Notes -- The Phantom of the Opera
Firmin/Andre: Opera Owners
Raoul: Patron of the Opera, competing with the Phantom for Christine
Christine Daae: Rising start in the theater
Carlotta/Piangi: Resident divas
Madame Giry: Assistant director
Firmin: Mystery after gala night
It says mystery of soprano's flight
Mystified, all the papers say
We are mystified, we suspect foul play
Bad news on soprano's scene
First Carlotta, now Christine
Still, at least, the seats get sold
Gossip's worth its weight in gold
What a way to run a business
Spare me these unending trials
Half your cast disappears but the crowd still cheers
Opera!
To heck with Gluck and Handel
Have a scandal and you're sure to have a hit!
Andre: Ben Browder!
Will they all walk out?
This is Ben Browder!
Firmin: Andre please don't shout!
It's publicity!
And the take is vast
Free publicity!
Andre: But we have no cast!
Firmin: Andre, have you seen the queue?
Ah, it seems you've got one too...
Andre, reading: Dear Andre what a charming gala,
Christine was in a word sublime
We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left
On that note, the diva's a disaster, must you cast her when she's seasons past her prime?
Firmin: Dear Firmin just a brief reminder
My salary has not been paid
Send it care of the ghost by return of post
P.T.O
No one likes a debtor so it's better if my orders are obeyed!
Both
Who would have the gall to send this?
Someone with a puerile brain
These are both signed O.G.
Who the heck is he?
Opera Ghost!
It's nothing short of shocking
He is mocking our position
In addition he wants money
What a funny apparition!
To expect a large retainer
Nothing plainer, he is clearly quite insane!
Raoul, interrupting
Where is she?
Firmin: You mean Carlotta?
Raoul: I mean Miss Daae
Where is she?
Andre: Well how should we know?
Raoul: I want an answer!
I take it that you sent me this note!
Firmin: What's all this nonsense?
Andre: Of course not!
Firmin: Don't look at us!
Raoul: She's not with you then?
Andre: Of course not!
Firmin: We're in the dark!
Raoul: Monsieur don't argue!
Isn't this the letter you wrote?
Firmin: And what is it that we're meant to have wrote? (cough) Written!
Andre, reading: Do not fear for Miss Daae
The angel of music has her under his wing.
Make no attempt to see her again.
Raoul: If you didn't write it, then who did?
Carlotta: Where is he?
Firmin: Ah, welcome back!
Carlotta: Your precious patron
Where is he?
Raoul: What is it now?
Carlotta: I have your letter
A letter which I rather resent!
Firmin: And did you send it?
Raoul: Of course not!
Andre: As if he would!
Carlotta: You didn't send it?
Raoul: Of course not!
Firmin: What's going on?
Carlotta: You dare to tell me that this is not the letter you sent?
Raoul: And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?
Raoul, reading:
Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered
Christine Daae will be singing on your behalf tonight
Be prepared for a great misfortune
Should you attempt to take her place.
Firmin and Andre: Far too many notes for my taste
And most of them about Christine!
All we've heard since we came is Miss Daae's name--!
Madame Giry: Miss Daae has returned.
Firmin: I hope no worse for wear as far as we're concerned
Andre: Where precisely is she now?
Madame Giry: I thought it best she was alone
Meg Giry: She needed rest
Raoul: May I see her?
Madame Giry: No, Monsieur
She will see no one
Piangi, Carlotta: Will she sing, will she sing?
Madame Giry: Here, I have a note
Andre, Carlotta, Raoul: Let me see it!
Firmin, reading: Gentlemen,
I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature
Detailing how my theatre is to be run
Phantom: You have not followed my instructions
I shall give you one last chance
Christine Daae has returned to you
And I am anxious her career should progress
In the new production of Il Muto
You will therefore cast Carlotta as the pageboy
And put Miss Daae in the role of Countess
The role which Miss Daae plays calls for charm and appeal
The role of the pageboy is silent, which makes my casting, in a word,
ideal
I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in box five, which will be kept empty for me
Should these commands be ignored, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur
I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant
O.G.