Erik (The Phantom of the Opera): Chauvelin
Christine: Marguerite
Raoul: Percy
Madame Giry: Tussaud (*pats* poor fella…)
Meg: Marie
Carlotta: Louise (Somehow, Marguerite and Louise have traded places)
Piangi: Armand (And Armand has musical talent.)
Andre: Andrew
Firmin: Tony
Reyer: Edward
Lefevre: Bibot (The only person I could think of….)
Auctioneer/Porter: Jessup
Buquet: St. Cyr
Madame Andre (I know it’s supposed to be Firmin, but bear with me here. I mean she only has a one word line): Suzanne
Scene opens in an old and dilapidated Opera House – the Comedie Francaise. Jessup is auctioning things off, and an old Percy is buying them along with a few other people.
JESSUP
Sold! Your number, sir? Thank you.
Lot 663 then, ladies and gentlemen. A poster for this house’s production of Hannibal, by Chalumeau. Showing here. Do I have ten francs? Five then. Five I am bid. Six, seven. Against you, sir, seven. Eight. Eight once. Selling twice. Sold, to Sir Percy Blakeney, baronet.
Lot 664: A wooden pistol and three human skulls, from the 1831 production of “Robert le Diable,” by Meyerbeer. Ten francs for this. Ten, thank you. Ten still. Fifteen, thank you, sir. Fifteen I am bid. Going at fifteen. Your number, sir?
Lot 665, ladies and gentlemen: a papier-mâché musical box, in the shape of a barrel organ. Attached, the figure of a monkey in Persian robes, playing the cymbals. This item, discovered in the vaults of the theatre, still in working order. Showing here.
Jessup starts the small music box, which begins playing the theme of “Masquerade.”
JESSUP
May I start the bid at 20 francs? Fifteen, then? Fifteen I am bid. Do I her twenty? Twenty five, thank you, madame. Thirty? Going once! Sold, to Sir Percy, thank you, sir.
Percy takes his newly acquired treasure and watches it sadly, beginning to speak to it (Obviously, his mind has gone in his old age. Well, like mother like son, I suppose.).
PERCY
A collector’s piece indeed
Every detail exactly
As she said
She often spoke of you
My friend
Your velvet lining
And your figuring of lead
Will you still play
When all the rest of us
Are dead?
JESSUP
Lot 666, then: A chandelier in pieces. Some of you may recall the strange incident of the Agent of the Opera, a mystery never fully explained. Our workshops have restored it and fitted it up with wiring for the new electric light so that we may get a picture of what it may look like when reassembled. Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?
The dust cover is taken off and the chandelier magically rises from the ground in a huge burst of light, rejuvenating the theatre to it’s old glory. We now join the actors rehearsing for that night’s production of Hannibal.
LOUISE
This trophy from our saviors
From our saviors
From the enslaving force
Of Rome!
CHORUS
With feasting and dancing and song
Tonight in celebration
We greet the victorious throng
Returned to bring salvation!
The trumpets of Carthage resound
Here Romans, now, and tremble
Hark to our steps on the ground!
Here the drums!
Hannibal comes!
Armand enters dressed as Hannibal (I get such a funny picture of that) and begins his portion of the song.
ARMAND
Sad to return to the land we love threatened once more by Roma’s far reaching grasp!
Lord Edward Hastings taps his directors baton impatiently against the music stand.
EDWARD
Monsieur, if you please; Rome. We say Rome, not Roma.
ARMAND
Oui, oui, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me.
Practicing
ARMAND
Rome, Rome…..
EDWARD
Once again then, if you please, monsieur. Sad to return….
Andrew, Tony, and Bibot enter to watch the rehearsal.
BIBOT
This way, gentlemen, this way. Rehearsals, as you see, are underway for a new production of Chalumeau’s Hannibal.
He stops Edward and Armand who were just about to continue practice.
BIBOT
Ladies and Gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met Monsieurs Lord Antony Dewhurst and Sir Andrew Ffoulkes-
Andrew and Tony bow, but the little announcement is cut short by Edward
EDWARD
I’m sorry, Monsieur Bibot, we are rehearsing. If you wouldn’t mind waiting a moment?
BIBOT
My apologies, Lord Hastings, proceed, proceed.
EDWARD
Thank you, monsieur
Turning back to Armand
EDWARD
Sad to return, monsieur.
Bibot takes Tony and Andrew aside to speak with them.
BIBOT
That is Monsieur Hastings, our chief repetituer. Rather a tyrant, I’m afraid.
ARMAND
Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Rome’s far reaching grasp. Tomorrow we shall break the chains of Rome. Tonight, rejoice: your army has come home.
The ballet starts and the three gentlemen walk back and forth across the stage to observe it, constantly getting in the way.
BIBOT
That is Monsieur Armand, our principle tenor. He does play so well opposite La Louise.
Tussaud, the ballet master (I feel rather guilty casting him as that), has become exasperated with their constant interruptions. Banging his cane against the floor, he speaks:
TUSSAUD
Gentlemen, please! If you would kindly move to one side?
BIBOT
My apologies, Monsieur Tussaud.
He leads Andrew and Tony to the side of the stage
BIBOT
That is Monsieur Tussaud, our ballet master. I don’t mind confessing, Monsieur Dewhurst, I shan’t be sorry to be rid of the whole blessed business.
TONY
I keep asking you, monsieur: Why exactly are you retiring?
Bibot ignores this and comments on the ballet in progress instead.
BIBOT
We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets.
Marie becomes a prominent dancer, and, naturally, Tussaud smiles happily.
ANDREW
Who is that girl, Bibot?
BIBOT
Her? Marie Grosholtz, Monsieur Tussaud’s fiancé. Promising dancer, Monsieur Ffoulkes, most promising.
Now Marguerite has become prominent; she has absent mindedly fallen out of step and collided right into Marie.
TUSSAUD
You, Marguerite St. Just! Concentrate girl!
MARIE
Margot, what’s the matter?
TONY
St. Just… Curious name.
BIBOT
French (A.N.: Which really only is curious because Tony and Andrew are British, but really……)
ANDREW
Any relation to the violinist? (A.N.: Okay, so Marguerite’s daddy was handy with a violin……)
BIBOT His daughter, I believe. Always has her head in the clouds, I’m afraid.
CHORUS
Bid welcome to Hannibal’s guests;
The elephants of Carthage!
As guides on our conquering quests,
Dido sends
Hannibal’s friends!
A huge mechanical elephant comes on stage and Armand is lifted in glory onto it’s back
LOUISE
Once more to my
Welcoming arms
My love returns
In splendor
ARMAND
Once more to those
Sweetest of charms
My heart and soul
Surrender,
CHORUS
The trumpeting elephants sound
Here Romans now and tremble
Hark to our steps on the ground
Here the drums!
Hannibal comes!
At the end, the managers clap furiously before Bibot gives his little speech.
BIBOT
Ladies and gentlemen, Monsieur Tussaud, thank you, may I have your attention please? As you know, for some weeks there have been rumors of my imminent retirement. I can now tell you that these were all true, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the two gentlemen who now own the Comedie Francaise, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and Lord Antony Dewhurst.
There is some polite applause before Louise shoves everyone out of the way so she can greet the new managers (well, Louise is out of character, yes.).
BIBOT
Gentlemen, Mademoiselle Louise, our leading soprano for five seasons now.
ANDREW
Of course, of course. I have experienced all of your greatest roles, mademoiselle.
Armand shoves his way to the front after her (He’s rather like a puppy, isn’t he?)
BIBOT
And Monsieur Armand.
TONY
An honor, monsieur.
ANDREW
If I remember right, Mademoiselle Louise’s role has a rather fine aria in act three. I wonder, mademoiselle, if, as a personal favor, you would oblige us with a private rendition. Unless, of course, Monsieur Hastings objects.
LOUSIE
My manager commands. Monsieur Hastings?
EDWARD
My diva commands. Will two bars be sufficient introduction?
ANDREW
Two bars will be quite sufficient.
Edward double checks that she is ready
EDWARD
Mademoiselle?
LOUISE
Maestro?
The aria begins with two bars on the piano.
LOUISE
Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we’ve said
Goodbye
Remember me
Once in a while
Please promise me
You’ll try
When you find
That once again you long
To take your-
A backdrop crashes to the floor, causing several people to scream. The ballet girls erupt noisily into song.
MARIE, THE CHORUS, AND THE BALLET GIRLS
He’s here:
The Agent of the Opera
He is with us!
It’s the ghost!
Armand shouts furiously up to the men controlling the backdrop before rushing to Louise, who has fainted, but is now revived.
ARMAND
You idiots! Louise, Louise, are you alright?
BIBOT
Mademoiselle! Are you alright? St. Cyr? Where is St. Cyr!
ARMAND
Is no one concerned for our Prima Donna?
BIBOT
Get that man down here!
Addressing Andrew and Tony
BIBOT
Chief of the flies. He’s responsible for this!
St. Cyr, an old man, races onto the stage
BIBOT
St Cyr? For God’s sake, man, what’s going on up there?
ST. CYR
Please, monsieur
Don’t look at me
As God’s my witness
I was not at my post
Please, monsieur
There’s no one there;
And if there is, well
Then, it must be a ghost!
Marie looks up and sings with fresh vigor.
MARIE
He’s here:
The Agent of the Opera!
ANDREW
Good heavens!
Will you show a little courtesy?
Tony harshly reprimands Marie and the other girls while Andrew tries to sooth Louise.
TONY
Mademoiselle, please!
ANDREW
These things do happen.
LOUISE
Oui, these things do happen. Well, until you stop these things from happening, this thing does not happen! Armand!
