backstage
After Zhuge was dragged from the stage, the Director looked to him with an unpleased look; Guan Yu only snickered at him.
Director – What the fuck was that stunt you just pulled! Jumping from the catwalk onto the organ! Now the pipes are bent because of you sorry ass!
Guan Yu – It'll be fine, no need to fix it…
Director - Growls The Phantom can't play on an organ with bent pipes!
Cao Pi – I have an idea…
Scene 6
The Next Morning
The lights brighten, Sima Yi is placed before a small kiddy keyboard with Mickey mouse upon it playing pop goes the weasel looking he was really in thought, but breaks off to write down notes upon a piece of paper. A music box was placed just next to the bed Yue was placed as she woke slowly, it begun to play it small tune, she looks to it reaching to touch the small monkey upon it, before letting her gaze look around slowly.
Yue Ying – I remember there was mist…swirling mist upon a vast, glassy lake…There were candles all around and on the lake there was a boat slowly she stood from the bed looking over to the back of Sima Yi and in that boat there was a man….
Yue moved from the bed over to Sima, whom glanced over his shoulder watching her approach, then turning back to the small keyboard continuing his work, as Yue reached to touch his cheek softly, her fingers grazing against his mask, his head slowly leaning into her touch as his eyes closed.
Yue Ying – Who was that shape in the shadows? Whose is the face in the mask?
Yue then pulls the mask from him quickly; Sima stood covering his face growling loudly causing her to trip over and fall.
Sima Yi – Damn you! You little prying Pandora! You little demon-is this what you wanted to see ! he stared at her with his insane look Curse you! You little lying Delilah! You little viper! Now you will never be free!
Slowly Sima fell to his knees, weeping gripping his face more as Yue looked upon him with fear and horror within her eyes.
Sima Yi – Damn you…Curse you…he paused, then slowly turned his gaze to her Stranger then you dreamt it- can you even dare to look or bear to think of me; this loathsome gargoyle, who burns- in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven, secretly…secretly…
Slowly he reaches out to her, seeing her pull away slowly from him; he withdrew his hand placing it upon his chest.
Sima Yi – But, Christine…Fear can turn to love – you'll learn to see, to find the man behind the monster: this…repulsive carcass, who seems a beast, but secretly dreams of beauty…secretly…secretly…Oh, Christine…
Yue looked upon him, tears slowly running down her cheeks out of fear slowly handing him the mask. Sima looked to it then took it from her, standing as he puts it back on then looked to her holding his hand out to her.
Sima Yi – Come…we must return- those two fools who run my theater will be missing you…
Yue took his hand standing slowly, walking off the stage with him as the scene started to change behind them.
Backstage
Yue and Sima released each other hands, walking towards the director whom was standing over a groaning Zhuge. Yue glared towards him placing her hands upon her hips.
Yue Ying – What the hell were you thinking?
Zhuge Liang – Please…Yue don't yell.
Yue Ying – I have a damn good reason to yell! You jump from the ceiling breaking the organ then you grab my breast in the dark!
Zhuge Liang – Hey! Those breasts of yours are married to me! I can grab them whenever! I didn't want him- points to Sima standing next to her to grab them! Mine, you psycho!
Sima glared at him, ready to jump at him but Guan Yu took his shoulder stopping him shaking his head.
Director – Stop! Zhuge mind your own during the play! If he touches her, it's because I tell him too!
Yue Ying – Yeah!…..wait….
Director – Shhh! Scene 7 is starting…
Scene 7
Backstage
The Ballet girls are gathered in their little dorm room, in nightgowns and fluffy pillows, chatting until Gan Ning burst in growling playfully to them, the girls screaming in play of it all, giggling childishly, panties still around his neck.
Gan Ning – Like yellow parchment is his skin…a great black hole served as the nose, it never grew! Skinny, and nerdy! A stalker at heart! He continues to growl all playful like, then takes hold of one of the girls grinning to her, feeling her up a bit, speaking the girl smiled back You must always be on your guard! Or he will catch you with his magical pantaloons! Wiggles one of the panties upon his neck at the girl grinning
Zhu Rong storms into the room with Xing Cai behind her, seeing Gan Ning she glared, the girls scurried away into a corner huddling together. Gan Ning blinked then suddenly Rong grabbed the girl away from him looking to them all in the room.
