Chapter One: Rehearsal For Hannibal
It was the year 1881. The Paris Opera House was flourishing in success, and nearly every week there would be a new production that would out-shine it's predecessor. Thousands were flocking to the theater to see the lavish sets and costumes, but mainly to hear the exotic voice of the Opera's leading tenor, Señor Carlotto. It was written in the newspapers that Carlotto's "bleating vibrato would continue to ring in one's ear even after breakfast the next morning".
And now Carlotto was to be starring in the Opera House's new production of Hannibal, playing the part of Mauricio. His co-star, Señora Pianga, of course would be singing the role of Elissa, and the public was excited to see the dynamic duo share the stage yet again. However, it was to be the old manager, Monsieur Debienne's final week as manager before his retirement. The two new managers, Monsieurs Andre and Firmin, both decided to pay Debienne a visit on his last day of rehearsals.
"We have a very special show planned for you, Monsieurs!" Debienne told them as they sat in the refined office of the theater. "The cast would be most delighted if you were to listen in on this last rehearsal before the show opens tonight." The new managers obliged, and they followed him to the stage of the Opera House, where the cast seemed to be in shambles. There were people screaming and running about, pointing to the rafters above the stage.
"He's here! The Phantom of the Opera!" they all shouted. The Opera's dance captain, Madame Giry, rushed over to the managers as they stood speechless in front of all the commotion.
"Monsieur Debienne, a set piece has fallen on Señor Carlotto. The chorus members, they think there is a ghost." She seemed so cold and indifferent as she explained such a chaotic situation.
"Can you get their attention, Madame?" Debienne asked her. She nodded, then turned and banged her long wooden staff against the floor. The loud clang of the staff shocked the hysterical cast members into becoming silent. They all stopped, frozen in fear.
"Thank you, Madame Giry," said Debienne, "Ladies and gentlemen! Do not be alarmed! As I have said before, there is no Opera Ghost!" This was followed by a unsure murmur from the estranged cast. "Now, now, ladies and gentlemen, I have with us two very special guests. They are Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre, who will take over the role of manager after my departure. And where is Carlotto? I do wish for him to meet them. Is he okay?"
"He is backstage, still recovering from the shock of the falling set piece on his head. However, he has no real physical injury." Madame Giry replied.
"I see." Debienne was used to Carlotto's rather dramatic reactions to such things. "Will you take us to him?" They were lead backstage to where Señor Carlotto was, surrounded by a crowd of people rushing around and catering to his every desire. Carlotto himself was a rather large man, sprawled across the floor and clutching his head as though he were in serious pain (though it was clearly an act). Next to him was his other half, Señora Pianga, also very large, and here she was holding Carlotto in her arms and sobbing.
"Señor! Señora! What has happened?" Debienne approached them timidly.
"WHAT HAS HAPPENED!" Señor Carlotto shrieked through a thick Spanish accent. "WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS HAPPENED? THE GHOST HAS ATTACKED ME!"
Pianga began to chime in as well. "SI! YOUR SILLY 'PHANTOM OF THE OPERA' HAS TRIED TO GET RID OF US FOR MONTHS NOW, AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE ABOUT IT ? NADA!" Their voices did indeed pierce the ear quite effectively. Monsieur Debienne turned to Andre and Firmin.
"Well, gentlemen, I think this is where I shall leave you. Good luck, and if you need me, I shall be in Austria." And with that, he turned and left them backstage with the two divas. Andre and Firmin stared at each other in horror.
"Señor Carlotto! Señora Pianga! It is a pleasure to meet you both" Andre tried. "I am Monsieur Andre, and this is Monsieur Firmin. We are the new management here."
"Well, if you are anything like him," Carlotto exclaimed, motioning to where Debienne had been standing moments ago, "then you will be a huge disappointment, as well!" He then clambered up from the floor and stormed away, Señora Pianga trailing behind him. The rest of the cast watched to see what the new managers would do now. After a brief moment of panic, Andre went to chase after the two Spanish Prima-Donnas.
Firmin turned to Madame Giry. "I'm sure El Carlotto will be back."
"Are you certain of that, Monsieur?" she asked him sternly.
He stared at her in disbelief. "Well, then who is the understudy for the role?" This was followed by a swarm of small laughs from the cast members.
"There is no understudy for El Carlotto!" Someone shouted. "There never is, and this production is new!" The chorus members all howled with laughter. However, Madame Giry slammed her staff again and they fell silent.
"Actually, Monsieur, I know of someone who can sing the part. Christian Daae." She gestured towards a group of dancers near the back of the stage. When they heard Giry say this, they all moved aside, allowing a young man to come forward from the crowd. He was very handsome but seemed very nervous, he couldn't have been more than seventeen or eighteen years old.
"Daae? Any relation to the famous violinist?" Firman asked him.
"My father, sir." Christian muttered.
Firmin pulled Madame Giry aside. "Now, Madame, this performance tonight is extremely important." He whispered to her. "We have a sponsor, Madame Renee de Chagny, she is a Viconte who would be a wonderful patron to us if she were impressed enough to invest. That means the talent must be impressive!"
"Christian has been taking lessons from a great teacher. He has a promising voice." Giry insisted. Firmin took a deep breath, and nodded.
"Very well," he said, returning to Christian Daae and the other cast members. "Let us hear you sing. If you are formidable enough to meet my standards, I shall let you perform in the opera tonight." After collecting his courage and having a brief discussion of song selection with the pianist, Christian decided to sing for Firmin. And his voice was, indeed, very formidable.