Armand dutifully scurries to fetch her furs from the wings before pausing to glare contemptuously at the managers.
ARMAND
Amateurs.
BIBOT
I don’t think there’s much more to assist you, gentlemen. Good luck. If you need me, I shall be in Frankfurt!
He leaves whistling happily while everyone else stares at the new managers.
ANDREW
La Louise will be back.
TUSSAUD
You think so, messieurs? I have a message, sir, from the Opera Ghost.
The ballet girls twitter and chatter in fear and excitement.
TONY
God in heaven, you’re all obsessed!
TUSSAUD
He merely welcomes you to his opera house and commands you to continue to leave Box Five empty for his use and reminds you that his salary is due.
TONY
His salary?
TUSSAUD
Monsieur Bibot paid him twenty thousand francs a month. Perhaps you can afford more, with Sir Percy Blakeney as your patron.
Marguerite’s face lights up at the mention of Percy’s name and Marie stares at her curiously.
ANDREW
Monsieur, I had hoped to have made that announcement myself.
TUSSAUD
Will Sir Percy be at the performances tonight, Monsieur?
TONY
In our box.
ANDREW
Monsieur, who is the understudy for this role?
EDWARD
There is no understudy, monsieur! The production’s new!
MARIE
Marguerite St. Just could sing it, sir!
Marguerite blinks in surprise.
MARGUERITE
I what?
TONY
The chorus girl?
MARIE
She has been taking lessons from a great teacher.
ANDREW
From whom?
Marguerite’s response is uneasy.
MARGUERITE
I…I don’t know, sir.
TONY
Oh, not you as well! Can you believe it? A full house and we have to cancel!
TUSSAUD
Let her sing for you, monsieur. She has been well taught.
EDWARD
From the beginning of the aria, then, mam’selle.
The aria begins on the piano once more. Marguerite starts singing, first with trepidation, and then with strength. The notes soar easily and clearly.
MARGUERITE
Think of me
Think of me fondly
When we’ve said
Goodbye
Remember me
Once in a while
Please promise me
You’ll try
TONY
Andrew, this is doing nothing for my nerves!
ANDREW
Don’t fret, Tony!
MARGUERITE
When you find
That once again
You long
To take your heart back and be free
If you ever
Find a moment
Spare a thought for me….
The scene changes to the performance that night, Marguerite singing beautifully, looking resplendent in Louise’s costume.
MARGUERITE
We never said
Our love
Was evergreen
Or as unchanging
As the sea
But if you
Can still remember
Stop and think
Of me
Think of all the things
We’ve shared and seen
Don’t think about the things
Which might have been….
Think of me
Think of me waking
Silent and resigned
Imagine me
Trying too hard
To put you from
My mind
Recall those days
Look back on all those times
Think of the things
We’ll never do
There will never be
A day when I won’t
Think of you!
The audience erupts into wonderful applause and bravos, most noticeably from Sir Percy Blakeney’s box, who is standing over the rail, trying to get a better look at her, his quizzing glass to his eye.
PERCY
Can it be?
Can it be Margot?
Bravo!
What a change
You’re really not a bit
The gawkish girl
That once you were
She may not remember me
But I remember her
MARGUERITE
We never said
Our love was evergreen
Or as unchanging as the sea
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think
Of….of…ooof…
Of me!
The curtain falls to a standing ovation. Tussaud draws Marguerite aside to praise her.
TUSSAUD
Yes, you did well. He will be pleased!
He then wheels on the dancers
TUSSAUD
And you! You were a disgrace tonight! Such ronds de jambe! Such temps de cuisse! Here! We rehearse! Now!
Marguerite walks slowly away and to her dressing room. Unseen, Marie follows. As Marguerite is about to open her dressing room door, she hears Chauvelin’s voice from no where. (Just pretend Chauvelin is the most musically talented guy ever, only with a horribly ugly face. Yeah, I know. It screws with my brain too.)
CHAUVELIN
Bravi, bravi, bravissimi!
Marguerite stands stark still for a moment, surprised. She blinks and wakes from her confusion. She opens the door and settles in on a chair to start taking off her makeup when Marie walks in.
MARIE
Where in the world
Have you been hiding?
Really, you were
Perfect!
I only wish
I knew your secret
Who is this new
Tutor?
Marguerite stares off into space and sighs before answering
MARGUERITE
Father once spoke
Of an angel
I used to dream he’d appear
Now as I sing
I can sense him
And I know
He’s here!
Here in this room
He calls me softly
Somewhere inside
Hiding
Somehow I know
He’s always with me
He, the unseen
Genius…
Marie peers worriedly at her friend, looking around for the mysterious angel.
MARIE
Margot, you must have
Been dreaming.
Stories like this can’t
Come true.
Margot, you’re talking
In riddles
And it’s not
Like you!
Marguerite ignores her, searching for her angel, begging him to reveal himself to her.
MARGUERITE
Angel of Music
Guide
And guardian!
Grant to me your
Glory!
Marie joins in, at first singing softly to herself.
MARIE
Who is the angel?
This…
BOTH
Angel of Music
Hide
No longer!
Secret and strange
Angel!
Marguerite gives up, sitting down, and Marie sits next to her, taking her hands and gazing at her worriedly.
MARGUERITE
He’s with me
Even now….
MARIE
Your hands are cold
MARGURITE
All around me
MARIE
Your face, Margot;
It’s white…
MARGUERITE
It frightens me….
MARIE
Don’t be frightened….
The moment is interrupted by Tussaud, who playfully ushers Marie out of the room.
TUSSAUD
Marie Grosholtz, are you a dancer? Then come and practice!
Marie hurries off to join the others, and Tussaud takes a moment to give Marguerite a letter.
TUSSAUD
My dear, I was asked to give you this.
He leaves and Marguerite opens the letter.
MARGUERITE
A red scarf…the attic….Little Lotte…..
The new managers come down the hall with Andrew’s wife and Sir Percy, happily bearing drinks.
ANDREW
A tour de force! No other way to describe it !
TONY
What a night! Not a single refund!
SUZANNE
Greedy!
ANDREW
Tony, I think we’ve made quite a discovery in Mademoiselle St. Just!
They reach Marguerite’s dressing room door, and point it out to Percy.
ANDREW
Here we are, Sir Percy.
PERCY
Gentlemen, if you wouldn’t mind; This is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied.
ANDREW
As you wish, monsieur.
They say their goodbyes and move off as Percy prepares himself to enter the room.
TONY
They appear to have met before…..
Finally, Percy enters the room.
PERCY
Marguerite, where is your scarf?
MARGUERITE
Monsieur?
PERCY
You can’t have lost it! After all the trouble I took! I was just fourteen and soaked to the skin-
MARGUERITE
Because you had run into the sea to fetch my scarf. Oh, Percy, so it is you!
She runs to him and they embrace, laughing. Percy sighs her name.
PERCY
Marguerite….
Little Lotte let her mind wander….
MARGUERITE
You remember that, too
PERCY
Little Lotte thought: Am I fonder of dolls
BOTH
Or of goblins of shoes
MARGUERITE
Or of riddles of frocks
PERCY
Those picnics in the attic….
Or of chocolates…
MARGUERITE
Father playing the violin
PERCY
As we read to each other dark stories of the North…
MARGUERITE
No, what I love best, Lotte said,
Is when I’m asleep in my bed
And the Angel of Music
Sings songs in my head
BOTH
The Angel of Music
Sings songs in my
Head….
MARGUERITE
Father said “When I am in heaven, child, I will send you the Angel of Music.” Well, Percy, father is dead, and I have been visited by the Angel of Music.
Percy believes her, but laughs slightly at the idea.
PERCY
No doubt of it! And now we’ll go to supper!
MARGUERITE
No, Percy, the Angel of Music is very strict.
PERCY
I shan’t keep you up late!
MARGUERITE
Percy!
PERCY
You must change and I must get my hat. Two minutes Little Lotte.
He leaves to fetch those things, and Marguerite tries to stop him. This proves unsuccessful, and she mournfully looks in her hand mirror.
MARGUERITE
Percy!.... Things have changed, Percy….
Suddenly, Marguerite hears Chauvelin’s voice again, still seemingly from nowhere.
CHAUVELIN
Insolent boy!
This slave of fashion
Basking in your
Glory!
Ignorant fool!
This brave young suitor,
Sharing in my
Triumph!
Transfixed by his voice (really, who wouldn’t be transfixed when he sings songs like Where’s the Girl?) she rises and searches for him again.
MARGUERITE
Angel! I hear you!
Speak
I listen
Stay by my side
Guide me!
Angel! My soul was
Weak
Forgive me
Enter at last
Master!
Thrilled, Chauvelin continues to sing and has Marguerite spellbound by his voice
CHAUVELIN
Flattering child
You shall know me
See why in shadows
I hide!
Look at your face
In the mirror
I am there
Inside!
Suddenly, he becomes discernable in Marguerite’s large dressing mirror, and she stares at him, amazed. (I can actually picture him looking terribly sexy in the mask and evening clothes.)
MARGUERITE
Angel of Music
Guide
And guardian
Grant to me your
Glory!
Angel of Music
Hide
No longer!
Come to me strange
Angel!
CHAUVELIN
I am your Angel
Come to me: Angel of Music…
Hypnotized, Marguerite walks toward her mirror, which has started to glow. Suddenly, Percy returns and tries to enter the room, but the door is locked. He can hear Chauvelin’s voice singing in the room.
PERCY
Who’s is that voice?
Who is that in there?
