SCENES 6 THRU 9

SCENE 6

BEFORE THE PREMIERE

THE OPERA HOUSE ON THE NIGHT OF THE PREMIERE OF 'DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT'

(The orchestra is tuning. A whistle sounds - the CHIEF FIRE OFFICER is reviewing two FIRE MARSHALS 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 Mss 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 round 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! You'll kill someone. I said: only when the time 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 pirouetts 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, with my scarf you hid 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 Punjam 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)

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 passions-play has now, at last, begun...

Past all thought of right or wrong - one final question: how long should we two wait, before were'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 realized 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 garrotted, 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 were 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

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 word from anyone! No compassion anywhere!

Christine, Christine....Why, why.....?

(RAOUL and GIRY appear above. They make their way down, meeting a pack of rats. GIRY screams and lowers her guard. The rats and the RATCHATCHER 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 CHRISTINE 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 takes the bridal veil from the dummy, and moves slowly 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 (dryly)

Be my guest, sir...

(He guestured, 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 hourses 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...One by one I've watched illusions shattered...

PHANTOM (to CHRISTINE)

To late for turning back, too late for prayers and useless pity...

RAOUL (to CHRISTINE)

Say you love him, and my life is over!

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 wth me, or do your 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 courange 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 takes a lighted candle and holds it above RAOUL'S head. A tense moment. But the suspended rope suddenly falls harmlessly - the PHANTOM as burnt 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 ther, 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 alone - forget all you've seen...

Go now - don't let them find you! Take the boat - leave me her - go now, don't wait...

Just take her and go - before it's too late... Go...

Go now - go now and leave me!

(RAOUL and CHRISTNE 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 you 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 - its 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)

FINIS

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