pushes through them, crossing to C::

DEBIENNE:
They understand you perfectly.

::REMY pushes between them and joins DEBIENNE, C::

REMY:
Nobody here would disagree.

::During the following, JAMMES moves behind them, takes them by the hand, comes between them, and kneels front once more in time to form their group for the chorus, acting the peace-maker. Amused by all this sycophancy, RAOUL moves down to put his head between DEBIENNE and REMY and his hands on their shoulders::

RAOUL:
And if they did, I'm sure they'd say

::He crosses to join his father::

DEBIENNE / REMY:
::together; looking for him::

Oh yes, they would, Sir, right away.

::For the chorus, all face front, in three tight seperate groups, FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES and JAMMES R, REMY and DEBIENNE C, and RAOUL and RICHARD L::

ALL:
We're a team from now on,
United as one,
We're all in perfect harmony!

::REMY and RAOUL break upstage, indicating DEBIENNE and RICHARD::

DEBIENNE:
::to RICHARD::

May I saw on behalf, Sir,
Of the artists

::he indicates them:

 and staff, Sir,
::He indicates himself::

We would hope that you'd keep us,
All in your employ.

REMY:
::crossing to put his head between FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES, hands on their shoulders::
They're so eager and loyal,
They'll pamper and spoil.

MEPHISTOPHELES:
::to RICHARD::

Any service at all, Sir, call us...

FAUST:
::nudging JAMMES::

Don't be coy!

::JAMMES gives RICHARD a little sexy wave::

ALL except RICHARD:
Do, Sir!
We'll be happy to help you out.
Do, Sir!

MEPHISTOPHELES:
Turn to me, if you can, Sir...

RICHARD:
We shall see, we shall see.

RAOUL:
::crossing to DEBIENNE::

Don't count on it.

::He rejoins RICHARD, L, and the same three groups face front once more::

ALL:
It's the height of the season, And the opera's the reason.
We are striving to see,
It's a stunning success.
::JAMMES dances across to kneel C in front of DEBIENNE and REMY::
We'll regard it as treason,
If it's any less.
Tra la la la la la,
Mi mi mi mi!

::During the following, JAMMES indicates the singers, and uses hands and arms to bring the whole thing to a pretty finish::

DEBIENNE / REMY:
::together; to one another::

What a hit it will be.

FAUST:
You can leave it to me.

DEBIENNE / REMY:
::together; to RICHARD::

If you pay him his fee.

MEPHISTOPHELES:
Me, I'll do it for free.

ALL:
We're a team, from now on,
United as one...
Everyone!

 
::They congratulate one another in ad-lib during any applause, FAUST and MEPHISTOPHELES crossing to be near the box L, JAMMES squatting before them, REMY crossing DR, RAOUL breaking UC to look off UR, DEBIENNE shaking RICHARD's hand, C::

DEBIENNE:

Oh, well done, Sir!

RICHARD:

Yes, I knew singing in the Stock Exchange Choir would come in handy one day.

::He crosses below DEBIENNE to UR, joined by REMY on his L::

Good luck for tonight.

DEBIENNE:

::quickly keeping level with him, UC::

Erm - there is one tiny fly in our ointment, Sir. La Carlotta - our principal soprano...

::The group DL cast up their eyes, shake their heads.::

RICHARD:

What about her?

DEBIENNE:

She's lost her voice.

RICHARD:

Jolly good.

::He and REMY turn to go R. They stop and do a take.::

RICHARD:
What?

::He turns::

Lost - lost - ?

REMY:

Her voice, Sir.

RICHARD:

Quiet, Remy.

::He moves DR centre::

This is a catastrophe! The first performance under my management - cancelled!

RAOUL:

::hurrying down to his L::

No, Father, there's a new girl singing Carlotta's place...Christine Daaé.

::Music. At the mention of the beautiful creature, all beam happily. REMY putting his hands on the right side of his chest. RICHARD stares at them all.::

RAOUL:

An admirable creature, with the most exquisite voice.

::The music stops.::

RICHARD:

::glaring at him::

Christine who?

RAOUL:

Daaé, Sir.

DEBIENNE:

She's a –

::trying not to say it too loud::

- chorus girl, Sir.

RICHARD:

A chorus girl?

::RAOUL glares at him, moving round upstage, DEBIENNE forced a little UR.::

RICHARD:

Why wasn't I consulted? This is most improper.

::He crosses L::

Who decided that an unknown - a mere chorus girl - should take the place of the great Carlotta tonight?

::He drives DEBIENNE back to Box Six, R::

Will somebody tell me? Well?

MADAME GIRY:

::off::

It was the ghost -

::Music.::

MADAME GIRY:
- Sir.

::The lighting checks a little. MADAME GIRY enters from L, crossing to C, and then moves straight downstage. She is tall and gaunt and glides on, dressed in a severe grey dress.::

RICHARD:

Ghost? Did somebody say ghost?

FAUST:

They did.

::By now, she has moved down into RICHARD's eyeline, and MEPHISTOPHELES moves in a little.::

MEPHISTOPHELES:

You've a lot to learn about this place, Mr Richard.

::To MADAME GIRY, waspish::

We're a superstitious lot.

MADAME GIRY:

::holding a hand to him but not looking at him::

Quiet!

::As MEPHISTOPHELES reacts::

You'll upset

::looking up at the chandelier::

 - him!

::RICHARD stares at her, stares at the chandelier, then turns to DEBIENNE, his voice cracking with incredulity.::

RICHARD:

Who the hell's this?

DEBIENNE:

Madame Giry, Sir - our Chief Box Keeper. She's been here ever since the theatre was built.

RICHARD:

::to her::

You can't be serious! A ghost in the Opera House!

MADAME GIRY:

You'll find out soon enough. Why do you think the last manager left?

He's got a lot of "pull" round here, has our ghost.

RICHARD:

Has he, indeed?

Well, haunting us is one thing, recasting my operas is altogether too much, so tell him from me he's to watch it.

::He turns to go then turns back to her::

Oh, and incidentally, I shall be attending Faust this evening. Reserve me a box, will you.

::He indicates the box L::

That one will do.

MADAME GIRY:

::horrified::

Box Five?

::Music, underlaying all of the following is the 'Ghost' theme. Finding themselves near the dreadul place, FAUST, MEPHISTOPHELES and JAMMES shriek and scoot UC. In the background, RAOUL climbs the ladder to get a better look as MADAME GIRY crosses to Box Five, and lays a gloved hand on it.::

MADAME GIRY:

I don't recommend it, Sir.

RICHARD:

And why not, pray?

MADAME GIRY:

Box Five is reserved for the Ghost, Sir.

It's always been that way - ever since the Opera House was built.

RICHARD:

This 'Ghost' and his friends seem to have a well-oiled little racket going on here.

::He crosses to her::

Is there anything else we have to provide for 'him'?

DEBIENNE:

Only his allowance, Sir.

RAOUL:

His what?

REMY:

::crossing to him::

It's written into the lease, Sir. Apparently, this Ghost is to receive an allowance of 20,000 francs a month.

RICHARD:

20,000 francs a month!

::He forces him UR::

Who put that in the lease?

MADAME GIRY:

Nobody knows.

When it was drawn up, the clause just appeared - written in blood in a strange crabbed hand.

::The music ends on a eerie scrape.::

RICHARD:

I see now why I was appointed to this place.

The steadying hand that stamped out corruption in the Left Luggage Department of Northern Railways is required, and I mean to start immediately.

In the meantime, I want that box - tonight - for me.

Is that clear, Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

Oh yes, Sir. But don't blame me for what happens.

RICHARD:

Ghosts, indeed!

::He crosses UR::

Come, Remy. I've never heared of anything so - so -

REMY:

::to MADAME GIRY, following him::

Outrageous!

::They disappear, R. MADAME GIRY crosses a little, to C, watching them.::

MADAME GIRY:

He'll find out - just like the last one did.

MEPHISTOPHELES:

::coming down to her L::

You and your spooks, Madame Giry. You are a caution.

MADAME GIRY:

::rounding on him, making him flinch back::

And you!

::She turns back R, pointing at the others, sweeps round in a big circle to UR. The others all flinch back: DEBIENNE to DR, FAUST and JAMMES to UC, RAOUL descends the ladder.::

MADAME GIRY:
You'll all find out. Just you wait...and see.

DEBIENNE:

She has a point, my friend. Don't meddle.

MEPHISTOPHELES:

But I mean! Ghosts! There are no such things.

::He crosses DC and calls out front::

You hear that, Phantom? You don't exist.