Chauvelin is unperturbed by Percy’s interruption and continues singing. Once Marguerite is close enough, he reaches out and grabs her wrist. His sudden touch is cold, and she gasps, starting to wake up and pull away. To keep her in her dream like state, Chauvelin continues singing to her.
CHAUVELIN
I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
Finally, he leads her through the mirror, and just as they’ve disappeared, the door to the dressing room swings open and Percy rushes inside.
PERCY
Marguerite! Angel!
Chauvelin and Marguerite are now inside a small boat, taking their strange journey to the Agent’s lair. Confused, Marguerite begins to sing (because some how that makes her less confused?)
MARGUERITE
In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name
And do I dream again?
For now I find
The Agent of the Opera is here
Inside my mind….
Chauvelin pulls the boat up onto the shore, to a large and lavishly decorated house right on the shore of the lake. He carefully leads Marguerite out of the boat, singing to keep her demure.
CHAUVELIN
Sing once again with me
Our strange duet!
My power over you
Grows stronger yet!
And though you turn from me
To glance behind
The Agent of the Opera is there
Inside your mind!
Starting to become curious as to why Chauvelin is wearing a mask, Marguerite reaches for it, but he takes her hand instead, holding and caressing it.
MARGUERITE
Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear
CHAUVELIN
It’s me they hear!
BOTH
My/Your spirit and my/your voice
In one combined
The Agent of the Opera is there
Inside my/your mind!
(Just for Charlene) the chorus, appearing in long robes on the sides of the stage give their brief entrance before leaving again.
CHORUS
He’s there
The Agent of the Opera!
Beware
The Agent of the Opera!
So the weird guys in robes leave, and Chauvelin tries to get Marguerite to sing for him again by cueing her on the organ and with his voice.
CHAUVELIN
In all your fantasy
You always knew
That man and mystery
MARGUERITE
Were both in you
BOTH
And in this labyrinth
Where night is blind
The Agent of the Opera is there/here
Inside my/your mind!
CHAUVELIN
Sing, my Angel of Music!
MARGUERITE
He’s there
The Agent of the Opera!
CHAUVELIN
Sing
MARGUERITE
Ahhhhhh…..
CHAUVELIN
Sing for me
MARGUERITE
Ahhhhh….
CHAUVELIN
Sing my angel of music!
MARGUERITE
Ahhhh…….
CHAUVELIN
Sing!
MARGUERITE
Ahhhh…..
Ah! Ah! Ah!
CHAUVELIN
Sing for me!
MARGUERITE
Ah!
CHAUVELIN
I have brought you
To the seat of sweet
Music’s throne
To this kingdom
Where all must pay
Homage to music
Music….
You have come here
For one purpose
And one alone
Since the moment
I first heard you sing
I have needed you with me
To serve me, to sing (A.N.: *cough* Liar *cough cough*)
For my music
My music…..
Chauvelin’s mood changes and he gently approaches Marguerite, trying to get her used to him, holding her hand and leading her around the lair. (So, Chauvelin’s smexy solo gets mixed with Music of the Night. Should I rename it? Where’s the Music, perhaps? Or Music of the Girl? I’m thinking no.)
CHAUVELIN
Night time sharpens
Heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses
Abandon their defenses
He pauses for a moment, timidly reaching out for her. Drugged on his music, she takes a step closer to him, and he gently grabs her hand, trying to get her used to his cold touch.
CHAUVELIN
Slowly, gently
Night unfurls it’s splendor
Grasp it, sense it
Tremulous and tender
Marguerite grows a little frightened, looking back toward the lake, looking for some natural light, as he advances more and more, starting to hold her and caress her. Chauvelin’s singing becomes even more earnest, and he places a hand on her cheek, gently forcing her face back toward him.
CHAUVLEIN
Turn your face away
From the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away
From cold unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night
Close your eyes
And surrender to your
Darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts
Of the life
You knew before
Close your eyes,
Let your spirit
Start to soar!
And you’ll live
As you’ve never
Lived before…
She has now become completely lax in his embrace and he gently twirls and dances with her across the lair.
CHAUVLEIN
Softly, deftly
Music shall surround you
Feel it, hear it
Closing in around you
Open up your mind!
Let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness which
You know you cannot fight;
The darkness of
The music of the night!
They both begin to loose control of the moment, the dance becoming more wild with every beat. Finally, the dance stops all together and he’s just holding her, both completely drunk on the sensation.
CHAUVELIN
Let your mind
Start a journey
Through a strange
New world!
Leave all thoughts
Of the world you
Knew before!
Let your soul
Take you wear
You long to be!
Only then can you belong to me….
Floating, falling
Sweet intoxication!
Marguerite’s hands are on his face, caressing the mask, but showing no sign of removing it.
CHAUVELIN
Touch me,
Trust me
Savor each sensation
Let the dream begin!
Let your darker side give in!
To the power of the music
That I write!
The power of
The Music of the Night!
He let’s her go, slowly drawing away from her and to a large, upright object. He pulls the dustcover away from it to reveal a life size exact replica of Marguerite in a wedding gown. She walks slowly toward it before fainting. Chauvelin rushes foreword and catches her. He carefully carries her across the lair and lays her down on a bed before (smartly) backing away.
CHAUVELIN
You alone
Can make my soul
Take flight
Help me make
The Music of the Night
As Marguerite sleeps, Chauvelin is seated at the organ, working on his Don Juan Triumphant. She awakes to the sound of the monkey music box playing “Masquerade.” She slowly rises, beginning to remember the events of the previous night.
MARGUERITE
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,
And in the boat
There was a man….
She catches sight of Chauvelin who is still playing and writing on the sheet music. Curious, she rises, walking toward him.
MARGUERITE
Who was that shape
In the shadows?
Whose is the face
In the mask?
She reaches for his mask, but he catches her hand. She tries again without success. Finally, she tries once more to rip the mask from his face – and succeeds. He cries out in outrage and Marguerite falls back in terror, having seen what lies under his mask. He covers his deformity with his hand while shouting viciously at her.
CHAUVELIN
Damn you!
You little prying
Pandora!
You little demon
Is this what you wanted to see?
Curse you!
You little lying
Delilah!
You little viper
Now you cannot ever be free!
Damn you!
Curse you!
He regains his temper, breathing slowly to calm himself. Marguerite, however, is still trembling and holding the mask.
CHAUVELIN
Stranger
Than 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….
But Margot….
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, Margot….
He reaches out for his mask. Still trembling, she hands it to him. He puts it on, smoothing his hair and rising. He reaches out a gloved hand for hers, and she timidly accepts. He helps her stand and addresses her.
CHAUVELIN
Come we must return –
Those two fools
Who run my theatre
Will be missing you.
Back in the theatre, St. Cyr is telling the ballet girls about the Agent of the Opera, and how to avoid being one of his victims.
ST. CYR
Like yellow parchment
Is his skin
A great black hole served
As the nose that never grew.
You must be always
On your guard
Or he will kill you with his
Madame Guillotine!
A trap door opens and Chauvelin and Marguerite magically rise from below the theatre. The ballet girls scream and run, while St. Cyr is too terrified to move. Chauvelin glares at him and sweeps his cape around Marguerite, leading her away and back to her dressing room. Tussaud finds St. Cyr trembling, and harshly reprimands him.
TUSSAUD
Those who speak
Of what they know
Find, too late, that prudent
Silence is wise.
Monsieur St. Cyr,
Hold your tongue –
He will burn you with the
Heat of his eyes!
In the managers office, Tony is reading through newspapers and letters, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
TONY
“Mystery
After gala night.”
It says “Mystery
Of soprano’s flight!”
“Mystified,
baffled Surete say,
We are mystified –
We suspect foul play!”
Bad news on
Soprano scene –
First, Louise,
Now Marguerite!
Still, at least
The seats get sold –
Gossip’s worth
It’s 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 –
It’s a scandal that’ll
Pack ‘em in the aisles!
Andrew storms in
ANDREW
Damnable!
Will they all walk out?
This is damnable!
TONY
Andrew, please don’t shout
It’s publicity!
And the take is vast!
Free publicity!
ANDREW
But we have no cast!
TONY
But, Andrew
Have you seen the queue?
He sorts through the mail on his desk and finds two letters from the Agent of the Opera
TONY
Oh, it seems
You’ve got one too….
Andrew snatches up the letter, opening it up and reading aloud.
ANDREW
“Dear Andrew,
What a charming gala!
Margot enjoyed a great success!
We were hardly bereft
When La Louise left –
Otherwise,
The chorus was entrancing,
But the dancing was a
Lamentable mess!”
Tony now opens his and reads
TONY
“Dear Tony,
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!
TONY
These are both signed “O.G.”
ANDREW
Who the hell is he?
BOTH
Opera Ghost!
TONY
It’s really not amusing
ANDREW
He’s abusing
Our position
TONY
In addition
He wants money!
ANDREW
He’s a funny
Sort of specter
BOTH
To expect a
Large retainer!
Nothing planer –
He is clearly quite insane!
The last note is interrupted when Percy bursts into the office, quite upset.
PERCY
Where is she?
ANDREW
You mean Louise?
PERCY
I mean Miss St. Just
Where is she!
TONY
Well, how should we know?
PERCY
I want an answer –
I take it that you
Sent me this note?
TONY
What’s all this nonsense?
ANDREW
Of course not!
TONY
Don’t look at us!
PERCY
She’s not with you, then?
TONY
Of course not!
ANDREW
We’re in the dark!
PERCY
Monsieur, don’t argue -
Isn’t this the
Letter you wrote?
TONY
And what is it that we’re
Meant to have wrote?
They stare at him oddly, and he realizes his mistake, Andrew rolling his eyes.
