Chapter 1: Her One Chance
The stage was bustling with energy and excitement. Today was their first dress rehearsal for Hannibal: The Musical. The performers were playing their respective roles to the best of their ability. And each one was anxious for the arrival of the new managers.
Christine Daaé, most of all, was hoping to impress the managers with her stage presence.
No, she wasn't the lead performer nor did she even have a named role in the play. Today, she held the coveted role of a back-up dancer, moving gracefully behind the female lead. Barely noticed yet vital to the musical number.
Still, Christine dreamed that one day, she could take center stage and become a sought-after Broadway star.
As if on cue, the new managers arrived and walked into the theater. Although the performers noticed their arrival, Madame Giry, the director of the musical, motioned for them to continue as if the two guests had not just stepped through the front door.
Still, the arrival of their esteemed guests completely changed the atmosphere onstage. Each performer was now determined to make an excellent first impression. Even Carlotta, who was already a rising star in the Broadway world, longed to impress the new managers. She confidently strutted around the stage as she belted out high notes. Her powerful, pitch-perfect voice drowned out all other sounds, much to the dismay of Piangi, her co-star and leading man.
Christine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Carlotta had always enjoyed hogging the spotlight, but despite the star's exceptional training and technique, she clearly had very little passion for or emotional connection to the music.
Madame Giry observed the ballerinas and gave them strict instructions as they danced. She noticed that Christine was distracted and behind on the dance moves. "Ms. Daaé! Concentrate, child, and remember your training!" she said in a steely voice.
Christine nodded sheepishly and strived to get back into the dance, ignoring the annoying glares and snickers she got from the other ballerinas.
As soon as they had finished rehearsing the opening number, the managers applauded wildly and came forward to shake Madame Giry's hand. "That was brilliant, Madame Giry! This show's going to be a hit, I just know it!" cried one of the managers.
Looking flattered while still keeping her stiff upper lip, Madame Giry gave the managers a soft smile. She then introduced the two men to the performers as Mr. Andre and Mr. Firmin. Rumor has it that the theater's old manager, Mr. Lefevre, had sold the place to them at a cheap price out of fear of the mysterious "phantom."
Christine had heard plenty of rumors about this strange, elusive "phantom" and she doubted that it even existed. Theater folks really are a superstitious bunch, she mused to herself.
If the new managers knew about the rumors, they didn't let it show. They seemed perfectly happy and content with their new line of business. They were even fawning over Carlotta, praising her powerful vocals and stage presence.
As this was happening, Christine noticed something in her peripheral vision. She could've sworn that she saw a dark figure move backstage, near the piano where Carlotta had left her water bottle. She shook her head and shrugged off what she'd just seen.
You're just exhausted, Christine, she thought to herself. You're seeing things because you're tired from practicing all day and night.
When Christine turned her attention back to the managers, they were still showering Carlotta with praise. The young soprano smiled widely at them, clearly reveling in their words of admiration. But then she felt an itch at the back of her throat and she yelled at a stagehand to bring her a bottle of water. One of the prop guys handed it to her and she greedily drank it.
Trying very hard not to show her distaste for Carlotta's dramatics, Madame Giry called for everyone's attention. "Yes, everyone did a splendid job with the opening number. However, we still have an entire play to rehearse. Let's transition to the next scene."
It was time to rehearse the musical's centerpiece, an aria for the female lead. Everyone stepped back into their places as Carlotta took center stage.
"Think of me… Think of me fondly when we've said goodbye…" Carlotta belted powerfully, her eyes proud and confident.
"Remember me once in a while… Please promise me you'll try…" She continued singing but everyone noticed a change in her expression. She quickly clutched her stomach, pain evident in her face.
"When you find that once again you long to take your heart back…" Suddenly, Carlotta stopped and put her hands over her mouth.
She rushed off the stage as everyone looked at her with concern. The awful sounds of retching are heard backstage.
Piangi, the lead tenor, rushed to Carlotta's side and held her hair as she vomited into one of the prop horses. "I'm… fine. Just give me a moment." Carlotta weakly mumbled. "The show… must go on…"
Mr. Andre spoke softly. "Oh, dear, it seems that you have the stomach flu. It may be best for you to rest for now." Carlotta seemed to open her mouth to dissent, but then she clutched at her stomach in pain and nodded without protest. Piangi helped her up and led her out of the theater.
With a look of concern on his face, Mr. Firmin approached Madame Giry and said, "While Carlotta's illness is unfortunate, she is correct that the show must go on. Have we cast an understudy for her role?"
Madame Giry nodded grimly. "Yes, we have. But I'm afraid that the poor girl has also called in sick this morning."
The managers recoiled. When Mr. Lefevre had told them about the so-called "theater ghost," they had laughed at the old man and assured him that they could handle any of the undead's old parlor tricks.
They hadn't expected… No, no, it couldn't be. This was just the case of the rare stomach flu going around.
They were assured that the sickness was nothing fatal but it would be difficult for performers to continue the show when they're uncomfortable and always close to retching. The symptoms of the flu would completely subside in about five days or so… but they didn't have enough time! The show was in two days!
Mr. Andre looked grimly at his partner, "We may have to cancel."
The other man gasped, "But we can't. We've already sold all the tickets. It's going to be a full house!"
A thought suddenly occurred to Christine. This is it, she thought to herself. This is my one chance.
She gathered all of the courage she could muster and stood forward shyly. "Sirs, I could perform in Carlotta's place…"
Everyone turned to look at her and she suddenly regretted speaking up. Madame Giry raised an inquisitive eyebrow. After what seemed like a long period of silence, Mr. Firmin eyed her hesitantly, "Do you know any of the songs?"
She smiled meekly and said, "I've memorized them all. I've been practicing, you see, with my voice coach."
Mr. Andre spoke up. "Well, if that is so, then sing for us, girl."
By that point, whatever confidence Christine had managed to convey crumbled. Yes, it's true that she had been practicing hard for the past few months but she's never actually performed in front of anyone except her music teacher before.
She opened her mouth to sing… but her voice betrayed her. It came out like a weak murmur instead of the soft, angelic yet powerful tone her voice coach had so often praised. Embarrassed, she ran off the stage, trying hard to keep her tears from falling.
That was it. Her one chance to become a star and she blew it.