::He turns to go. It was all very casual. But the echoing, whispering voice of THE PHANTOM is heard in the auditorium.::

THE PHANTOM:

::off, whispering::

You don't exist.

::A pause. JAMMES dances DR to DEBIENNE, FAUST hurries DL, RAOUL to up LC, all staring out front::

JAMMES:

What was that?

RAOUL:

An echo - that's all.

DEBIENNE:

Are you sure?

FAUST:

::to MEPHISTOPHELES::

It didn't sound like your voice.

::MEPHISTOPHELES makes an angry gesture, draws himself up fully, stalks to C, and challenges the dark auditorium.::

MEPHISTOPHELES:

You...don't...exist.

::They all listen. There is a long - a very long - silence. Then MEPHISTOPHELES makes a gesture of triumph, and turns to go. As he does so, the whisper is heard again, louder, each word from a different part of the auditorium, echoing.::

THE PHANTOM:

::off, whispering::

You...don't...exist.

MEPHISTOPHELES:

::panicking::

What does he mean, I don't exist? I exist all right!

::To FAUST::

Feel me!
::As FAUST shrinks back, MEPHISTOPHELES turns to DEBIENNE and JAMMES.::
Feel me!

::As they shrink back::

Well, do I exist, or don't I?

FAUST:

::full of foreboding::

For the time being.

::Music, as he goes, L.::

RAOUL:

It was only an echo, you know.

MEPHISTOPHELES:

::recovering::

Yes...Yes, of course it was.

::He takes JAMMES' hand::

Come on, let's go to the bistro.

::As he leads her off, L::

It's your turn to pay.

::They go, L, JAMMES casting a look back at the dark auditorium, followed by DEBIENNE. To RAOUL's irritation, DEBIENNE stops and looks back at the chandelier. He comes DC, considers it, holds up his hands, makes a whistling noise, drops his hands like a falling chandelier, and makes a crashing noise. He considers the possibility of this, then dismisses it.::

DEBIENNE:

::to audience::

No -

::He exits L. RAOUL quickly checks that the coast is clear, runs DL, turns and holds out his arms.::

RAOUL:

Christine!

::Music. She runs on from R pausing a moment to look at him. They then run and meet C, to embrace. The music dies.::

CHRISTINE:

Oh, Raoul, if only your father didn't have this awful prejudice against chorus girls.

RAOUL:

I think it's because his Mother was one.

CHRISTINE:

But it's so unfair! Our love should be in the open, for all the world to envy.

RAOUL:

Don't fret, dearest.

After tonight you'll be famous, and everything will be different.

CHRISTINE:

Famous? I don't think so.

RAOUL:

But everyone says your voice has improved amazingly.

CHRISTINE:

::turning away, R::

Yes. Yes, it has.

RAOUL:

::worried::

What's the matter?

CHRISTINE:

::dismissing whatever is on her mind and turning back to him::

Nothing. Nerves, I expect.

::They go to kiss.::

CARLOTTA:

::off::

Miss Daaé!

RAOUL:

Dash!

CARLOTTA:

::off:

 Where is the girl?

RAOUL:

Blast! We'd better not to be seen together.
::He hurries to Box Six to pick up his hat and cane.::

DEBIENNE:

::off::

She's on stage.

RAOUL:

I'll see you after the performance - to offer my congratulations.

CARLOTTA:

::off::

Then get out of my way!

::RAOUL gives her his buttonhole - a white rose.::

RAOUL:

Till then.
::He hurries off, R.::

DEBIENNE:

::off::

But Madame Carlotta -

CARLOTTA:

::off::

 I tell you I wish to see this girl!

::A slap, a cry from DEBIENNE, and CARLOTTA, an imposing Spanish diva, carrying a distinctive fan, sweeps on to glare at CHRISTINE.::

CARLOTTA:
So!

DEBIENNE:

::off::

Bitch.

CARLOTTA:

You are the little nobody who thinks to take the place of the great Carlotta?

::She flicks open her fan::

CHRISTINE:

::bobbing a curtsey::

No, Madame, I wouldn't presume to do that.

CARLOTTA:

And yet I have heard a lot about this newly discovered voice of yours.

What are you, a witch, that you can produce such an instrument from out of the air?

CHRISTINE:

I don't know, Madame. It just seemed to happen.

CARLOTTA:

Well, listen to this.

::During the following, she moves in a circular manner, towards CHRISTINE, then to L, and to LC - a precise position for what follows::

You may go on tonight - that is all. You cannot hope to be anything more than a disappointment. And afterwards, we shall see whether there is any more need of you. We're very over-staffed, they tell me. In fact, I make this prediction: the new manager here will feel he has too many mouths to feed, and decide to make some savings - beginning with you.

::Behind her, the huge ladder has begun to topple forwards.::

CHRISTINE:

Look out!

::CARLOTTA turns as the ladder brushes her and crashes to the stage. It is worth making the point here that the ladder must fall very near CARLOTTA and must appear very dangerous. A pause whilst CARLOTTA recovers. She hurries up to peer into the darkness upstage, but there is nobody there - the ladder stood in the middle of an empty stage. She turns to CHRISTINE in fury.::

CARLOTTA:

You seem to have a lot of friends here, Miss Daaé! Well, so have I.

::She crosses L::

So have I!

::She exits L. CHRISTINE runs to the ladder to stare down at it. Later, she will be unsure whether she heard anything.::

THE PHANTOM:

::off, whispering, echoing::

Chris - tine...

::She looks up and out quickly. Music crashes out, and the Lights fade quickly to Black-out, her white face the last thing we see. In the darkness the curtain falls in, the orchestra segue tuning-up sounds, and Light builds on::


Act One - Scene Two: The First Performance
The stage and auditorium. Later that evening.

::The curtains are lit warmly, as are both boxes, the chandelier at a low level. MADAME GIRY enters Box Five from the rear.::

MADAME GIRY:

::very disapprovingly::

Box Five, Sir.

::RICHARD enters from the rear.::

RICHARD:

There's no need to look so frightfully foreboding, Madame Giry –

::handing her his hat, cloak etc.::

- nothing is going to happen.

MADAME GIRY:

No, Sir. But when it does, I shall be over here.

::She goes and RICHARD turns to see REMY ushering a young lady into Box Six. All are in evening dress.::

RICHARD:

Good-evening, Remy, Miss - erm -

::REMY coughs.::

RICHARD:

Oh, I see. Fingers crossed, eh?

Always a fraught moment when we put on –

::whispering::

-                      an understudy.

::RAOUL enters the box, handing off hat and gloves to MADAME GIRY.::

RICHARD:

Ah, there you are.

::He sits and takes out a programme from a pocket in the box::

I do hope this Chirstine Daaé's going to be all right.

::As RAOUL sits, MADAME GIRY hands them both a pair of binoculars.::

RAOUL:

Don't worry, Father. As soon as you hear her, you'll melt - just as I did.

::MADAME GIRY casts up her eyes and goes. RICHARD opens his programme with a flourish.::

RICHARD:

::with pride::

Faust by Charles Gounod...

::He lowers his voice::

What's it about?

RAOUL:

::studying his own programme::

It's the well-known classic tale, Father.

::RICHARD continues staring at RAOUL.::

RAOUL:

Oh, I see. Well, Faust, an old philosopher, sells his soul in exchange for youth and the love of the beautiful Marguerite. It begins with the old man cursing everything he once believed, and deciding to poison himself - the mortal sin that invokes the Devil. You saw the Devil practising his entrance earlier.

RICHARD:

That's what worries me...

::The prelude begins and the Lights begin to fade.::

RICHARD:

Managing the Opera House is one thing, but having to watch the wretched stuff...

RAOUL:

Quiet, it's beginning.

::A little light remains on the two boxes as the curtain rises. At the rear, the glowing FAUST cloth. Before it, a large ornate gothic chair and table, FAUST - wearing a grey wig and a hooded cloak - slumped across it. He toys with his tomes, his scrolls, the skull of his mentor, rises, beats his brow, then advances on us to sing. Since he has a large tenor voice, all the boxes flinch back at his first note.::

Accursed all base pursuit of earthly pleasure

FAUST:
Accursed all base pursuit of earthly pleasure!
Accursed be the shackles binding me so cruelly to life,
Accursed ye trinkets that entice me...
::He clasps the scrolls to his chest::
Yet if I grasp them, fail to suffice me...
::He casts them down and snatches up a faded long-stemmed red rose, and sniffs it::
Vain dreams of love, glory and strife...
::He kisses it and casts it aside::
Breeding naught but dark despair...
::He assumes a despairing attitude, then turns to snatch up a huge book::
Accursed be science, faith in God, faith in prayer!
A curse on them all!
::He throws down the book and lifts a blue poison bottle and goblet::
Hear me, Satan!
::He pours the bottle into the goblet in a big sweeping movement that shows it to be empty::
On you I call!
::He holds up the goblet::
Appear!