TONY
Written…..
Andrew snatches the note that Percy’s been waving about and starts to read
ANDREW
“Do not fear for Miss St. Just
The Angel of Music
Has her under his wing.
Make no attempt to see her again……”
PERCY
If you didn’t write it, who did?
Louise bursts into the office, waving a letter angrily around.
LOUISE
Where is he?
ANREW
Ah, welcome back!
LOUISE
Your precious patron –
Where is he!
PERCY
What is it now?
LOUISE
I have your letter –
A letter which I
Rather resent!
TONY
And did you send it?
PERCY
Of course not!
ANDREW
As if he would
LOUISE
You didn’t send it?
PERCY
Of course not!
TONY
What’s going on?
LOUISE
You dare to tell me
That this is not the
Letter you sent?
PERCY
And what is it that I’m
Meant to have sent?
She hands it to Percy in a huff, who reads it slowly, confused.
PERCY
“Your days
At the Comedie Francaise are numbered.
Miss Marguerite
Will be singing on your behalf tonight.
Be prepared
For a great misfortune
Should you attempt
To take her place.
Everyone remains silent for a moment, confused by all the notes. Finally, to break the tension, Andrew and Tony try and soften the mood and shed some light on the situation.
ANDREW AND TONY
Far too many
Notes for my taste
And most of them
For Marguerite!
All we’ve heard since we came
Is miss Margot’s name…
Tussaud enters with Marie, carrying yet another note
TUSSAUD
Marguerite has returned
TONY
I trust her midnight oil
Is well and truly burned.
ANDREW
Where precisely is she now?
TUSSAUD
I thought it best
That she went home
MARIE
She needed rest.
Percy is relieved to hear she’s safe, and excitedly asks:
PERCY
May I see her?
TUSSAUD
No, monsieur
She will see no one
LOUISE
Will she sing?
Will she sing?
TUSSAUD
Here, I have a note
PERCY, LOUISE, AND ANDREW
Let me see it!
Tony snatches it out of Tussaud’s hand.
TONY
Please!
He opens the letter and begins to read, Chauvelin’s voice slowly taking over.
TONY
“Gentlemen, I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theatre is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you….”
CHAVUELIN
…One last chance
Margot St. Just has retuned to you,
And I am anxious her career
Should progress.
In the new production of “Il Muto,”
You will therefore cast La Louise
As the Pageboy, and put Miss St. Just
In the role of Countess.
The role which Miss St. Just plays
Calls 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.
TONY
“…I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G.”
There is a brief moment of silence while the letter is soaked in. Of course, who better to break a moment of silence than Louise?
LOUSIE
Margot!
ANDREW
Whatever next?
LOUISE
It’s all a ploy to
Help Margot!
FIRMIN
This is insane!
LOUISE
I know who sent this:
Sir Percy – her lover!
Percy scoffs and rolls his eyes, though Andrew and Tony aren’t fully convinced it isn’t true.
PERCY
Indeed?
Can you believe this?
ANDREW
Please, La Louise!
LOUISE
Oh, traditori!
TONY
This is a joke!
ANDREW
This changes nothing!
LOUISE
Oh, mentitori!
TONY
Please, La Louise!
ANREW
You are our star!
TONY
And always will be!
ANDREW
Please, La Louise
TONY
The man is mad!
ANDREW
We don’t take orders!
TONY
Miss St. Just will be playing
The Pageboy – The Silent Role….
ANDREW AND TONY
La Louise will be playing the lead!
LOUISE
It’s useless trying to
Appease me!
You’re only saying this
To please me!
Monsieur, e vero?
Non, non, non boglio udire!
Lasciatemi morire!
O paadre mio!
Dio!
TUSSAUD
Who scorn his word,
Beware to those
LOUISE
You have reviled me!
TUSSAUD
The Angel sees
The Angel knows….
PERCY
Why did Margot
Fly from my arms?
LOUISE
You have rebuked me!
ANDREW AND TONY
Please La Louise, pardon us!
LOUISE
You have replaced me!
ANDREW AND TONY
Please, please La Louise
We beseech you
TUSSAUD
This hour shall see
Your darkest fears
PERCY AND MARIE
I must see her
LOUISE
Abbandonata!
Deseredata!
O, sventurata!
TUSSAUD
The Angel knows
The Angel hears
PERCY
Where did she go?
LOUISE
Abbandonata!
Disgraziata!
ANDREW AND TONY
Please La Louise sing for us!
Don’t be a martyr
PERCY, TUSSAUD, AND MARIE
What new surprises
Lie in store?
ANDREW AND TONY
Our star!
LOUISE
Non vo’ cantar!
Andrew and Tony now ignore the other three, groveling at Louise’s feet, imploring her to sing as their star.
ANDREW
Your public needs you!
TONY
We need you too!
LOUISE
Would you not
Rather have your
Precious little
Ingénue?
ANDREW AND TONY
No, La Louise, no!
The world wants you!
Prima Donna,
First lady of the stage!
Your devotees
Are on their knees
To implore you!
ANDREW
Can you bow out
When they’re shouting
Your name?
TONY
Think of how they
All adore you!
ANDREW AND TONY
Prima Donna,
Enchant us once again!
ANDREW
Think of your muse
TONY
And of the queues
Round the theatre!
TONY AND ANDREW
Can you deny
Us the triumph in store?
Sing Prima Donna
Once more!
Louise puffs up at the praise, and agrees to sing, happily reflecting that she is the star, while everyone else reflects on all the other events.
PERCY
Margot spoke of an angel…
LOUISE
Prima Donna
Your song shall live again!
ANDREW AND TONY
Think of your public!
LOUISE
You took a snub,
But there’s a public
Who needs you!
TUSSAUD
She has heard the voice
Of the Angel of Music
ANDREW AND TONY
Those who hear your voice
Liken you to an angel!
LOUISE
Think of their cry
Of undying support!
PERCY
Is this her Angel of Music?
ANDREW
We get our opera
TONY
She gets her limelight
LOUISE
Follow where the limelight
Leads you!
MARIE
Is this ghost
An angel or a madman?
PERCY
Angel or madman?
ANDREW AND TONY
Leading ladies are a trial!
LOUISE
Prima Donna,
Your song shall never die!
MARIE
Voice of hell, or of heaven
TUSSAUD
Heaven help you
Those who doubt
LOUISE
You’ll sing again
And to unending
Ovation!
PERCY
Orders! Warnings!
Lunatic demands!
TUSSAUD
This miscasting
Will invite damnation
ANDREW AND TONY
Tears, oaths,
Lunatic demands
Are regular occurrences!
MARIE
Bliss or damnation?
Which has claimed her?
LOUISE
Think how you’ll shine
In that final
Encore!
Sing, Prima Donna,
Once more!
TUSSAUD
Oh, fools,
To have flouted his warnings!
PERCY
Surely, for her sake
MARIE
Surely, he’ll strike back
ANDREW AND TONY
Surely there’ll be further scenes –
Worse than this!
TUSSAUD
Think before
These demands are rejected!
PERCY
I must see these
Demands are rejected!
MARIE
If his threats
And demands are rejected!
ANDREW AND TONY
Who’d believe a diva
Happy to relieve a
Chorus girl who’s gone
And slept with the patron?
Percy and the soubrette,
Entwined in love’s duet!
Although he may demur,
He must have been with her!
MARIE AND PERCY
Margot must be protected!
LOUISE
O fortunate!
Non ancor
Abbandonata!
ANDREW AND TONY
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
Audiences adore, in
Fact a perfect opera!
PERCY
His game is over!
TUSSAUD
This is a game
You cannot hope to win!
PERCY
And in Box Five
A new game will begin
TUSSAUD
For if his curse
Is on this opera
MARIE
But if his curse
Is on this opera
ANDREW AND FIRMIN
Prima Donna,
The world is at your feet!
A nation waits,
And how it hates
To be cheated!
LOUISE
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!
MARIE AND TUSSAUD
Then I fear the outcome
PERCY
Margot plays the Pageboy,
La Louise plays the Countess
TUSSAUD
Should you dare to
MARIE
When you once again
ALL
Light up the stage
With that age-old
Rapport!
Sing Prima Donna
Once more!
CHAUVELIN
So, it is to be war between us? If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!
ALL
Once more!
We now join all in the performance of Il Muto. Percy is going to sit in Box Five and Andrew and Tony are going to sit in a box opposite that, so they can keep an eye on things.
PERCY
Gentlemen, if you would care to take your seats? I shall be sitting in Box Five.
ANDREW
Do you really think that’s wise, Monsieur?
PERCY
My dear Andrew, there would appear to be no seats available other than Box Five.
The opera starts, the curtain rises. Behind a fan, Marguerite and Louise are “kissing.”
CHROUS MEMBER 1
They say that this youth
Has set my Lady’s
Heart aflame!
CHORUS MEMBER TWO
His Lordship sure
Would die of shock!
CHORUS MEMBER TWO
His Lordship is
A laughing-stock!
CHORUS MEMBER ONE
Should he suspect her, God protect her!
ALL THREE
Shame! Shame! Shame!
This faithless lady’s
Bound for Hades!
Shame! Shame! Shame!
From their box, Andrew and Tony praise the opera, which is going very well.
ANDREW
Nothing like the old operas!
TONY
Or the old scenery
ANDREW
The old singers
TONY
The old audience
ANDREW
And every seat sold!
TONY
Hardly a disaster beyond all imagination!
Back on stage, Louise (dressed as the Countess) and Marguerite (dressed as the Pageboy - Serafimo) begin their part of the performance.