Zhu Rong – Those who speak of what they know…ARE IDIOTS! They find to late that prudent silence is wise! She looked to Gan Ning Joseph Buquet, hold your tongue! Being a smart ass, Gan Ning sticks his tongue out holding it. Zhu Rong glared then slapped him a few times If you don't! I will kill you, or he will burn you with the heat of his eyes!
Scene 8
Managers' Office
Cao Cao was sitting at a desk filled with papers, looking over the newspaper in his hands, reading it out, dressed in his daily suit with the blue vest and gold chain hanging from the pocket.
Cao Cao – "Mystery after gala night," if says, "Mystery of soprano's flight!" "Mystified baffled Surete say, we are all mystified –we suspect foul play!" he slowly lowers the paper Bad news on soprano scene- first Carlotta, now Christine! Still, at least the seats get sold; gossip is worth its weight in Gold…
Cao Cao stood from his place, and then started to pace about the stage, running his fingers through his small beard.
Cao Cao – What a way to run a business! Spear me the unending trials! Half your cast disappears, but the crowd still cheers! Opera! To hell with E! and VH1! It's a scandal that'll pack'em in the aisles! Hmm…maybe show a strip show now and then…
Liu Bei suddenly burst into the office with a temper, in his robe still and slippers. Cao Cao looked to him with a raised brow.
Liu Bei – Damnable! Will they all walk out? This is damnable!
Cao Cao - blinks still staring at him, then shakes his head Andre, please don't shout! Its only publicity! And the take is vast! Free publicity!
Liu Bei – But we have no cast!
Cao Cao moved to him slapping him across the face, Liu Bei blinks confused why he did that.
Cao Cao – Calm down man! Clears his throat, then says calmly Andre, have you seen the queue? Moved to the desk, sorting the mail upon his desk then finding two letters upon it from the phantom Oh…seems you got one too…
Cao handed the letter to Bei whom took it from him, looking it over, before opening it and reading aloud.
Liu Bei – "Dear Andre, what a charming suit you wear! I rather think it brings you your eyes…" Oh my! How nice! Smiles with stars in his eyes
Cao Cao - sighs Continue please…
Liu Bei – Right… "Christine enjoyed a great success! We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left- Otherwise the chorus was entrancing, but the dancing was as lame as Christine's! Such a mess!"
Cao Cao - Sighs then starts to read his "Dear Firmin, just a brief reminder: my salary has not been paid" growls "Send it car of the ghost, by return post…P.T.O.: No-one likes a good kick in the ass, so it's better if my orders are obeyed!"
Cao & Bei - looks to each other Who would have the balls to send this? Someone with a puerile brain!
Cao Cao - takes Bei's letter then looks them over These are both singed "O.G"…Who the hell is he?
Cao & Bei - looks to reach other gasping Opera Ghost!
Cao Cao - growls tossing the letters to the side, unamused It's really not amusing!
Liu Bei – He's using us…sniffles I hate being abused…
Cao Cao – He also wants my money!…I mean our money…
Liu Bei – He's a funny sort of specter…
Cao & Bei - …to expect a large retainer! Nothing plainer – he is clearly insane!
Suddenly Zhao Yun burst into the office waving a bout a letter seemed to be from the phantom as well, dressed in a nice suit with a slightly opened green vest with silver trim. He stopped blinking at Liu Bei in his bath robe, then shook his head continuing…
Zhao Yun – Where is she?
Liu Bei – You mean Carlotta?
Zhao Yun – I mean, Miss Daae! Where is she?
Cao Cao – How should we know! Not like we put a tracking devise on our actors!
Zhao Yun – I want an answer! I take it you sent me this note! holds up the letter
Cao Cao – What is this nonsense?
Liu Bei – Of course not!
Cao Cao – Don't look at us!
Zhao Yun – Then she is not with you?
Cao Cao – Of course not!
Liu Bei – Were in the dark…
Zhao Yun - sighs softly Monsieur, don't argue- Isn't this the letter you wrote?
Cao Cao – And what is it that we're meant to have wrote? As Liu Bei took the letter he blinks….its wrote right?