 
MEPHISTOPHELES:

::off::

I am he - aaagh!

::He swings on from L, but the rope is now a noose round his neck, and he is choking. It is a strong swing and takes him fully off R. RICHARD, RAOUL and REMY rise. As MEPHISTOPHELES begins a swing back, now dead, DEBIENNE pops his head on from R.::

RICHARD:

Good God, what a terrible accident!

RAOUL:

::to DEBIENNE, whispering loudly::

Bring down the curtain!

::DEBIENNE disappears. Meanwhile, the body has swung fully off L, and is beginning to swing back R again.::

RICHARD:

::to REMY, whispering::

Quickly, Remy, get a –

REMY:

::whispering loudly::

Doctor?

FAUST:

::crossing down to him, missing the body by a bit::

No! Fetch an understudy!

REMY and the Lady leave Box Six. By now, the body is swinging back from off R to off L, pursued by DEBIENNE.::

RICHARD:

::to the audience::

Keep calm, everybody, keep calm.

RAOUL:

::whispering loudly::

They are keeping calm, Father.

RICHARD:

Then tell 'em to keep calmer!

::Hanging onto MEPHISTOPHELES' legs, DEBIENNE is dragged back on from L.::

RAOUL:

::to DEBIENNE, whispering loudly::

Bring down the curtain!

DEBIENNE:

::whispering loudly::

We can't! The rope's caught in the pulley.

RICHARD:

::whispering loudly::

Well, cut him down, then!

::RICHARD and RAOUL leave the box quickly. REMY enters R, and assists in lowering the body to the floor, C.::

DEBIENNE:

::during this, shouting off R::

More light here! Where's Mauclair got to again? More gas!

FAUST:

And where's that understudy? I was just warming up.

DEBIENNE:

Oh, shut up!

FAUST:

::taking off the grey wig and beard in disgust::

I have been shut up! That's the problem.

::RICHARD and RAOUL hurry on from L, followed more slowly by CHRISTINE- in her peasent's costume - and JAMMES - in her ballet costume - both just peering on from L. Gradually build bright light. RAOUL kneels at the body, L, while RICHARD hurries downstage.::

RICHARD:

::to audience::

So sorry, Ladies and Gentlemen. Be with you in a moment.

::He hurries up to RAOUL's left::

How is he?

RAOUL:

::dropping MEPHISTOPHELES' hand::

He's rather dead, Father.

::FAUST faints into DEBIENNE's arms.::

REMY:

::by the table R, peering up::

How on earth did it happen? It was safe enough this morning.

::DEBIENNE joins him, and now points at the body.::

DEBIENNE:

Look! There's a note pinned to the body!

RICHARD:

By George, so there is! Remy, what does it say?

REMY:

::kneeling quickly and reading:: "Pure Silk", Sir.

RICHARD:

Not that one!

::He points::

That one!

::He casts up his hands::

REMY:

::reading, puzzled::

 "I don't exist."

::Sting. JAMMES goes on pointe.::

FAUST:

::hollow::

 "I don't exist..."
::He exits R.::

CHRISTINE:

Oh, no!
::She runs off, L.::

RAOUL:

Christine, wait!
::He hurries after her.::

DEBIENNE:

::calling off, R::

Is that rope free yet?

VOICE:

::off::

Yes!

REMY:

Then you can bring in the curtain!

::DEBIENNE is delicately lifting MEPHISTOPHELES' legs round so that they don't foul the curtain.::

RICHARD:

I'll give the orders here, Remy. We have a crisis. Debienne, you may bring in the - erm -

REMY:

::warning him::

Curtain, Sir.

::They step smartly forward as it drops into place behind them.::

RICHARD:

::to the audience::

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, ladies and gentlemen, but as you may be aware a small technical difficulty prevents our continuing with this evening's performance of - the thing. We shall, of course, replace the indisposed Mephi - Mephi -

REMY:

- stopheles -

RICHARD:

- as soon as possible, and continue with the performance in a few days time. I trust this is satisfactory.

::He turns to find that MADAME GIRY has entered through the side of the curtain, L holding his hat and cloak. He recoils.::

RICHARD:

Ah!...

::recovering::

What is it, Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

I said I'd be here when nothing happened, Sir.

RICHARD:

Give me those!
::He snatches the things from her, and begins his descent into the auditorium, L followed by REMY.::
As for you, Remy, I want you to get onto the Coroner's -

REMY:

Office?

RICHARD:

At once. I want this whole matter dealt with as soon as -

REMY:

Possible?

RICHARD:

Right!

::They leave the auditorium, watched sardonically by MADAME GIRY. Music, as the lighting fades to Black-out. The boxes truck off, the door flat L hinges closed, and the curtains fly out to reveal the "Corridor" cloth. Music continues as Light builds on::


Act One - Scene Three: A Mysterious Conversation
Outside CHRISTINE's dressing-room. Same time.

::The lighting is gloomy, a yellow light is showing through the fan above the door to the dressing-room, the sconces glowing dimly. RAOUL hurries on from R.::

RAOUL:

These damned corridors all look the same!

::He turns and looks back off the way he came::

Oh, Jammes - come here, quickly!

::JAMMES dances on, to land to his R.::

RAOUL:

Can you help? I can't find Christine anywhere.

JAMMES:

That's because she's in a star dressing-room tonight, Sir –

::pointing with her toe::

 - over there.

RAOUL:

Of course. Thank you.

::JAMMES dances back off. RAOUL approaches the door.::

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

Calm yourself, my dear, calm yourself.

::Realizing Christine has someone with her, RAOUL turns to leave.::

CHRISTINE:

::off::

Why did it have to happen?

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

The poor fellow killed himself. It's no concern of ours.

RAOUL:

::pausing, puzzled::

Christine?

::During the following, shadows flit across the fanlight and RAOUL's face.::

CHRISTINE:

::off::

Everything's ruined. I was going to sing tonight.

RAOUL:

To whom does she speak?

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

There will be other nights.

Carlotta's voice will not recover,

I swear...but you will sing only for me in future, Christine- only for me.

RAOUL:

No!

CHRISTINE:

::off::

Yes. I will sing only for you.

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

Then you will know that your soul is mine, and you must love me as only I can be loved.

You will know that, Christine.

CHRISTINE:

::off, a dead voice that fades, becoming an echo::

I will know that...I will know that...I will know that.

::The Light in the fanlight goes out. The music underlay becomes piano only.::

RAOUL:

The villain! Who is he? How dare she?

::He hammers at the door, tugging at the handle::

Christine!...Open this door!...Christine Daaé, you open this door this minute...etc.!

::He ad-libs::

::During this, the piano becomes louder and louder, more and more impassioned, RAOUL casting glances over his shoulder at it, until finally he cracks and he strides DC to the pit.::

RAOUL:

Oh, for God's sake, will you stop playing that bloody piano!

::It stops.::

RAOUL:

Thank you. Now can you please tell me, is there another way into Miss Daaé's dressing-room?

CONDUCTOR:

::pointing right::

Through the chorus girls' room.

RAOUL:

Thank you.
::He crosses R then pauses.::
The chorus girls' room?
::He whistles, and goes R.::

::Fast fade to Black-out. Music, through which we hear the startled shrieks of the Chorus Girls. The "Corridor" cloth rises on::


Act One - Scene Four: An Empty Room
CHRISTINE's dressing-room. Immediately following.

::CHRISTINE's dressing-room is dimly lit. At the rear, the second portal is filled with a piece containing a large mirror. To its right are a hat-stand with a garment hanging from it and a large potted plant. To the L, a small dressing-table and chair. On the floor, R, the crushed white rose given to her by RAOUL. As the cloth flies out, RAOUL hurries into the room from R.::

RAOUL:

Christine!...

::He stares about him::

Empty! She must have left while I ran round. I'll catch her.

::The lighting in the room checks sharply, building upstage of the mirror, and at the same time putting a little light on the door to CHRISTINE's dressing-room, still in position DL. Music, and we see THE PHANTOM through the mirror as he runs forward to press himself flat against it, peering into the room. He is a strangely beautiful figure in evening dress, soft broad-brimmed hat and opera cloak. He wears a white mask, and white gloves. There is a hammering on the other side of the door from RAOUL and THE PHANTOM leans sharply towards the sound. After a moment, the hammering stops and RAOUL backs slowly into the room.::

RAOUL:

Locked! From the inside!...but that's impossible, she...