LOUISE
Serafimo – your disguise is perfect!
A knock at the door
LOUISE
Why, who can this be?
Armand, dressed as Count Don Attilio, enters.
ARMAND
Gentle wife, admit your loving husband. My love, I am called to England on affairs of State, and must leave you with your new maid.
Aside, to the audience
ARMAND
Though I’d happily take the maid with me!
Louise speaks behind her fan, aside, to the audience
LOUISE
The old fool’s leaving!
Once again, Armand speaks aside.
ARMAND
I suspect my young bride is untrue to me. I shall not leave, but shall hide over there to observe her!
Addio!
LOUISE
Addio!
ARMAND AND LOUISE
Addio!
Armand pretends to leave, but instead hides within the room.
LOUISE
Serafimo – away with this pretence!
She rips away his skirt, to reveal breeches
LOUISE
You cannot speak but kiss me in my
Husband’s absence!
Poor fool, he makes me laugh!
Haha!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Time I tried to get a better better half!
COUNTESS AND CHORUS
Poor fool, he doesn’t know!
Hoho!
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho!
If he knew the truth he’d never ever go!
Suddenly, Chauvelin’s voice rings angrily about the theatre. Terrified, both Marie and Marguerite break character, Marie bursting into song.
CHAUVELIN
Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?
MARIE
He’s here: The Agent of the opera!
MARGUERITE
It’s him! I know it, it’s him!
LOUISE
Your part is silent, little toad!
CHAUVELIN
A toad madame? Perhaps it is you who are the toad!
Nervously, Andrew motions from his box for the opera to commence. Louise starts again.
LOUISE
Serafimo, away with this pretence!
You cannot speak, but kiss me in my croak!
General confusion and panic. Chauvelin laughs softly. Now Tony motions for her to continue.
LOUISE
Poor fool, he makes me laugh –
Hahahahaha!
Croak! Croak! Croak!
Chauvelin is now roaring laughing, while Louise is sobbing, shaking her head at the managers. Armand rushes to her aid. The chandelier begins to swing back and forth.
CHAUVELIN
Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!
LOUISE
Non posso piu!
I cannot…. I cannot go on
ARMAND
Louise, Louise! I’m here, it’s alright! Come, I’m here!
Andrew and Tony race from their box onto the stage, while Armand ushers the sobbing Louise off the stage. The chandelier returns to normal.
TONY
Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes’ time when the role of the Countess will be sung by Marguerite St. Just.
Marguerite and Percy are shocked, but neither protest. Andrew tries to buy time and improvises.
ANDREW
In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of Tonight’s opera. Maestro, the ballet – now!
Surprised, the ballet girls scurry about the stage, finally getting into position as the music starts. They begin to dance, but Marie notices the looming, bat like shadow of Chauvelin, becoming larger and more threatening each moment. Suddenly, the body of St. Cyr falls to the ground, the backdrop flying out. His head soon falls after him – the handy work of Chauvelin’s Guillotine. Marie screams and Marguerite cries out..
MARGUERITE
Percy! Percy!
Percy races from his box to the stage, quickly grabbing Marguerite’s hand to lead her away.
PERCY
Marguerite, come with me!
She resists and pulls him in the other direction.
MARGUERITE
No, to the roof! We’ll be safe there.
Tony does his best to calm the audience as Percy and Marguerite rush off, while policemen and stagehands rush on.
TONY
Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats. Do not panic! It was an accident. Simply an accident!
The scene switches to the roof, where Marguerite and Percy have just escaped to, not knowing that Chauvelin is hiding behind a statue, carefully watching them.
PERCY
Why have you brought us here?
MARGUERITE
Don’t take me back there!
PERCY
We must return!
MARGUERITE
He’ll kill me!
PERCY
Be still now…
He tries to reach out for her, but she keeps on flittering away, too afraid (considering the last man who touched her molested her, this is understandable), racing all around the roof.
MARGUERITE
His eyes will find me there!
PERCY
Margot, don’t say that!
MARGUERITE
Those eyes that burn!
PERCY
Don’t even think it!
MARGUERITE
If he has to kill
A thousand men
PERCY
Forget this waking nightmare!
MARGUERITE
The Agent of the Opera will kill
PERCY
This Agent is a fable
Believe me
MARGUERITE
And kill again!
PERCY
There is no Agent of the Opera!
MARGUERITE
My God, who is this man
PERCY
My God, who is this man
MARGUERITE
Who hunts to kill?
PERCY
This mask of death?
MARGUERITE
I can’t escape from him
PERCY
Whose is this voice you hear
MARGUERITE
I never will!
PERCY
With every breath?
BOTH
And in this
Labyrinth
Where night is blind,
The Agent of the Opera
Is here:
Inside my/your mind!
PERCY
There is no Agent of the Opera!
MARGUERITE
Percy, I’ve been there
To his world of
Unending night!
To a world where
The daylight dissolves
Into darkness….
Darkness…
Percy, I’ve seen him!
Can I ever forget that sight?
Can I ever
Escape from that face?
So distorted,
Deformed, it
Was hardly a face
In that darkness
Darkness…
She now becomes trance-like, no longer racing with fear across the stage but twirling with excitement.
MARGUERITE
But his voice
Filled my spirit
With a strange, sweet sound
In that night
There was music
In my mind!
And through music
My soul began
To soar!
And I heard
As I’d never heard before….
PERCY
What you heard
Was a dream
And nothing more…
She has now stopped completely, shivering from the memory, pitying the Agent of the Opera.
MARGUERITE
Yet in his eyes
All the sadness
Of the world
Those pleading eyes
That both threaten and adore….
Percy sighs, slowly reaching towards her again
PERCY
Margot,
Margot….
Involuntarily, Chauvelin, still behind the statue, sighs as well, echoing her name.
CHAUVELIN
Margot….
Marguerite, however, hears him, and wheels, terrified.
MARGUERITE
What was that?
Carefully, Percy draws Marguerite into his embrace, and she relaxes. He draws back slightly, holding her hand, trying to comfort and calm her.
PERCY
No more talk
Of darkness,
Forget these wide-eyed fears.
I’m here,
Nothing can harm you –
My words will
Warms and calm you.
Let me be
Your freedom,
Let daylight
Dry your tears.
I’m here,
With you, beside you,
To guard you
And to guide you….
MARGUERITE
Say you love me
Every
Waking moment.
Turn my head with talk of summertime.
Say you need me
With you
Now and always…
Promise me that all
You say is true –
That’s all I ask
Of you
PERCY
Let me be
Your shelter,
Let me
Be your light.
You’re safe:
No one will find you –
Your fears are
Far behind you.
MARGUERITE
All I want
Is freedom
A world with
No more night.
And you,
Always beside me
To hold me
And to hide me
PERCY
Then say you’ll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime
Let me lead you
From your solitude.
Say you need me
With you
Here beside you
Anywhere you go
Let me go too
Margot
That’s all I ask
Of you
MARGUERITE
Say you’ll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime
Say the word
And I will follow you
BOTH
Share each day with
Me, each
Night, each morning
MARGUERITE
Say you love me
PERCY
You know I do
BOTH
Love me
That’s all I ask
Of you!
They kiss, tightly embracing, while Chauvelin looks disgusted and heartbroken behind the statue. He begins to loose his temper a little, but manages to control himself.
BOTH
Anywhere you go
Let me go too!
Love me
That’s all I ask
Of you!
They happily kiss again, but Marguerite realizes they’ve been gone too long.
MARGUERITE
I must go
They’ll wonder
Where I am –
Wait for me, Percy!
PERCY
Margot, I love you!
MARGUERITE
Order your
Fine horses!
Be with them
At the door!
PERCY
And soon you’ll be beside me!
MARGUERITE
You’ll guard me and you’ll guide me!
They exit hand in hand while Chauvelin crawls out from behind the statue, looking a combination of hurt and stunned. He stares after her for a moment before beginning to sing, emotion choking his voice.
CHAUVELIN
I gave you my music….
Made your song take wing…
And now, how you’ve
Repaid me:
Denied me
And betrayed me!
He was bound to love you
When he heard you sing!
He begins to sob her name, heartbroken.
CHAUVELIN
Margot….
Margot!
Offstage, we can hear Percy and Marguerite echoing words of love to each other.
PERCY AND MARGUERITE
Say you’ll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime
Say the word
And I will follow you
Share each day with
Me, each
Night, each morning….
CHAUVELIN
You will curse the day
You did not do
All that the Agent asked
Of you!
He cackles madly, the opera house reappears, Marguerite is playing the Countess. Angrily, he cuts the cords of the chandelier, shouting to it.
CHAUVELIN
Go!
The chandelier falls to the stage right at Marguerite’s feet. With that, act one ends.
We open act two with Andrew and Tony, in costumes, tentatively peering at each other behind masks.
ANDREW
Lord Tony?
TONY
Sir Ffoulkes?
They raise their masks, recognize each other, and grin.
TONY
Dear Andrew,
What a splendid party!
ANDREW
The prologue
To a bright new year!
TONY
What a night!
I’m impressed!
ANDREW
Well, one does
One’s best….
BOTH
Here’s to us!
TONY
I must say,
All the same, that
It’s a shame that “Agent,”
Fellow isn’t here!
They join the rest of the guests, dressed in extravagant costumes in the Masked Ball.
CHORUS
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
So the world will
Never find you!
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade….
Masquerade!
Look around-
There’s another
Mask behind you!
Flash of mauve….
Splash of puce….
Fool and king….
Ghoul and goose
Green and black
Queen and priest
Trace of rouge
Face of beast
Faces!