Bei & Yun – I think so…
Cao Cao – Ok…nods
Liu Bei - looks to the letter then read it out loud "Do not fear for Miss Daae. The Angel of Music has her under his wing. Make no attempt to get into her pants."
Liu Bei and Cao Cao looked to each other than to Zhao Yun.
Liu Bei – to Yun Dirty man!
Zhao Yun - sighs shaking his head If you didn't write it, then who did?
Just then Diao Chan with Dong Zhuo following behind, she was waving around a letter.
Diao Chan – Where is he?
Liu Bei – Ah! Welcome back goes to give a hug but was ignore and sniffles
Diao Chan – Your precious patron- where is he?
Zhao Yun- looks irritated What is it now?
Diao Chan- I have your letter! A letter I rather resent!
Cao Cao – And did you sent it? looks to Yun
Zhao Yun- Of course not!
Liu Bei- As if he would!
Diao Chan- You didn't send it?
Zhao Yun- Of course not!
Cao Cao- What is going on! growls
Diao Chan- glares at Yun You dare tell me, that this is not the letter you sent!
Zhao Yun- And what is it that I'm meant to have sent? he takes the letter from Chan and reads it aloud "Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered. Christine Daae will be singing on your behalf tonight…"
Diao Chan- Christine Daae!
Zhao Yun - continues to read the letter Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take her place."
Cao & Bei - look to each other Far too many notes for my taste- and most of them are about Christine! All we've heard since we came, was Miss Daae name…
Zhu Rong and Xing Cai then walk into the office, seemed she ripped off more pieces of her skirt and some off her shirt exposing a bit of her belly. They blinked at her noticing the missing pieces…
Zhu Rong- Miss Daae has returned…
Cao Cao- Trust she had a damn good night on the town…
Liu Bei- Where is she now?
Zhu Rong- I thought it was best if she was alone…
Xing Cai- She needed rest.
Zhao Yun- May I see her?
Zhu Rong- No, cutie, she will see no one…but I'm free winks to him
Zhao Yun- err…
Chan & Zhuo- Will she sing? Will she sing?
Zhu Rong- ignores them I have a note…
Yun/Chan/Bei – Let me see!
Cao Cao- takes it Please. opens it then reads aloud "Gentlemen, I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theater is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you one last chance…"
Slowly Sima Yi's voice blended with Cao Cao until it takes over.
Sima Yi's Voice- 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 is the role of Countess. The role of which Miss Daae plays call 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…
Cao Cao- started to take over "I remain Gentlemen, you obedient servant, O.G."
Diao Chan – Christine!
Liu Bei- Whatever next…?
Diao Chan- It's all a ploy to help Christine!
Cao Cao- rubs his temples This is insane…
Diao Chan- I know who sent this: points to Yun The Vicomte- her lover!
Zhao Yun- ironical Indeed? looks to Cao and Bei Do you believe this?
Liu Bei- looked to Chan, saying in protest Signora!
Diao Chan- Arg!
Cao Cao- This is a joke!
Diao Chan- Good bye! starts to walk out
Cao Cao- Hey! Get back here!
Liu Bei- You are the star!
Cao Cao- Yes! And always be!
Liu Bei- pleading Signora…
Diao Chan stops, then looks over to them with her hands upon her hips.
Cao Cao- The man is mad!
Liu Bei- We don't take orders!
Cao Cao- raises his hand to get attention Miss Daae will be playing the Pageboy- the silent role…
Cao & Bei – Carlotta will be playing the lead!
Diao Chan- Scoffs Your only saying this to please me!
Zhu Rong- Who scorns his word, beware to those…
Diao Chan- looks to Cao and Bei You have reviled me!
Zhu Rong- The angel sees, the angel knows…
Zhao Yun- Why did Christine fly from my arms…?
Diao Chan- You have rebuked me!
Cao& Bei- Signora, pardon us…
Diao Chan- You replaced me!
Cao Cao- You were too much of a bitch- Ooof! gets elbowed by Bei
Liu Bei- Please, Signora, we beseech you…
Zhu Rong- sighs This hour shall be your darkest fears…
Xing & Yun – I must see her…
Zhu Rong- The angel knows, the angel hears…
Zhao Yun- Where did she go?