::Seeing the rose, he crosses quickly to it, kneeling. THE PHANTOM leans to follow his movement. The music continues. RAOUL lifts the rose to his nose, then - the hairs at the back of his neck rising - he suddenly turns to peer into the mirror - too late. THE PHANTOM swings round and disappears upstage, the lighting reverting. If timed correctly, the mirror appears to shimmer, RAOUL's reflection taking the place of THE PHANTOM. RAOUL stares into the mirror, leaning from side to side, almost sure he saw something. He faces front, then spins suddenly to take another look, hoping to take whatever it was by surprise, but there is still nothing there. He turns back front, his fury taking over.::

How dare she!

RAOUL:

She was in here!...Talking with a man!...Unchaperoned in her dressing-room!

How dare she!
Alone with a man!
Who is this creature?
This gross wretch,
Who impertinently claims to love her?
::He rages about the room, looking for something to smash, but can only weakly tip over Christine's chair::
My beloved, she is stolen!
And my rage a burning fury!
Tremble, villain!
And so, Christine, we are finished...
Our love is over!
I say it's over...
Ended!

::He hurls the rose to the floor and goes. The Phantom appears in the mirror, to look around the room, then disappears again. The scene switches to a 'Corridor' scene and RAOUL re-enters::

RAOUL:

I've been provoked unbearably,
Nothing can quench this fire in me,
I hope he has a thousand lives,
I'll commit as many murders,
Is this how she repays me?
Alas, how she betrays me,
She's all that's foul in womankind!
No!
No!
Ah!
No!
I must calm myself and cast her out of my life,
Forget her,
Forget her,
Forget her,
How dare she?
How dare she?
How dare she?!

 
::He pauses, irresolute, unable to make up his mind whether to return to the dressing-room for a further search. He turns and strides off. As the music finishes, the Lights fade quickly to Black-out. All this is timed so that he disappears, the Lights snap out, and the play-off ends at the same time. After a moment, the cloth rises on::


Act One - Scene Five: A Communication From The Ghost
RICHARD's office. A few days later.

::All is very bright and airy. There is a large window at the rear, RICHARD's keyhole desk UC, facing us with a chair behind. Two other chairs dress the scene UR and UL. REMY is standing by the desk, R, sorting mail, as RICHARD enters quickly from L, now sporting a natting, light summer suit, little straw hat and carrying gloves and a cane, all of which he hands to REMY after his entrance.::

RICHARD:

Morning, morning, morning, morning, morning, morning, morning!

REMY:

Morning, Sir.

RICHARD:

Don't interrupt, Remy.

Ever since the Coroner rules "Accidental Death" last week, it's been one beautiful day after another.

Isn't it amazing what a difference daylight makes? Everything's so - so -

REMY:

::carrying things off R::

Light, Sir?
::He exits.::

RICHARD:

::partly following him::

For once, Remy, you are right. Everything's light! Everything's luminous, lambent and lovely!

::MADAME GIRY enters L carrying a letter. RICHARD turns.::

RICHARD:
Well, nearly everything. What is it, Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

I have a letter for you, Sir.

RICHARD:

::jovially, taking it from her::

What? The postman too, are we, Madame Giry?

::He crosses round to his desk R::

MADAME GIRY:

I found it in Box Five.

::Sting and segue underlay of the "Ghost" theme.::

MADAME GIRY:
The usual place.

::Humming cheerfully, RICHARD sits to read.::

RICHARD:

Usual place? For what?
::He hums as he rapidly scans it, his jolly song clashing with ghostly underlay. His expression alters, and he rises again, moving down the right of the desk.::
Good Heavens! Remy! Come here and listen to this letter! It's - it's -

::REMY hurries back in.::

REMY:

Bad news, Sir?

RICHARD:

It's worse than that. Listen.

::He reads::

 "Dear Mr Richard, I was most disappointed you saw fit to use my box on the night of the unfortunate Mephistopheles accident"...His box, indeed! The scoundrel! And look - the word "accident" has been underlined!..."Please see that it doesn't happen again. Please also see that Christine Daaé sings the role of Marguerite when the production is resumed this evening. Do not fail me in this, or you must suffer the consequences. Your obedient servant, O.G."

::The music stops and they stare at one another.::

RICHARD / REMY:

::together::

O.G.?

MADAME GIRY:

Opera Ghost...

::Sting.::

MADAME GIRY:
- Sir.

RICHARD:

So! The rogue's trying his vile tricks on me, is he? Well, not for very much longer.

::To REMY as he bangs the letter down on the desk::

Send for Miss Daaé immediately!

REMY:

::putting his hand to the right of his chest::

Oh, may I, Sir?
::He hurries out L above MADAME GIRY.::

RICHARD:

I mean to get to the bottom of this, Madame Giry.

::He crosses R::

Nobody swindles this theatre while I'm in charge.

::A commotion off L.::

RICHARD:
Ah, here she is now. Come in, Miss Daaé.

::The GROOM enters quickly, crossing straight to RICHARD, snatching off his cap, followed by REMY to LC.::

GROOM:

Mr Richard!

::He emphasizes the "Rich"::

RICHARD:

You're not Miss Daaé.

GROOM:

Miss who?

REMY:

I'm sorry, Sir - this is the Groom.

RICHARD:

The what?

REMY:

The Groom, Sir.

RICHARD:

::crossing to him::

Will you fetch Miss Daaé!

::REMY hurries out L.::

GROOM:

Miss who?

MADAME GIRY:

::to RICHARD::

He looks after the stables, Sir.

RICHARD:

::to MADAME GIRY::

What stables?

GROOM:

The ones we keep the 'effin' 'orses in! Do me a favour, John! Are you Mutt and Jeff, or what? I mean, leave it out! You're gettin' on me West 'ams! Any more of this, and I'm leggin' it down the Frog and Toad back to 'Oxton! Strewth!

::Brief pause.::

RICHARD:

::to MADAME GIRY::

Why is he talking in this extraordinary way?

MADAME GIRY:

He's English, Sir. We always have an Englishman to look after the horses. They get on so well together.

RICHARD:

What horses?

GROOM:

The ones we keep in the stables! What's your game? Brain took a day off?

::RICHARD would like to get his hands round the GROOM's throat.::

MADAME GIRY:

You can't put an opera on with nothing but a load of music and singing, Sir. The public won't stand for it. You've got to have hundreds of extras, thousands of costumes, acres of scenery, twenty-five minutes of ballet, and horses...So we stable our own.

RICHARD:

And where precisely are these stables?

GROOM:

Three cellars down, mate.

RICHARD:

Three? How many cellars are there?

MADAME GIRY:

Five.

GROOM:

But we don't count the bottom one. Nobody goes down there. That's the one just over the lake.

RICHARD:

::demented::

Lake? What lake?

GROOM:

The underground lake this place was built on! How'd you get this job?

::RICHARD would like to kill him.::

MADAME GIRY:

It's where the secret police dropped the bodies during the last uprising. There's a manhole in the floor of the bottom cellar, and the lake's full of bones. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see to the ushers' soup.

::She glides off L.::

RICHARD:

::staring after her::

And I thought I was having trouble with Miss Daaé.

GROOM:

Miss who?

RICHARD:

::cracking and moving furiously up to his desk from the L::

Look, will you kindly come to the point, and tell me why you're here!

GROOM:

::keeping level with him R::

Well, all right! 'E's pinched one of the 'orses!

RICHARD:

'Oo 'as?

::He collects himself::

Who has?

GROOM:

The ghost has.

::Clenching his fists in rage, RICHARD sinks down into his chair.::

GROOM:
Caesar, me best white stallion. Aida's 'ad it.

RICHARD:

Listen!

::He bangs his fist on the desk::

You've got just one chance of prolonging your employment here!

That is if you tell me the whole story!...but in a manner befitting this noble establishment.

GROOM:

::shrugging::

If that's what you want, mate.