Take your turn, take a ride
On the merry-go-round
In an inhuman race
Eye of gold
Thigh of blue
True is false
Who is who?
Curl of lip
Swirl of gown
Ace of hearts
Face of clown
Faces!
Drink it in
Drink it up
Till you’ve drowned
In the light
In the sound
PERCY AND MARGUERITE
But who can name the face?
ALL
Masquerade!
Grinning yellows
Spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill –
Let the spectacle
Astound you!
Masquerade!
Burning glances
Turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare
At the sea of smiles
Around you!
Masquerade!
Seething shadows
Breathing lies
Masquerade!
You can fool
Any friend who
Ever knew you!
Masquerade!
Leering satyrs,
Peering eyes
Masquerade!
Run and hide
But a face will
Still pursue you!
The ensemble takes a back seat as Andrew, Tony, Marie, Tussaud, Armand, and Louise join the party.
TUSSAUD
What a night!
MARIE
What a crowd!
ANDREW
Makes you glad!
TONY
Makes you proud!
All the crème
De la crème!
LOUISE
Watching us watching them!
MARIE AND TUSSAUD
And all our fears
Are in the past!
ANDREW
Six months!
ARMAND
Of relief!
LOUISE
Of delight!
ANDREW AND TONY
Of Elysian peace!
MARIE AND TUSSAUD
And we can breathe at last!
LOUISE
No more notes!
ARMAND
No more ghost!
TUSSAUD
Here’s a health!
ANDREW
Here’s a toast:
To a prosperous year!
TONY
To the new chandelier!
ARMAND AND LOUISE
And may its
Splendor never fade!
TONY
Six months!
TUSSAUD
What a joy!
MARIE
What a change!
TONY AND ANDREW
What a blessed release!
ANDREW
And what a masquerade!
Now they disappear into the background as Percy and Marguerite stop dancing for a moment to talk. Marguerite is wearing an engagement ring on a chain.
MARGUERITE
Think of it!
A secret engagement!
Look – your future bride!
Just think of it!
PERCY
But why is it secret?
What have we to hide?
Please let’s not fight
PERCY
Margot, you’re free!
MARGUERITE
Wait till the time is right
PERCY
When will that be?
It’s an engagement,
Not a crime!
Margot,
What are you
Afraid of?
MARGUERITE
Let’s not argue
PERCY
Let’s not argue
MARGUERITE
Please pretend
PERCY
I can only hope I’ll
MARGUERITE
You will
BOTH
Understand
In time!
One of the dancer’s requests to dance with Marguerite, and, reluctantly, Percy relinquishes her (“You can borrow her for all of five minutes!”) However, the dancer spins her out, and another catches her; this one is dressed as the Agent of the Opera. Surprised, she doesn’t get a chance to pull away, as she is spun again and caught by yet another dancer, still dressed as the Agent. This process repeats itself, each dancer spinning her more and more roughly until Percy jumps in and rescues her, dancing with her instead.
ALL
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade!
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
So the world will
Never find you!
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade!
Masquerade!
Look around –
There’s
Another
Mask behind you!
Masquerade!
Burning glances
Turning heads
Masquerade!
Stop and stare
At the sea of smiles
Around you!
Masquerade!
Grinning yellows,
Spinning reds
Masquerade!
Take your fill –
Let the spectacle
Astound you!
Suddenly, at the top of the stairs, a figure dressed completely in red (or should I say scarlet?) appears, a grotesque death’s head clearly visible inside the hood. Slowly, the Agent of the Opera descends the stairs whilst all cower in sudden terror at the deadly apparition.
CHAUVLEIN
Why so silent, good messieurs?
Did you think that I had left you for good?
Have you missed me, good messieurs?
I have written you an opera!
From his robe, he pulls out a manuscript.
CHAUVELIN
Here I bring the finished score –
“Don Juan Triumphant!”
He tosses it to Andrew, who, fumbling, catches it as Chauvelin only draws closer and closer.
CHAUVELIN
I advise you
To comply –
My instructions
Should be clear –
Remember,
There are worse things
Than a shattered chandelier
Suddenly, he notices Marguerite, who is staring, transfixed at him as he speaks. A terrible smile plays across his lips and he motions her to him. She leaves Percy, who desperately tries to hold her back, and approaches him. He notices the ring on the necklace and glances up at Sir Percy. Snarling, he rips it from her.
CHAUVELIN
Your chains are still mine –
You will sing for me!
Percy quickly grabs the stunned Marguerite and drags her back. Without any warning, the Agent disappears all together. Obviously, this spoils the party, and everyone is preparing to go. Percy notices Tussaud hurrying and quickly races after him.(Note: This is one of two scenes that were changed and/or improvised to avoid lawsuits- I mean…..for comedy……)
PERCY
Monsieur Tussaud! Monsieur Tussaud!
TUSSAUD
Monsieur, don’t ask me – I know no more than anyone else.
PERCY
That’s not true! You’ve seen something, haven’t you?
TUSSAUD
No, seriously, I don’t know anything.
PERCY
Oh…..right-o then……
They walk off in their own respective directions. We now see the managers nervously flipping through the Agent’s sheet music in their office.
ANDREW
Ludicrous!
Have you seen the score?
TONY
Simply ludicrous!
ANDREW
It’s the final straw!
TONY
This is lunacy!
Well, you know my views
ANDRE
Utter lunacy!
TONY
But we daren’t refuse
ANDREW
Not another
Chandelier
TONY
Look, my friend, what
We have here
He snatches two letters from off the desk and hands one to Andrew. He opens it, reading:
ANDREW
“Dear Andrew,
Re my orchestrations:
We need another first bassoon.
Get a player with tone –
And that third trombone
Has to go!
The man could not be deafer,
So please preferably one
Who plays in tune!”
TONY
“Dear Firmin,
vis a vis my opera:
Some chorus-members must be sacked.
If you could, find out which
Has a sense of pitch –
Wisely though,
I’ve managed to assign a
Rather minor role to those
Who cannot act!”
Because I guess their office just needs to get it’s fix of being burst into, Louise bursts in, followed by Armand, still ever the obedient puppy at her heels.
LOUISE
Outrage!
TONY
What is it now?
LOUISE
This whole affair is
An outrage!
TONY
La Louise, please
ANDREW
Now what’s the matter?
LOUISE
Have you seen
The size of my part?
ANDREW
La Louise, listen
ARMAND
It’s an insult!
TONY
Not you as well!
ARMAND
Just look at this –
It’s an insult!
TONY
Please, understand
ANDREW
Monsieur! La Louise!
LOUISE
The things I have
To do for my art!
ARMAND
If you can call
This gibberish art!
Solemn, Percy and Marguerite enter as well. Quickly, Louise snaps.
LOUISE
Ah! Here’s our little flower!
TONY
Ah, Miss St. Just,
Quite the lady
Of the hour!
ANDREW
You have
Secured the largest role
In this “Don Juan.”
LOUISE
Margot St. Just?
She doesn’t have
The voice!
TONY
La Louise, please!
PERCY
Then I take it
You’re agreeing
LOUISE
She’s behind this
ANDREW
It appears we have
No choice
LOUISE
She’s the one
Behind this!
Margot St. Just!
MARGUERITE
How dare you!
LOUISE
I’m not a fool!
MARGUERITE
You evil woman!
How dare you!
LOUISE
You think I’m blind!
MARGUERITE
This isn’t my fault!
I don’t want any
Part of this plot!
TONY
Miss St. Just, surely-
ANDREW
But why not?
ARMAND
What does she say?
TONY
It’s your decision –
But why not?
LOUISE
She’s backing out!
ANDREW
You have a duty!
MARGUERITE
I cannot sing it.
Duty or not!
PERCY
Margot
Margot
You don’t have to
They can’t make you…..
She rests in his embrace as he comforts her while Marie and Tussaud enter.
TUSSAUD
Please, Monsieur:
Another note.
Tony and Andrew groan and motion for him to read it instead.
TUSSAUD
“Fondest greetings
To you all!
A few instructions,
Just before
Rehearsal starts:
….”
Slowly, Chauvelin’s voice fades in as Tussaud reads the letter, each reacting in turn when mentioned.
CHAUVLEIN
….La Louise must
Be taught to act
Not her normal trick
Of strutting round the stage.
Our Don Juan must
Lose some weight –
It’s not healthy in
A man of Armand’s age.
And my managers
Must learn
That their place is in
An office, not the arts!
As for Marguerite St. Just…..
No doubt she’ll
Do her best – it’s
True her voice is
Good. She knows, though,
Should she wish to excel,
She has much still
To learn, if pride will
Let her
Return to me, her
Teacher,
Her teacher…..
Your obedient friend….
TUSSAUD
“…and Angel.”
Percy suddenly comes up with one of his clever and wonderful ideas (because Percy’s just clever and wonderful like that.)
PERCY
We have all been
Blind – and yet the
Answer is staring us
In the face
This could be the
Chance to ensnare our
Clever friend
ANDREW
We’re listening!
TONY
Go on!
PERCY
We shall play
His game – perform his
Work – but remember we
Hold the ace!
For, if Miss. St. Just
Sings, he is certain to attend
ANDREW
We make certain
The doors are barred!
TONY
We make certain
Our men are there!
PERCY
We make certain
Their armed
PERCY, ANDREW, AND TONY
The curtain falls –
His reign will end!
Everyone is very surprised, but Tussaud most of all.
TUSSAUD
Madness!
ANDREW
I’m not so sure…
TONY
Not if it works!
TUSSAUD
This is madness!
ANDREW
The tide will turn!
