A Rehearsal for "Don Juan Triumphant"

(Scene 4)

Reyer supervises the learning of the new piece from the piano. Present are Piangi, Christine, Carlotta, Giry, and the chorus.

The chorus sang, "Hide your sword now wounded knight! Your vainglorious gasconade brought you to your final fight for your pride, high price you've paid!"

Hermione sang, "Silken couch and hay-filled barn both have been his battlefield."

Ron sang and was terribly off. "Those who tangle with Don Juan..."

Terry stopped him. " No, no, no! Chorus rest, please. Don Juan, Signor Piangi- here is the phrase. He demonstrates it. ""Those who tangle with Don Juan..." If you please?"

Ron sang it again and was still off, "Those who tangle with Don Juan..."

Terry stopped him. "No, no. Nearly- but no. Those who tan, tan, tan..."

Ron sang again and was still off. "Those who tangle with Don Juan..."

Pansy chimed in. "His way is better. At least he make it sound like music!"

Luna said to Pansy, "Signora- would you speak that way in the presence of the composer?"

Pansy was deaf to the implications of this remark. "The composer is not here. And if he were here, I would..."

Luna cut in ominously. "Are you certain of that, Signora?"

Terry said, "So, once again-after seven." He gives the note then counts. "Five, six, seven..."

Ron sang and was still wrong. "Those who tangle with Don Juan..."

Gradually, everyone starts to either talk or to practice the phrase simultaneously.

Pansy spat, "Ah, piu non posso! What does it matter what notes we sing?"

Luna said, "Have patience, Signora."

Pansy said, "No one will know if it is right or wrong. No one will care if it right or wrong." She goes on to mock Ron. "Those who tangle with Don Juan!"

Ron tried again. "Those who tan…tan…" He asked Hermione, "Is right?"

Hermione answered, "Not quite, Signor: Those who tan…tan…"

Terry attempted to restore order. "Ladies…Signor Piangi…if you please…"

Reyer thumps the piano keys, then leaves the piano to attempt attracting attention through signals. At the height of the mayhem, the piano suddenly begins to demonstrate the music unaided. It plays with great force and rhythm. All fall silent and freeze then suddenly start singing the piece robotically and accurately. As they continue to sing, Christine moves away from the group.

All sang except Hermione. "Poor young maiden! For the thrill on your tongue of stolen sweets you will have to pay the bill- tangled in the winding sheets!"

As the ensemble becomes background, Christine, transfixed, sings independently.

Hermione sang, "In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came…that voice which calls to me and speaks my name…"

The scene begins to change. Trance-like, Christine moves slowly upstage. We hear the sound of bells in the distance.

Hermione sang, "Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing…Her Father promised her that he would send her the Angel of Music…Her father promised her…Her father promised her…"