Cao & Bei- Signora, sing for us! Don't be such a witch…
Xing & Yun – What new surprises lie in store…?
Cao & Bei- Our star…!
Diao Chan puffs, crossing her arms over her chest looking away from them all, as Cao and Bei moved over to her, looking to her all lovingly.
Liu Bei – You public needs you!
Cao Cao- We need you too!
Diao Chan- Would your rather have your precious little bug?
Cao & Bei- Signora, no! The world wants you! Prima Donna, first lady of the stage! Your devotees are on their knee to explore you!
Liu Bei- Can you blow out when they're shouting your name? OH CARLOTTA!
Cao Cao – Think of how they all adore you!
Cao & Bei- Prima Donna, enchant us once again!
Liu Bei - pokes her chest Think of your muse…
Cao Cao- And of the queues round the theater!
Cao & Bei- Can you deny us the triumph is store? Sing, Prima Donna, once more!
Diao Chan looks to them, then gives in to them as they gave off their cute little puppy dog eyes to her. While the others are off on their own conversations.
Zhao Yun- Christine spoke of an Angel…
Diao Chan- to herself Prima Donna, your song shall live again!
Cao & Bei- Think of your public!
Diao Chan- You took a snub, but there's a public who needs you!
Zhu Rong- looks rather annoyed by Diao Chan, looking to Yun She has heard the voice of the angel of music…
Cao & Bei- Those who hear your voice liken you to an angel!
Diao Chan- Think of their cry of undying support!
Zhao Yun- Is this her angel…?
Liu Bei- to Cao We get our opera…
Cao Cao- to Bei She gets her limelight!
Diao Chan- Follow where the limelight leads you!
Xing Cai- Is this ghost an angel or a madman…?
Zhao Yun- Angel or madman…?
Cao & Bei- quietly Leading ladies are a trial!
Zhu Rong- Heaven help you, those who doubt…
Diao Chan- You'll sing again, and to unending ovation!
Zhao Yun- Orders! Warnings! Lunatic demands!
Zhu Rong- This miscasting will invite damnation…
Cao & Bei- Tears…oaths…Lunatic demands are regular occurrences!
Xing Cai- Bliss or damnation? Which has claimed her…?
Diao Chan- Think how you'll shine in that final encore! Sing, Prima Donna, once more!
Zhu Rong- sighing Oh fools! To have flouted his warnings! SUCH FOOLS!
Zhao Yun- Surely, for her sake…
Xing Cai- Surely, he'll strike back…
Cao & Bei- Surely there'll be further scenes- worse than this!
Zhu Rong- THINK! Think before these demands are rejected!
Zhao Yun- …I must see these demands are rejected!
Xing Cai - …if his threats and demands are rejected!
Cao & Bei- Who'd believe a diva happy to relieve a chorus girl, who's gone and slept with the patron! Naughty Girl! Raoul and the soubrette, entwined in love's duet! Ooo! Although he may demur, he must have been with her! For shame! You dog!
Xing & Yun – Christine must be protected!
Cao & Bei- You'd never get away with all this in a play, but if it's loudly sung and in a foreign tongue it's just the sort of story audience adore, in fact a perfect opera!
Zhao Yun- suddenly out of nowhere picks up his spear holding it up His game is over!
Zhu Rong- blinks at Yun This is a game you cannot hope to win!…Dork…
Zhao Yun- blinks to Rong then looks away giving his heroic pose And in box five, a new game will begin!
Zhu Rong- rolls her eyes For, if his curse is on this opera…
Xing Cai- ogles Yun, then snaps out of it But if his curse is on this opera…
Cao & Bei – Prima Donna, the world is at your feet! A nation waits, and how it hates to be cheated!
Diao Chan- The stress that falls upon a famous Prima Donna! Terrible diseases, coughs and colds and sneezes! Still, the driest throat will reach the highest note, in search of perfect opera!
Zhu Rong- …should you dare to…
Xing Cai- …when you once again…
All- Light up the stage with that age-old rapport! Sing, Prima Donna, once more!
Sima Yi's Voice- SO! It is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!
All – Once more!
The lights dim leaving the stage black once again…