TUSSAUD
Monsieur, believe me-
There is no way of
Turning the tide!
TONY
You stick to ballet!
PERCY
Then help us!
TUSSAUD
Monsieur, I can’t
PERCY
Instead of warning us
PERCY, ANDREW, AND TONY
Help us!
TUSSAUD
I wish I could
PERCY, ANDREW, AND TONY
Don’t make excuses!
PERCY
Or could it be that
You’re on his side?
TUSSAUD
Monsieur, believe me,
I intend no ill
But messieurs, be careful –
We have seen him kill!
ANDREW AND TONY
We say he’ll fall,
And fall he will!
LOUISE
She’s the one behind this!
Margot!
This is all her doing!
ARMAND
This is the truth!
Margot St. Just!
PERCY
This is his undoing!
ANDREW AND TONY
If you succeed
You free us all –
This so-called “Angel”
Has to fall!
TUSSAUD
Hear my warning!
Fear his fury!
LOUISE
What glory can
She hope to gain?
It clear to all
The girl’s insane!
ANDREW
If Margot sings
We’ll get our man
ARMAND
She is crazy!
She is raving!
TONY
If Margot helps
Us in this plan
PERCY
Say your prayers,
Black angel of death!
MARGUERITE
Please, don’t!
ANDREW
If Margot won’t,
Then no-one can
TUSSAUD
Monsieur, I beg you,
Do not do this
ARMAND AND LOUIS
Gran Dio!
Che imbroglio!
ANDREW AND TONY
This will seal his fate!
MARGUERITE
If you don’t stop,
I’ll go mad!
She grabs Percy’s hand, finally having succeeded in getting everyone’s attention. She makes a last ditch effort to talk him out of his scheme.
MARGUERITE
Percy, I’m frightened –
Don’t make me do this
Percy, it scares me –
Don’t put me through this
Ordeal by fire
He’ll take me, I know
We’ll be parted for ever
He won’t let me go….
What I once used to dream
I now dread
If he finds me, it won’t
Ever end
And he’ll always be there
Singing songs in my head
He’ll always be there,
Singing songs in my head…..
LOUISE
She’s mad!
Percy comforts her as best he can, but they both know that it’s something she must do.
PERCY
You said yourself
He was nothing but a man
Yet while he lives,
He will haunt us
Till we’re dead….
MARGUERITE
Twisted every way,
What answer can I give?
Am I to risk my life,
To earn the chance to live?
Can I betray the man,
Who once inspired my voice?
Do I become his prey?
Do I have any choice?
He kills without a thought,
He murders all that’s good
I know I can’t refuse,
And yet, I wish I could
Oh God – If I agree,
What horrors wait for me
In this, the Agent’s opera?
Percy very tenderly implores her
PERCY
Margot, Margot,
Don’t think that I don’t care –
But every hope
And every prayer
Rests on you now…
Marguerite finally nods sadly before racing out of the room, too conflicted by her emotions. Percy is about to chase after her, but thinks better of it, deciding she needs to be alone. Angrily, he addresses Chauvelin, hoping that he hears him.
PERCY
So, it is to be war between us! But this time, clever friend, the disaster will be yours!
Now we join the cast of “Don Juan Triumphant,” and Lord Edward Hastings as the rehearsals begin.
CHORUS
Hide your sword, wounded knight! Your vainglorious gasconade brought you to your final fight – for your pride, high price you’ve paid!
MARGUERITE
Silken couch and hay-filled barn – both have been his battlefield.
Armand begins his part, but sings it wrong.
ARMAND
Those who tangle with Don Juan -
EDWARD
No, no, no! Chorus – rest, please. Don Juan, Monsieur Armand, here is the phrase:
Those who tangle with Don Juan….
Armand tries again, but is still wrong
ARMAND
Those who tangle with Don Juan!
LOUISE
His way is better. At least he make it sound like music!
TUSSAUD
Mademoiselle – would you speak that way in the presence of the composer?
LOUISE
The composer is not here! And if he were, I would-
TUSSAUD
Are you certain of that, mademoiselle?
DEWARD
So, once again – after seven: Five, six, seven!
He’s still wrong.
ARMAND
Those who tangle with Don Juan!
LOUISE
Ah, piu non posso! What does it matter what notes we sing ?
TUSSAUD
Have patience, mademoiselle.
LOUISE
No one will know if it is right or if it is wrong. No one will care if it is right or if it is wrong!
Mockingly, she screeches out some high notes for the phrase.
LOUISE
Those who tangle with Don Juan!
Armand practices desperately, but with little success, and turns to Marguerite for help.
ARMAND
Those who tan….tan… Is right?
MARGUERITE
Not quite, monsieur: Those who tan…tan…..
Lord Hastings tries to restore order, but without success.
EDWARD
Ladies, Monsieur Armand, if you please!
Suddenly, without anyone’s assistance, the piano begins to play the piece with force and rhythm. All freeze and begin to sing perfectly. As this continues, Marguerite moves away from the others.
CHORUS
Poor young maiden! For the thrill
On your tongue of stolen sweets
You will have to pay the bill –
Tangled in the winding sheets!
Finally, the ensemble disappears altogether, and Marguerite begins to sing, transfixed and independent.
MARGUERITE
In sleep
He sang to me,
In dreams
He came…
That voice which calls to me
And speaks
My name….
Marguerite now enters the cemetery where her dear old papa is buried.
MARGUERITE
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……
You were once
My one companion
You were all
That mattered
You were once
A friend and father
Then my world was shattered….
Wishing you were
Somehow here again….
Wishing you were
Somehow near
Sometimes it seemed,
If I just dreamed,
Somehow you would
Be here……
Wishing I could
Hear your voice again
Knowing that I
Never would
Dreaming of you
Won’t help me to do
All that you dreamed
I could…..
Passing bells
And sculpted angels,
Cold and monumental,
Seem, for you,
The wrong companions –
You were warm and gentle….
Too many years
Fighting back tears
Why can’t the past
Just die?
Wishing you were
Somehow here again
Knowing we must
Say goodbye
Try to forgive
Teach me to live
Give me the strength
To try!
No more memories,
No more silent tears
No more gazing across
The wasted years
Help me say
Goodbye….
Suddenly, from behind a cross atop a pile of human skulls, comes Chauvelin’s voice, mesmerizing Marguerite.
CHAUVELIN
Wandering child
So lost
So helpless
Yearning for my
Guidance
MARGUERITE
Angel or father
Friend or
Phantom?
Who is it there,
Staring?
CHAUVELIN
Have you
Forgotten
Your Angel?
MARGUERITE
Angel, oh speak!
What endless
Longings
Echo in this
Whisper?
Percy has succeeded in tracking down Marguerite, and is suddenly surprised to hear Chauvelin’s voice.
CHAUVELIN
Too long you’ve wandered
In winter
PERCY
Once again
She is his
CHAUVELIN
Far from my
Far-reaching gaze
PERCY
Once again
She returns
MARGUERITE
Wildly my mind
Beats against you
CHAUVELIN
You resist
MARGUERITE AND CHAUVELIN
Yet your/the soul
Obeys!
PERCY
To the arms
Of her
Angel or demon
Still he calls her
Luring her back, from the grave
Angel or dark seducer?
Who are you, strange
Angel?
CHAUVELIN
Angel of Music!
You denied me,
Turning from true beauty
Angel of Music!
Do no not shun me
Come to your strange
Angel….
MARGUERITE
Angel of Music!
I denied you,
Turning from true beauty
Angel of Music!
My protector
Come to me, strange
Angel!
Chauvelin now climbs down from the cross and beckons Marguerite to him, and, hypnotically, she begins to walk toward him. With a cry, Percy launches foreword to stop her.
CHAUVELIN
I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
PERCY
Angel of darkness!
Cease this torment!
Neither listen, and Percy grabs Marguerite’s hand. Still she does not awaken.
CHAUVELIN
I am your Angel of Music
Come to me: Angel of Music
PERCY
Marguerite! Marguerite, listen to me! Whatever you may believe, this man – this thing! – is not your father! (A.N.: Good thing, too. I mean, really, who wants to be seduced by their father? *gags*) Let her go! For God’s sake, let her go! Marguerite!
Finally, Marguerite realizes what she’s doing and snaps out of it, flinging herself into Percy’s arms, while Chauvelin looks disgusted, watching.
MARGUERITE
Percy!
CHAUVELIN
Bravo, monsieur! Such spirited words!
PERCY
More tricks, citizen?
CHAUVELIN
Let’s see, monsieur, how far you dare go!
PERCY
More deception? More violence?
MARGUERITE
Percy, no! (“Honestly, Marguerite, Percy can fight!” “He can?” “That’s right! I can fight!”)
Stupidly, Percy begins to advance on Chauvelin, who draws out a sword, challenging him.
CHAUVELIN
That’s right, that’s right, monsieur! Keep walking this way!
PERCY
You can’t win her love by making her your prisoner!
MARGUERITE
Percy, don’t!
She tries to chase after him to drag him away, but he protectively shoves her back.
PERCY
Stay back!
CHAUVELIN
I’m here, I’m here, monsieur: the Angel of Death! Come on, come on, monsieur, don’t stop! Don’t stop!
Insistently, Marguerite chases after him again, grabbing his hand. He looks back at her and sees her terrified. He gives in and they quickly retreat.
MARGUERITE
Percy! Come back!
CHAUVELIN
Don’t go! So be it! Now let it be war upon you both!
Back at the Comedie Francaise, Percy, Andrew, and Tony are working with the police on the scheme to kill The Agent of the Opera.
CHIEF
You understand your instructions?
FIREMEN
Sir!