::Music. He strides DR, and snaps a finger. Lights fade quickly and he is hit by a follow spot. As instructed by his superior, he sings Opera.::

 Late last Night I'm in the Cellars

THE GROOM:
Late last night I'm in the cellars...
Black as pitch...the gas is out...
Old Mauclair, the lightin' fellow's,
Fast asleep again, no doubt.
All at once there's this commotion,
Caesar's restless and disturbed,
Somethin's makin' 'im perturbed,
And in spite of no light,
I can see a wierd sight.
Clingin' on to Caesar's back,
Dressed from 'ead to toe in black,
Wiv a long flowin' cape...
And a mask up to its forehead,
Gallopin' 'im down the corridor,
Is somethin' really 'orrid...
Just a shape...
Though I'm out of gas,
I realize it 'as,
To be...
'Im.
Am I gettin' through?
I'm one of very few,
To see...
'Im.
Then I'm away, leggin' it like 'ell,
Mister R, you should 'ave 'eard me yell,
"Mauclair!"
"Are you there?"
"Where've you gone?"
"Anyone!"
"Everyone!"
"'Elp!"

 
::He puts two fingers into his mouth and whistles piercingly, finishing in the same snapped-finger pose as he began, with the lighting restored immediately. RICHARD rises and comes round the desk from the L, deceptively calm.::

RICHARD:

A ghost?

GROOM:

Right.

RICHARD:

On horseback?

GROOM:

Correct.

RICHARD:

Galloping down the corridor?

GROOM:

Got it.

RICHARD:

You're fired.

GROOM:

::crossing to him::

Do what, John?

RICHARD:

::crossing to R, below him::

Get out, get out, get out!

::RAOUL enters from L, also dressed in a light summer suit, sweeping off his straw boater.::

RAOUL:

Father, I must speak with you!

RICHARD:

Not now, Raoul.

RAOUL:

But Father, my life is a shattered ruin!

RICHARD:

It can wait.

::To the GROOM::

I thought I told you to -

::REMY enters L.::

REMY:

Miss Daaé, Sir.

::RAOUL moans and moves quickly up round the desk to the window, R.::

GROOM:

Miss who?

::CHRISTINE enters from L.::

RICHARD:

Will you go away!

CHRISTINE:

But you just sent for me, Sir.

RICHARD:

Not you!

::To the GROOM::

You!

CHRISTINE:

::seeing him moving up to the left corner of the desk::

Raoul!

::RAOUL moans again.::

RICHARD:

::to RAOUL::

Shut up!

::To the GROOM::

Get out!

GROOM:

I'm off, don't you worry about that. But you ain't firin' me. I come in 'ere to get me cards, cos there's nothin'll get me down them cellars again.
::He speaks into RICHARD's face, making him flinch back R.::
Nothin'!
::He crosses L, and speaks into CHRISTINE's face, making her flinch upstage.::
Nothin'!
::He goes L, then returns to shout into REMY's face, causing him to flinch back L and bang his head against the portal.::
Nothin'!

::He finally exits L. RICHARD takes a deep breath, and begins again, crossing to CHRISTINE.::

RICHARD:

Now then, Miss Daaé, somebody is trying to make a monkey out of me. Somebody is trying to pull the -

REMY:

::crossing right, holding his head::

Wool.
::He goes, R.::

RICHARD:

::glaring after him::

- over my eyes. Somebody is pretending to be a ghost. But I've seen through it.

::He crosses DL::

Oh yes, Miss Daaé. I believe this whole affair to be a put-up job –

::He crosses back to her R::

a plot between you and your clique –

::He turns back to her::

your claque - of friends - to see that you sing Marguerite in place of the great Carlotta again.

::REMY reappears, R, with a glass of water, which RICHARD takes. REMY exits. RICHARD sits at the chair, R.::

RICHARD:
What do you say to that?

CHRISTINE:

It's completely untrue, Sir.

::She moves up a little, to RAOUL::

Raoul, intercede for me. I don't understand you these past few days.

You've been so cold, so cruel. Help me.

::Brief pause.::

RAOUL:

I'm afraid I can't.
::He turns his back on her.::

RICHARD:

You see? Even my unfortunate son no longer takes your part. That will be all, Miss Daaé.

Your contract is terminated. You will leave the Opera House immediately.

With a sob, CHRISTINE runs from the room L. Satisfied, RICHARD rises, crossing down to the portal, L. The tortured RAOUL moves down to the portal, R.

RICHARD:
That is the end of that. As for Box Five, I shall use it whenever I please. It shall be my private box.

::He leans against the portal, sipping his water. RAOUL leans gloomily opposite.::

RICHARD:
Ha! Ghosts, indeed! Some people will believe anything.

::Scrape, and the "Ghost" music underlays all that follows. Lights check swiftly to a tight bright special on the desk, and two dimmer ones on RICHARD and RAOUL. THE PHANTOM's hand shoots up through a tiny hole in the top of the desk, bends to pick up the letter, crumples it, and takes it down out of sight.::

RICHARD:

As for you, young man, I'm glad to see you've come to your senses, as far as this girl is concerned.

You've obviously been seeing her behind my back.

::During this and what follows, the hand produces another letter, takes the quill pen from the inkwell, signs the letter with a flourish.::

RAOUL:

She loves another. I was thinking of going to the North Pole.

RICHARD:

Why?

RAOUL:

It's never been done before.

RICHARD:

I see.

::Scrape and the music stops, the hand sinking out of sight, the lighting reverting to normal. RAOUL breaks from the portal, shaking off his mood.::

RAOUL:

But tell me, Father, what's put you in such a foul temper? You were perfectly cheerful this morning.

RICHARD:

I will show you.

::He crosses to the desk and hands RAOUL the letter::

Read that.

::He breaks back DL::

RAOUL:

::not very interested::

 "Dear Mr RICHARD, since you choose to defy me, I now give you a clear warning.

::His voice changes::

You must call back Miss Daaé immediately, and tell her she is to sing tonight, or - "

RICHARD:

That's not the letter!

::He snatches it from him and reads::

 " - or suffer the consequences."

::He shouts::

Remy!

::He resumes reading::

 "You are also reminded that my allowance of 20,000 francs for the current month is still due. O.G."

::REMY hurries on from R to peer over his shoulder.::

RICHARD:
::To REMY::

Did you put this letter on my desk?

REMY:

No, Sir.

RICHARD:

Then there's only one explanation! Miss Daaé must have slipped it there! Quickly, Remy - after her!

::He hurries off L, followed by REMY::.

RAOUL:

::hurrying after them::

But, Father - Father!

::Music. Fast fade to Black-out. The Corridor cloth flies in, JAMMES takes her position, and the Lights build on::


Act One - Scene Six: An Alternative Explanation
Outside RICHARD's office. Immediately following.

::The corridor is well-lit, but not too brightly. JAMMES is on the floor R doing bone-cracking exercises with her foot round the back of her neck, etc. The men are heard off L approaching. There must be no delay here - RICHARD and REMY continuing ad-lib from the office, entering L.::

RICHARD:

I tell you there is no other explanation!

::To JAMMES::

You, girl! Where is Miss Daaé?

JAMMES:

She's not here. She's gone. She went out. She's not here.

RICHARD:

Blast!

::He turns, crosses past REMY to go L::

::RAOUL enters L.::

RAOUL:

Father, much as Christine has broken my heart, I'm sure she'd never deceive the management.

RICHARD:

You poor deluded boy, the girl is obviously a witch - an imposter.

REMY:

::quickly::

There may be another explanation, of course.

RICHARD:

Such as what?

RAOUL:

::crossing quickly to REMY's right::

Yes, man, what?

REMY:

Well...the pressures of a great Opera House...all sorts of unscrupulous people become involved.

Beautiful and vulnerable creature that she is...Heavens knows whose influence she may have come under.

RAOUL:

Of course! Why didn't I think of it before?

::He has turned to JAMMES in his excitement, and she uses his hand as a bar.::

RAOUL:

Somebody is manipulating her!

::She uses his hand for support and pirouettes.::

RAOUL:
Using her for his own ends!

::He passes her across him to his left::

Well, he shan't succeed!

::She poses low, one leg up, supported by him. He bends so that he can speak to her.::

RAOUL:
Quickly, Jammes, where is she?

JAMMES:

She's probably gone to the cemetery, Sir.

RAOUL:

The cemetery?

JAMMES:

Yes.

::She breaks R::

You see, her father...

::miming a beard::

...used to play the harp...

::She mimes playing a harp on one knee::

...in the orchestra here...

::She indicates it::

...till he died...

::grabbing her heart and croaking::

...and whenever she feels unhappy, she goes to pray...

::she mimes praying::

...at his grave...

::She finishes on a pose::

and ask for advice.

RAOUL:

The poor child!

::He crosses L::

I must go to her immediately.

RICHARD:

No, Raoul, come back!

RAOUL:

Never, Father! Unless it be as her husband.

::He goes, L.::

RICHARD:

The blind fool. His mother would turn in her grave if she hadn't been lost at sea.

::To REMY::

We will continue this investigation.

