Before the Premiere

(Scene 6)

The orchestra is tuning. A whistle sounds and the Chief fir 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.

The chief, played by Geoffrey Hooper, said, "You understand the instructions?"

The firemen answer severally, "Sir!"

Geoffrey said, "When you hear the whistle, take up your positions. I shall instruct you to secure the doors. It is essential that all doors are properly secured."

Neville glanced around uncertainly and said, "Are we doing the right thing, Andre?"

Blaise scoffed, "Have you got a better idea?"

Geoffrey asked, "Monsieur le Vicomte, am I to give the order?"

Harry nodded and said, "Give the order."

The chief blows the whistle. The firemen fan out leaving Raoul, the chief, and the managers on the stage.

Harry shouted to the marksman, "You in the pit- do you have a clear view of this box?"

The marksman, played by Ernie MacMillan, answered, "Yes, sir."

Harry said, "Remember when the time comes, shoot. Only if you have to- but shoot. To kill."

Ernie asked, "How will I know sir?"

Harry replied, "You'll know."

Neville turned to Harry and asked, "Monsieur le Vicomte, are you confident that this will work? Will Miss Daae sing?"

Harry replied, "Don't worry, Firmin. Andre?"

Blaise answered, "We're in your hands sir."

Geoffrey interjected, "My men are in position, sir."

Harry said, "Go ahead, then."

Geoffrey sounded the whistle and shouted into the auditorium, "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 Phantom's voice.

Draco's voice whispered eerily in the Great Hall, "I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera…"

All look around nervously. Firemen start to run in the direction of the voice.

Draco's voice whispers again 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.

Harry shouted, "Idiot! You'll kill someone. I said: only when the time comes!"

Ernie whined, "But Monsieur le Vicomte…"

The Phantom's voice cuts in filling the Hall. All look up.

Draco's voice boomed, "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!"