Chapter 5
Six Years Later 1881
Madame Giry's Diary
If 1881 would be remembered for anything at the opera, it would have an image of Erik associated with it. The day that Christine became a star was one of the highlights of my life, and despite the pain that followed; I looked at that day with great fondness. It was a warm Autumn's day with a light and gentle breeze caressing the air.
The production in question that generated Christine's sudden triumph was Hannibal. The opera diva Carlotta was the original lead, but well strategized events created Christine's victory.
At this point Erik simply told me to slip the notes through Box Five and I barely saw him. He was growing more and more distanced, and he was very busy.
But I am getting off track, back to the opera!
Meg and Christine were part of the ballet of course, and with my strict supervision, they and the rest of the corps de ballet became a well-oiled machine. The production value was immense on this project, with golden pieces, elaborate costumes and even a man operated elephant. Polingy was becoming happier the last few months, and none of us knew why.
That same day, he walked in with two strange looking men.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like your attention." Poligny demanded, and everybody listened.
"Thank you, I would like to announce that today, I am retiring from being the manager of this opera house. It has been a decision that I have been thinking about for a long time now, and I think this building could benefit from a fresh new set of eyes. So I present to you, your new managers, Firman and Andre."
The two men bowed.
"We are both very excited about receiving such an honor to manage this fine establishment." Firman commented.
"I concur with my partner, and our productions will be truly successful." Andre continued where his associate left off.
"Very good. Now I wish everyone success in the future!" our old manager was gone forever.
"Okay then, now where to start." Firmin asked himself out loud.
"Monsieur, I have a note from the Opera Ghost." I told him.
"What?" Andre was confused. "Who are you? And more importantly, what are you talking about?"
"I am Madame Giry, head of the corps de ballet, and the representative of the opera ghost. He makes suggestions and important production decisions in exchange for 20,000 francs a month." I explained.
"That is extortionate!" Andrews shouted. "Is he serious?"
"I assure monsieur, this is not to be taken lightly."
"We'll get to that later," Firman moved on with a note of frustration in his voice. "Now let us get this production going!"
As everyone went to their places, Andre found the diva, Carlotta.
"LA CARLOTTA!" Andre pressed his lips on her offered hand, and Firman soon followed.
Needless to say, they were excited that Polingy left them one of opera's greatest stars. Praise went on for several minutes, and many know what else happened.
As soon as Carlotta began singing, a background fell on her. The diva shrieked and the managers had a panic attack.
"Senora! Are you alright?" the two men asked with a note of fear.
Carlotta was hysterical with tears.
"Senora, these things happen." Firman tried to reassure Carlotta.
"You were here for five minutes and you think that because of that you can determine that 'these things do happen'? Well if this doesn't stop, this thing does not happen!" the diva barked at her managers.
"Senora no!" the two spineless men attempted to get their only asset back, to no avail.
The managers had no idea what to do, but I knew what I had to do that day. Erik had planned this to make a star out of a young woman.
"Who can play the part?" Firman whined.
"Christine Daae sir." I told my managers.
"Who? That sounds familiar." Andre realized as his face no longer reflected horror, but now confusion.
"Me monsieur" Poor Christine was trembling when she said this.
"You? You know the part?" the bewildered managers said almost simultaneously.
"Yes messieurs. I can." the quivering little girl gulped.
"Daae, are you related to the violinist?" Andre's curiosity peaked.
"My father monsieur." Christine smiled.
"Very well then, the aria please!" Firman requested.
Most of you know the story. Christine sang beautifully and not only won over the managers, but won the role Carlotta previously occupied.
Erik was pleased with his creation.