::He crosses L::

Back -

REMY:

::following him::

To the office?

RICHARD:

I know where I'm going, Remy. I'm not lost.

REMY:

No, Sir.

::By now, they are offstage.::

RICHARD:

::off::

Which way is it?

::Music. Lighting checks. JAMMES stretches. MADAME GIRY glides on from R and takes her by the neck. Sting. JAMMES goes rigid.::

MADAME GIRY:

You shouldn't have told them that. You'll have displeased - him.

::She releases her. JAMMES flies off L, darting quick glances back at MADAME GIRY. Fade to Black-out with scene-change music. Segue introduction to Song No. 5. The cloth rises slowly on::


Act One - Scene Seven: The Angel Of Music
A cemetery. Later.

::A number of graves with one especially large one, its headstones facing away from us, DC. Mist drifts. CHRISTINE, cloaked, enters UL, and makes her way slowly through the headstones to a small one DR, where she kneels and lays a small posy of white roses.::

All Of My Dreams Faded Suddenly

CHRISTINE:

Oh, Father, everything was going so well. But now...

All Of my dreams faded suddenly,
I felt our love was so sure,
Being so sweet and heavenly,
How could it fail to endure?
But then in one short moment,
I find that I am alone.
::During the following, she wanders L::
My life is over now,
Soon I must go,
Far from the memory,
That haunts me so.
How has it come to pass,
This strange affair?
Whose is the shadow,
That I feel is there?

::A shadow flits across her face and she darts upstage, looking about her. Finding nothing, she wanders back DL, and then over to her father's grave during the following::

CHRISTINE:

Often I feel there is something in the night,
Beating its dark wings above me,
Filled with such envy and cruel spite,
Hating whoever dares love me.
My life is over now,
Love passes by,
Soon I must leave,
I must say goodbye.
Now that it's come to pass,
What can I do?
There is no place for me,
Here without you.
All I have left is a broken vow,
Truly my life is over now...
Over now...
My life is over now!

RAOUL:

::off, speaking::

Christine!
::He runs on UL.::
Christine!

::She turns. Both run to their right, in order to get around the big gravestone between them. They stop and run to their left. CHRISTINE runs to her right again, and RAOUL holds up a hand, stopping her. He comes down the left-hand side of the gravestone and holds out his hands. They embrace.::

CHRISTINE:

Oh Raoul, I thought I'd lost you forever.

RAOUL:

I've been a fool, a selfish fool, I was - jealous.

CHRISTINE:

::astounded::

Jealous? Of whom?

RAOUL:

Of the person you sing for.

CHRISTINE:

::frightened::

How do you know about that?

RAOUL:

I followed you to your dressing-room after you ran off that night.

CHRISTINE:

::turning away::

And?

RAOUL:

I heard you sing to him.

::She turns back quickly.::

RAOUL:
I didn't mean to eavesdrop, my darling. I simply have to know who it is.

CHRISTINE:

You may not believe me.

RAOUL:

::spreading his hands::

I? Disbelieve you?

CHRISTINE:

Then I will tell you. It was my Angel of Music.

::A long pause while RAOUL looks at her, hands still spread, then he crosses below her, to R.::

RAOUL:

Christine, you make fun of me. An Angel of Music?

CHRISTINE:

My father told me about him when I was little. There is an Angel of Music in Heaven, he said - and when I die, I shall send him down to teach you to sing. And it actually happened! My Angel of Music came to me - and under his guidance, I've flowered, I've prospered.

RAOUL:

But Christine, there is no such thing as an Angel of Music.

CHRISTINE:

::going to him::

Oh, but there is! Only he won't appear while you're here. You must pretend to go away.

::He protests.::

CHRISTINE:
Please, Raoul. For me.

RAOUL:

::melting::

Very well.

::He claps her on the arm, and speaks in a gruff, hearty voice::

Well, Christine! It's getting late! Must dash! See you in the morning! Cheeribye!

::He indicates below portal right, whipsering::

I'll be over here.

::He presses himself flat against the portal, right. CHRISTINE turns, the cloak swirling, to lay a hand on the big gravestone, left, looking up.::

CHRISTINE:

Come to me, my Angel of Music...Sing for me...

::A long pause. With a shrug, RAOUL steps out, ready to chide her, but as he does so, there is a sound of thin, cold wind, of high strings, and he presses himself back. Shafts of light break through the clouds, striking down into the graveyard, transforming it into a place of great beauty, and the Angel (THE PHANTOM) sings. During the song, RAOUL moves slowly amongst the tombs looking about him, up into the shafts of light. CHRISTINE kneels, and he studies her rapt expression. Gradually, he too becomes still, hypnotised by the beauty of the song.::

While floating high above

THE PHANTOM:
While floating high above,
I hear, you speak my name.
Your voice, so sweetly calling me,
To come to you again.
I stole into your dreams,
I touched your soul to mine.
I gave you music, and soon,
You must rest here with me.
Eternally...
We'll share Paradise,
We'll share Paradise!

 
::The music plays on below the dialogue that follows, but the Light slowly restores to normal. RAOUL kneels beside CHRISTINE.::

RAOUL:

Do you hear this at the Opera House too?

CHRISTINE:

::still spellbound::

Coming from the very walls.

RAOUL:

And he teaches you, talks to you?

CHRISTINE:

Yes.

RAOUL:

In your dressing-room?

CHRISTINE:

Usually, yes.

RAOUL:

Then, Christine, where were you?

CHRISTINE:

::taken aback::

What do you mean?

RAOUL:

After I heard you talking to your - Angel of Music - I went into your dressing-room, but it was empty.

There was nobody there. So where were you?

CHRISTINE:

::rising, frightened::

I'm not sure.

RAOUL:

::rising with her::

But you must know! How could an Angel of your dreams spirit you away? And to where?

CHRISTINE:

I tell you I'm not sure! Oh, leave me alone!

::She runs off UL, RAOUL pursuing her.::

RAOUL:

Christine! Come back!

::But she has gone. The music finishes on a sinister note. An owl hoots, the Light dims, as RAOUL moves back slowly downstage, his brain working very hard.::

RAOUL:

An Angel of Music...An Opera Ghost...An Unexplained Death...

::He has a brilliant thought::

Could these be related in some way?...A child might believe in an Angel...and a villain might take advantage of a child...She may be in some danger. I'd better think.

::He strikes various poses in an effort to do so, but it is obvious that thinking doesn't come easy to him. However, he is spared further embaressment, for there is a sudden grating sound, echoing. RAOUL becomes alert, clenches his fists, and looks from R to L downstage, backing up to the big headstone. The grating sound becomes a thin rustling. As RAOUL hits the gravestone, he drops quickly to sit on a small ledge at its base. At the same time, there is a huge sting of music - enough to make everyone jump out of their seats - and the white-gloved hands of THE PHANTOM shoot out from either side of the headstone. RAOUL continues to peer alertly directly ahead, as they bend towards his throat. The music becomes thin and eerie. They make a sudden dart for him, but unfortunately the headstone is too wide, and they can't reach. They try again, still to no avail. They clench in frustration and disappear behind the headstone. The music changes again, as one hand now appears above the top of the headstone, holding a pebble, which it drops on RAOUL's head, before disappearing again. Startled, RAOUL looks directly up. Then he climbs up on the headstone to peer over. As he does so, the hands dart up and take him by the throat. The music becomes loud, dramatic as the dark shape of THE PHANTOM rises up from behind the headstone, climbing to tower above RAOUL as he throttles him. He is a less distinct form this time, the mask black. RAOUL's struggles become weaker, and his arms fall to his sides. All seems over with him.::

GRAVEDIGGER:

::off::

Oy! What d'you two men think you're playing at?

::THE PHANTOM drops RAOUL, runs DL, jumps into the auditorium, and runs to the rear as the GRAVEDIGGER enters R, carrying a spade and a lantern, running across DL to call after THE PHANTOM.::

GRAVEDIGGER:
Oy! I'm talking to you!...

::he turns back::

Cheeky devil.

::To RAOUL::

Are you all right, Sir? Your face is all funny.

RAOUL:

::gasping::

Somebody just tried to kill me.

GRAVEDIGGER:

Well, he came to the right place.

::The sound of a galloping horse from the rear of the auditorium. RAOUL joins the GRAVEDIGGER in peering off at it, their heads close together::

GRAVEDIGGER:
Now look! He's riding a bloody great white horse clear across my cemetery!

::With satisfaction::

Well he won't get out that way - he's heading straight for the wall.

::Break in horses' hooves, their heads go up and down together, the hooves pick up again and fade.::

GRAVEDIGGER:
Over the wall.

