The scene with the notes arrived, I stood to the side with Emi.
(Firmin)
Mystery after gala night
It says mystery of soprano's flight
Mystified all the papers say
We are mystified, we suspect foul play
Bad news on soprano's scene First Carlotta now Christine Still, at least, the seats get sold Gossip's worth its weight in gold
What a way to run a business
Spare me these unending trials
Half your cast disappears but the crowd still cheers
Opera!
To hell with Gluck and Handel
Have a scandal and you're sure to have a hit!
(Andre interrupting)
Damnable!
Will they all walk out?
This is damnable!
(Firmin)
Andre please don't shout!
It's publicity!
And the take is vast
Free publicity!
(Andre)
But we have no cast!
(Firmin)
Andre, have you seen the queue?
Ah, it seems you've got one too
(Andre, reading)
Dear Andre what a charming gala,
Christine was, in a word, sublime
We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left
On that note, the diva's a disaster, must you cast her when she's seasons past her prime!
(Firmin, reading)
Dear, Firmin
Just a brief reminder
My salary has not been paid
Send it care of the ghost by return of post
P.T.O
No one likes a debtor so it's better if my orders are obeyed!
(Both)
Who would have the gall to send this?
Someone with a puerile brain
These are both signed O.G.
(Andre)
Who the hell is he?
(Both realizing)
Opera Ghost!
(Firmin)
It's nothing short of shocking
(Andre)
He is mocking our position!
(Firmin)
In addition he wants money!
(Andre)
What a funny apparition!
(Both)
To expect a large retainer
Nothing plainer, he is clearly quite insane!
(Raoul interrupting)
Where is she?
(Firmin)
You mean Carlotta?
(Raoul)
I mean Miss Daae
Where is she?
(Andre)
Well how should we know?
(Raoul)
I want an answer!
I take it that you sent me this note!
(Firmin)
What's all this nonsense?
(Andre)
Of course not!
(Firmin)
Don't look at us!
(Raoul)
She's not with you then?
(Andre)
Of course not!
(Firmin)
We're in the dark!
(Raoul)
Monsieur don't argue!
Isn't this the letter you wrote?
(Firmin)
And what is it that we're meant to have wrote? (Realizing his mistake)Written!
(Andre, reading)
Do not fear for Miss Daae
The angel of music has her under his wing.
Make no attempt to see her again.
(Raoul)
If you didn't send it, then who did?
(Carlotta)
Where is he?
(Firmin)
Ah, welcome back!
(Carlotta)
Your precious patron
Where is he?
(Raoul)
What is it now?
(Carlotta)
I have your letter
A letter which I rather resent
(Me)--to Emi More like resemble (I thought it was funny!)
(Emi)
SHHHH!
(Firmin)
And did you send it?
(Raoul)
Of course not!
(Andre)
As if he would!
(Carlotta)
You didn't send it?
(Raoul)
Of course not!
(Firmin)
What's going on?
(Carlotta)
You dare to tell me that this is not the letter you sent?
(Raoul)
And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?
(Raoul, reading)
Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered
Christine Daae...
Carlotta: Christine Daae!
(Raoul contiues)...will be singing on your behalf tonight Be prepared for a great misfortune Should you attempt to take her place.
(Firmin and Andre)
Far too many notes for my taste
And most of them about Christine!
All we've heard since we came is Miss Daae's name--!
(Madame Giry)
Miss Daae has returned.
(Firmin)
I hope no worse for wear as far as we're concerned
(Andre)
Where precisely is she now?
(Madame Giry)
I thought it best she was alone
(Me)
She needed rest
(Raoul)
May I see her?
(Madame Giry)
No, Monsieur
She will see no one
YADA YADA BLAH BLAH….
I smiled happily offstage, three more lines and I was done. One during Poor fool, one in masquerade, and one during down once more. (There may be more I just can't think of them). After the night was over, I retreated to my room. After happily taking off the evil wig, and washing off my make up (which I not so fondly call my clay mask). There was an insistent knocking at my door. I sighed, I just wanted some sleep. But whoever it was would not relent.
"Come in if you must." I called
Chris poked his head in, "I must"
I smiled, I guess seeing him wasn't so bad, besides, he had flowers
with him. Not just any flowers, but Sweet William was in the mix. How
could anyone resist. "I missed you, Jace." he said sitting next to me.
I smiled, "And all this time I thought you were happy to get rid of me"
He shook his head, "You sang beautifully tonight, I loved every minute"
"I only sang five times, and not for very long." I protested, "It's not hard to love ten minutes"
"Well since I only got to see you for ten minutes," His eye twinkled mischievously, "let's get something to eat." He pulled me to my feet
"Chris I couldn't," He looked at me strangely, "Ms. Cheris is very strict, no leaving after ten, and it's ten thirty"
"I think she'd make an exception for us, don't you?"
"That'd be playing favorites, and she wouldn't do that." I stopped him from protesting, "Even if she would, I couldn't ask her to, it just wouldn't be fair"
"Very well," Chris sighed, "I see there's no persuading you, goodnight." He kissed me on my forehead, and left.