RAOUL:

That horse will be Caesar, no doubt!

::He crosses up to the right of the headstone::

And yes, by thunder, look! This stone's been moved, and the grave's empty!

::He calls off after THE PHANTOM::

Angel of Music.

::He bits his thumb at him::

I think not, my fine friend!

::As he runs off UL, scene-change music, and Lights fade quickly to Black-out. The Corridor cloth flies in. Lights build on::


Act One - Scene Eight: A Vocal Problem
Outside CARLOTTA's dressing-room. A little later.

::The corridor is brightly lit. Tuning-up noises are heard (from off stage - not the pit), and sounds of a violent argument. CARLOTTA strides on from R, followed by RICHARD and - more slowly - FAUST. She is in her "peasant" costume but carries the same distinctive fan. RICHARD is in evening dress. FAUST is in his old man garb, but with the hood pushed back, and a beard around his neck.::

CARLOTTA:

No, no, no, I tell you I cannot continue!

::She tears off her blonde plaited wig::

My nodules are swollen.

::Hoarse and tragic::

My voice has gone.

::She screams off at the top of it::

Lisette!

RICHARD:

But you were doing splendidly. And there's a Persian out front. He's come all the way from -

FAUST:

Persia.

CARLOTTA:

Then I do not continue to croak in front of him.

::Lisette, her maid, runs on from L, with a spray. CARLOTTA opens her mouth, indicates, and is sprayed.::

RICHARD:

But, diva -

CARLOTTA:

::her mouth open, telling him to go somewhere::

Uh oh.

RICHARD:

I'm sure we can solve this little problem, diva.

CARLOTTA:

You couldn't solve dividing four by two, you short-arsed little frog. The Jewel Song is next - where the Devil tempts Marguerite with a box of jewels - and I have to put them on while I sing. Have you any idea how difficult that is? To sing and move at the same time?

::To LISETTE::

Order my carriage! I'll be in my dressing-room.

::LISETTE flies off R as CARLOTTA moves to her dressing-room L, pursued by RICHARD.::

RICHARD:

But what about your next scene? We're just coming to your next scene?

CARLOTTA:

::off::

You can stick it up your -

::A door slams.::

FAUST:

Well, at least we've been spared the medical details.

::He turns R and calls people to him. Music. JAMMES, Lisette, REMY and two Stagehands hurry on to see what's up, staying in a tight group R. The tuning-up noises stop. FAUST sings to them::

 She says she's got the Nodules

FAUST:
Carlotta...
She says she's got the nodules,
But not her...
She's had a threat from 'him'.
He told her...
That if she went on singing,
Her future,
Would be rather grim...

::Carlotta bursts in, crossing past RICHARD, wearing a turban and pulling on her wrap::

CARLOTTA:
::Spoken to FAUST::

And you keep your tubby torso out of this, you fat little faggot!

FAUST:
::Spoken, furious::

What do you mean, little?
::Sings::

I'm sick of all your prejudice...

CARLOTTA:
Then keep your big nose out of this!

FAUST:
You know what you can come and kiss...

CARLOTTA:
It would be difficult to miss!

::She turns and RICHARD drops on his knees before her. FAUST leans on THE REST, a suffering man::

RICHARD:
Please diva, dear, on bended knee,
I've cancelled one show recently,
You really must go on for me,
Or I'll become a mockery!

CARLOTTA:
You want me on the stage?

RICHARD:
I do...

CARLOTTA:
Although my voice is dodgy?

RICHARD:
True.

CARLOTTA:
All right, I do it, just for you,
And you can do the singing, too!

::CARLOTTA exits::

RICHARD:
Me sing it?

THE REST:
That'll be the day!

RICHARD:
Though someone should...

THE REST:
Hip hip, hooray!

RICHARD:
But who, I wonder?

::CHRISTINE, cloaked and carrying her music case is being ushered past THE REST by DEBIENNE. RICHARD sees CHRISTINE::

RICHARD:

Miss Daaé!

::She turns to run but RICHARD grabs her::

RICHARD:

No, no, no, no, don't run away!

CHRISTINE:
I'm sorry, Sir, just passing through,
I've come to clear my dressing room...

RICHARD:
And what a silly thing to do,
How could we think of losing you?
Stand over there, keep still...

CHRISTINE:
Yes, Sir.

RICHARD:
Keep very quiet...

CHRISTINE:
I will, yes, Sir.

THE REST:
They're throwing things!

RICHARD:
Shut up!

THE REST:
Yes, Sir.

RICHARD:
Now watch me make it up to her.
::He knocks on CARLOTTA's Dressing Room door::
Oh diva, dear...

CARLOTTA:
::Off-Stage::

Drop dead!

RICHARD:
It's me.

CARLOTTA:
::Off-Stage::

I do not leave this room...

FAUST:
Whoopee!

::A screaming CARLOTTA reappears, and makes towards FAUST::

CARLOTTA:
Ah....!

::FAUST scoots to hide behind THE REST. Carlotta turns to go back into her dressing room, but RICHARD blocks her way::

RICHARD:
I've got a plan which I submit,
You mime the scene and gesture it,
Miss Daaé does the singing bit,
We'll...shove her in the pit!

CHRISTINE:
Oh, really, Mr. Richard -

RICHARD:
What?

CHRISTINE:
I -

RICHARD:
Want your job back?

CHRISTINE:
Like a shot.

RICHARD:
Then shut up while I butter up our diva!

DEBIENNE:
::To CHRISTINE::

Get the plot?

::RICHARD turns back to CARLOTTA, all over her, speaking a language she understands::

RICHARD:
Your audience awaits,
Their favourite scene of yours...
So famous for "The Jewel Song"
Which always creates,
Tumultuous applause,
Because your acting is so strong.
She sings your famous aria,
They think it's you, et cetera,
Your public yell and shout huzza!
The biggest thing in opera!

::The music stops. THE REST lean in as Carlotta considers::

CARLOTTA:
::Spoken to RICHARD quietly::

Well...she sings like a toad. But...
::Sings::

If I sing Juliet in,
That new opera by Gounod...

::FAUST steps forward, thinking he would be the obvious choice for the leading male role. CARLOTTA points at FAUST::

CARLOTTA:

And this decrepit cretin,
isn't Romeo...

RICHARD:
Do you know...
I think I might agree.

CARLOTTA:
It's a deal?

RICHARD:
Cross my heart.

CARLOTTA:
Then tell 'em all from me,
That I'm prepared to start!

::Stagehands and Lisette exit. THE REST form a line across the stage::

THE REST:
She is prepared to start,
She's quite prepared to start,
The star, the star's prepared to start!

::All pose. During the applause, RICHARD breaks the line, leading CARLOTTA back to her dressing-room.::

RICHARD:

Diva, diva, you have saved the day! A million gratitudes!

::He shouts off as the applause ends::

Get her back into her costume!

::To the others::

Places, everybody!

::All hurry off R. RICHARD follows them, leading CHRISTINE by the hand.::

RICHARD:
I'm sorry I shouted at you earlier. It's because I like you.

We'll be starting with the Jewel Song, if you want to check anything.
::He shoves her off R.::
Somebody get her in the pit! And send MADAME GIRY to me immediately.

::He crosses L at the same time as FAUST crosses R, creating a "scissors"::

No so-called ghost gets the better of me.

FAUST:

Ha!

RICHARD:

Oh, Claude. We'll think of another role for you instead of Romeo.

::He crosses futher, L::

What's that other opera? Pagli - pagli -

FAUST:

::eagerly::

- acci!

RICHARD:

Right!

::He exits L. Overcome with emotion, FAUST strikes a pose and sings.::

FAUST:

Ridi, paggliacco. Sul tuo amore infranto!

::MADAME GIRY enters from L. Now he even has someone to sing to. He switches the remainder of the aria to her, crossing to R before the end, singing very closely and intimately, a catch in his throat.::

FAUST:
Ridi del duol. Che t'avvelena il cor!

MADAME GIRY:

Bugger off.

::FAUST takes out a big white handkerchief, and goes, R, mopping his brow, shocked. RICHARD reappears from L. Tuning-up noises are heard from off.::

RICHARD:

Ah, there you are, Madame Giry. I shall watch the remainder of the performance from my usual box, if you don't mind - Box Five - and La Carlotta shall continue in the role of Maguerite...

::He goes DR, jauntily. Tuning-up noises stop, and sombre music from the orchestra takes over. The lighting checks.::

MADAME GIRY:

He'll soon find out who sings like a toad around here.

::She crosses slowly L::

I keep warning them. Don't provoke him, I say. But does anybody listen? They do not.

::As she goes, L::

God knows what'll happen tonight. God knows.

::Light fade quickly to Black-out. Segue drum roll into live tuning-up noises in the pit. In the Black-out, the curtains fly in, closed, the boxes truck on. Light builds on::


Act One - Scene Nine: A Farewell Performance
The stage and auditorium. Immediately following.

::THE PERSIAN enters Box Six. He is a tall, dark, sinister figure in a black coat, astrakhan collar and hat. He stands. RICHARD almost falls into Box Five. He shows the conductor two crossed fingers, then sees THE PERSIAN. They look hard at one another, sitting slowly, not taking their eyes off one another. RAOUL hurries into Box Five - having changed into evening dress.

RAOUL:

Father, I think we should hold the curtain! I have some vital new information concerning the ghost!

RICHARD:

Don't be ridiculous.

RAOUL:

But Father, something terrible's happened!

RICHARD:

And something terrible's going to happen on stage, if this goes wrong.

::RAOUL sees DEBIENNE in the auditorium, helping CHRISTINE clamber into the orchestra pit, whispering.::

RAOUL:

What's Christine doing?

RICHARD:

What does it look like she's doing? She's singing the Jewel Song for us.

::Music begins, and Lights start to fade.::

RAOUL:

But surely Carlotta's doing Marguerite tonight?

RICHARD:

Carlotta is miming the role –

::he demonstrates with his fingers::

-                      your girlfriend is going to sing it for her down there. Now shut up!

::The curtain rises on a room in a large house, since that is the way the scene is being produced this year. To the rear, the usual FAUST cloth. R and L, two chairs. Flown above C, a large heavy-looking iron candelabra on chains, all very medieval. DC, the large, ornate jewel box. CARLOTTA enters, and tumultuous applause greets her. She basks in it then calms it down, indicating her throat: she is about to sing. She point dramatically backwards to the jewel box without looking at it.

 What do I see

CHRISTINE (as the voice of CARLOTTA):
What do I see?
From whence comes this most wondrous ornate casket?
I scarcely dare touch it...
But why not?
::Carlotta points at the casket::
I see the key to it...
::Carlotta picks the key up::
Dare I unlock it?
My hand trembles...
::CARLOTTA makes her hand tremble dramatically, looking at it. Unfortunately CHRISTINE sings on, ignoring her::
But why?
::CARLOTTA faces front and mimes "But why?" after CHRISTINE has already sung the line::
I'll do no harmful wrong if I only peep inside it.
::CARLOTTA kneels, shoves in the key, gives it two big twirls, flings open the lid and sways back in astonishment::
What joy!
It's full of wealth!
::CARLOTTA pulls out a glittering necklace::
Are they real or is this a charming dream?
I feel I'm swooning...
Mine eyes have never seen such a treasure of jewels!
::CARLOTTA piles several necklaces around her neck, and glances into a hand-mirror::
Ah.......!
The joy!
I am now so beautiful to see!
Ah, the joy!
I am now so beautiful to see!
Is it you?
Marguerite?
Is it you?
Answer, do,
Answer, do,
Mirror, mirror, tell me quickly...
Ah.......

::This time, the "Ah!" trill ends in the hideous croak of a toad. All those in the boxes react in astonishment. CARLOTTA tries again, and there is another croak. She makes one final determined effort. This time there are two croaks. RICHARD quickly leaves his box and RAOUL jumps into the pit::

CARLOTTA:

::to THE CONDUCTOR::

Stop it, stop it, you unutterable fool!

::She looks for CHRISTINE, who seems to have sunk down out of sight::

Don't let her out of the pit! I'm going to kill her!

CONDUCTOR:

I think she's fainted.

::By now RAOUL is supporting CHRISTINE. RICHARD, REMY, DEBIENNE, MADAME GIRY and JAMMES run onstage, JAMMES clearing the jewel-box.::

RAOUL:

Christine!

RICHARD:

What's happened to her?

RAOUL:

::supporting her::

She appears to be drugged, Father.

RICHARD:

Then who was making those extraordinary noises?

::The booming, echoing laugh of THE PHANTOM rings around the auditorium, and the chandelier glows with bright light. All stare out front.::

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

She was singing to bring down the chandelier.

RICHARD:

The chandelier!

::The sound of hacksawing and tinkling of crystal, and the chandelier above the audience begins to swing alarmingly. All rush to the front, and in ad-lib try to persuade the audience of their danger, and get them to move. CARLOTTA stays UC.::

RICHARD:
All this should be allowed to continue as long as possible before being interrupted.

THE PHANTOM:

::off::

No!

::All stop. The hacksawing stops.::

THE PHANTOM:
Not that one!

::His voice becomes honeyed, intimate and moves to the stage::

This one.

::With a gasp, all turn to look. CARLOTTA stares at them, then up at the iron candelabra above her head. She screams. All Lights snap off except for two tiny specials, angled upwards to light only the candelabra. It drops out of the light, fast. There is an instantaneous Black-out using black-out cards - and an almighty cand lengthy crash. A pause, then the lighting is restored. CARLOTTA lies under the ruined candelabra in a pall of smoke and dust. All gasp and hurry up to surround her - all except FAUST who only strolls UL, examining his fingernails.::

FAUST:

Well. That's cured her nodules.

::All stare at him. Black-out. Music. The curtains fly fully out, the Corridor cloth comes in, the boxes truck off, and Light builds on::


Act One - Scene Ten: The Ghost's Allowance
A corridor near the stage. Later the same night.

::The scene is not too brightly lit. The weary RICHARD trudges on from R, followed by REMY.::

RICHARD:

All I want is one nice normal performance. Is that too much to ask?

REMY:

 Not really, Sir.

RICHARD:

And all because of a fallacious Phantom whose alleged existence is being perpetuated by some trickster who wants a free box every night, and his girlfriend singing Marguerite. Well, he's not going to make me do it, Remy. Because he doesn't frighten me - nothing frightens me.

::MADAME GIRY, carrying another letter, makes a silent entrance from L. RICHARD turns L to find MADAME GIRY. He nearly has a heart attack.::

RICHARD:
What is it now, Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

I have another letter for you, Sir - from him.

RICHARD:

::snatching it::

How dare him!

::He rips it open::

Heads are going to roll for this, Madame Giry, and yours could well be the first!
::The 'Ghost' music underlays as he reads.::
"Dear Mr Richard, the shock of poor Carlotta's accident" - underlined again, you see - "has reminded me that you have not yet paid me my allowance of 20,000 francs for this month. Accordingly, I have instructed Madame Giry to follow a different procedure on this occasion. Yours faithfully, O.G."

...You see? Allowance, indeed! Well, this time the thief's gone too far, because this time we shall catch him!

::He gives the letter to Remy, then turning to Madame Giry, he becomes excessively charming::

Would you mind awfully telling me what is this 'different procedure', Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

I don't see why not. Acting under our Ghost's instructions, I extracted 20,000 francs from this month's income from the boxes, which I then gave to Mr Remy.

REMY:

You did what?

MADAME GIRY:

::to RICHARD::

Those, Sir, were my instructions - to slip the money into Mr REMY's pocket when he wasn't looking.

Needless to say, I did it easily.

::A pause as RICHARD slowly turns to REMY.::

RICHARD:

::quietly and deadly::

So, REMY. Et tu, Judas? Mine own faithful servant, a worm in the apple...

::He grabs him in an armlock, and sticks his hand in Remy's pocket::

Is this the pocket, Madame Giry?

MADAME GIRY:

Yes, Sir.

RICHARD:

Empty!

::He releases him::

Well, Remy? What have you got to say for yourself?

REMY:

::fed up::

Well perhaps there is a Ghost.

RICHARD:

::beside himself::

I am sick and tired of saying there are so such things...

::with enormous irony::

...unless, of course, some 'Ghost' wafted it out of your pocket and put it into -

::He breaks off, his hand in his pocket.::

MADAME GIRY:

Something the matter, Sir?

::He brings out a piece of paper and reads it.::

RICHARD:

 "Received with thanks the sum of 20,000 francs, O.G."

::Brokenly::

O.G. ...

::Music - slightly comic. He moves slowly to R, a beaten and a broken man.::

REMY:

::smugly::

Is there anything we can do, Sir?

RICHARD:

Mm? Oh, no, no Remy, just - just -

REMY:

Carry on, Sir?

RICHARD:

Yes, that'll be fine...Oh, and you'd better put Miss Daaé's name in the -

REMY:

Programme?