CHIEF
(A.N.: If they understand, why does he have to repeat himself?)
When you hear the whistle, take up your positions, I shall then instruct you to secure the doors. It is essential that all doors are properly secured.
TONY
Are we doing this thing right, Andrew?
ANDREW
Have you got a better idea?
CHIEF
Sir Percy, am I to give the order?
PERCY
Give the order.
The chief blows the whistle and we hear several clicks of doors locking.
PERCY
You, in the pit – do you have a clear view of Box Five?
MARKSMAN
Yes, sir.
PERCY
Remember, when the time comes, shoot. Only if you have to – but shoot to kill.
MARKSMAN
How will I know, sir?
PERCY
You’ll know
TONY
Sir Percy, are you confident that this will work? Will Miss St. Just sing?
PERCY
Don’t worry, Tony. Andrew?
ANDREW
We’re in your hands, sir.
CHIEF
My men are now in position, sir.
PERCY
Go ahead, then!
Suddenly, Chauvelin’s voice is heard. However, it keeps skipping all over, and the people are looking around wildly.
CHAUVELIN
I’m here: The Agent of the Opera….
I’m here: The Agent of the Opera….
Nervously, the marksman takes a shot at Box Five, and Percy angrily wheels.
PERCY
Idiot! You’ll kill someone (A.N.: Wasn’t that the intended effect?)! I said: Only when the time comes!
MARKSMAN
But….Sir Percy –
CHAUVELIN
No buts! For once, Sir Percy 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!
And now, the moment of truth: The start of the performance of Don Juan Triumphant. The seats are all packed with a nervous audience.
CHORUS
Here the sire may serve the dam,
Here the master takes his meat!
Here the sacrificial lamb
Utters one despairing bleat!
Poor young maiden! For the thrill
On your tongue of stolen sweets
You will have to pay the bill –
Tangled in the winding sheets!
Serve the meal and serve the maid!
Serve the master so that, when
Tables, plans and maids are laid,
Don Juan triumphs once again!
Armand enters as Don Juan while another actor plays Passarino. Marie dances suggestively for him and he tosses her a bag of coins.
ARMAND
Passarino, faithful friend,
Once again recite the plan.
PASSARINO
Your young guest believes I’m you –
I, the master; you, the man.
ARMAND
When you met you wore my cloak,
With my scarf you hid your face.
She believes she dines with me,
In her master’s borrowed place!
Furtively, we’ll scoff and quaff,
Stealing what, in truth, is mine.
When it’s late and modesty
Starts to mellow, with the wine…
PASSARINO
You come home! I use your voice –
Slam the door like crack of doom!
DON JUAN
I shall say: “Come – Hide with me!
Where, oh, where? Of course – my room!”
PASSARINO
Poor thing hasn’t got a chance!
DON JUAN
Here’s my hat, my cloak and sword.
Conquest is assured,
If I do not forget myself and laugh!
They laugh, and Armand leaves the stage to put on his black costume mask. Suddenly, a black shadow snags him, and Chauvelin takes his place. From off stage, we can hear Marguerite, playing Aminta as she enters.
MARGUERITE
No thoughts
Within her head,
But thoughts of joy!
No dreams
Within her heart,
But dreams of love!
PASSARINO
Master?
Chauvelin, now dressed as Don Juan, enters. No one realizes it’s him yet.
CHAUVELIN
Passarino – go away!
For the trap is set and waits for it’s prey!
You have come here
In pursuit of
Your deepest urge,
In pursuit of
That wish,
Which till now
Has been silent,
Silent….
I have brought you,
That our passions
May fuse and merge –
In your mind
You’ve already
Succumbed to me,
Dropped all defenses,
Completely succumbed to me –
Now you are here with me:
No second thoughts,
You’ve decided,
Decided…..
Past the point
Of no return –
No backward glances:
The games we’ve played
Till now are at
An end
Past all thought
Of “If,” or “When,”
No use resisting:
Abandon thought,
And let the dream
Descend!
What raging fire
Shall flood the soul?
What rich desire
Unlocks it’s door?
What sweet seduction
Lies before
Us?
Past the point of
No return,
The final threshold –
What warm,
Unspoken secrets
Shall we learn?
Beyond the point
Of no return…..
MARGUERITE
You have brought me
At that moment
Where words run dry,
To that moment
Where speech
Disappears
Into silence,
Silence….
I have come here, hardly knowing
The reason why
In my mind,
I’ve already
Imagined our
Bodies entwining,
Defenseless and silent –
And now I am
Here with you:
No second thoughts,
I’ve decided,
Decided….
Past the point
Of no return –
No going back now:
Our passion-play
Has now, at last,
Begun
Past all thought
Of right or wrong –
One final question:
How long should we
Two wait, before
We’re one?
When will the blood
Begin to race?
The sleeping bud
Burst into bloom?
When will the flames
At last, consume
Us?
BOTH
Past the point
Of no return,
The final threshold –
The bridge
Is crossed, so stand
And watch it burn
We’ve passed the point
Of no return….
Now everyone has realized that Don Juan is really The Agent of the Opera, and he has drawn Marguerite into his arms. He confirms everyone’s suspicions when he suddenly starts to sing.
CHAUVELIN
Say you’ll share with
Me one
Love, one lifetime
Lead me, save me
From my solitude….
He takes a ring from his own finger and puts it on Marguerite’s, who is stunned, not protesting.
CHAUVELIN
Say you want me
With you,
Here beside you
Anywhere you go
Let me go too –
Margot,
That’s all I ask of –
Marguerite suddenly cuts him off when she rips the black costume mask from his face, revealing….okay, so it’s Chauvelin, but you just have to pretend that he’s terribly disfigured. Surprised, he does nothing for a moment, before he quickly sweeps his cloak over her and vanishes. Percy races from his box to the stage. Marie, already there, lifts the curtain to see Armand, his head separated from his body, a victim of La Guillotine. (I know, I’m terrible, but just remember Eldorado, and this doesn’t seem so bad….) Louise races on stage, screaming, while Tony and Andrew are cowering in their box in terror.
LOUISE
What is it? What has happened? Armand!
ANDREW
Oh, my God, my God!
TONY
We’re ruined, Andrew, ruined!
LOUISE
Oh, my darling, my darling! Who has done this!
She wheels on Andrew and Tony
LOUISE
You! Why did you let this happen?
Tussaud stops Percy as he tries to find Marguerite. (This is the other edited scene.)
TUSSAUD
Sir Percy! I know where they are!
PERCY
But you said you didn’t know anything!
TUSSAUD
Did I really?
Impatiently, Percy responds:
PERCY
Yes, you did.
TUSSAUD
Oh…..Well, I was lying.
PERCY
So you can take me to Marguerite?
TUSSAUD
Yes!
PERCY
Lead on, then!
Chauvelin has dragged Marguerite back to the boat and is rowing furiously to the lair.
CHAUVELIN
Down once more
To the kingdom
Of my black despair!
Down we plunge
To the prison
Of my mind!
Down that path
Into darkness
Deep as hell!
Why, you ask,
Was I bound and chained
In this cold and dismal place?
Not for any
Mortal sin, but the
Wickedness of
My abhorrent face!
Offstage, a mob has assembled, intent of tracking down the Agent of the Opera.
MOB
Track down this murderer!
He must be found!
CHAUVELIN
Hounded out by
Everyone!
Met with hatred
Everywhere!
No kind word from
Anyone!
No compassion
Anywhere!
Margot, Margot!
Why? Why?.....
Tussaud has led Percy to the lake, and he takes a nervous step back from the shore.
TUSSAUD
He lives across, Sir Percy. This is as far as I dare go.
PERCY
Thank you, Tussaud!
He dives into the water as the Mob enters, searching for a way across the lake.
MOB
Track down this
Murderer-
He must be found!
Hunt out this
Animal,
Who runs to ground!
Too long he’s
Preyed on us –
But now we know:
The Agent of the Opera
Is there,
Deep down below….
He’s here: The Agent of the Opera…..
The boat lands, and Chauvelin drags Marguerite out. He is skulking around the lair, collecting papers that had been scattered. She finally conquers her fear and addresses him harshly.
MARGUERITE
Have you gorged yourself
At last, in your
Lust for blood?
He turns and smirks at her but says nothing.
MARGUERITE
Am I now to be
Prey to your
Lust for flesh?
He sighs, taking a step toward her as she takes a step back.
CHAUVELIN
That fate, which
Condemns me
To wallow in blood
Has also
Denied me
The joys of the flesh….
This face –
The infection
Which poisons our love….
He turns to the wax Marguerite figure and takes the wedding veil from off it, but just holds it and does not approach her.
CHAUVELIN
This face,
Which earned
A mother’s fear
And loathing
A mask,
My first
Unfeeling scrap of clothing
He now forcefully grabs her by the wrist and pulls her too him. She does not protest, and he puts the veil on her head, holding her at arms length, hands on her shoulders.
CHAUVELIN
Pity comes
Too late –
Turn around
And face your fate:
An eternity of this
Before your eyes!
She looks at him calmly, no longer afraid, and responds.
MARGUERITE
This haunted face
Holds no horror
For me now
It’s in your soul
That the true
Distortion lies
He’s shocked by the sudden admission. During this time, Percy has come up out of the lake and is approaching the portcullis. He suddenly releases Marguerite and turns to the gate, catching Percy.
CHAUVELIN
Wait! I think, my dear,
We have a guest!
Sir, this is indeed
An unparalleled delight!
I had rather hoped
That you would come,
And now my wish comes true –
You have truly made my night!
Percy pleads with Chauvelin, groping through the bars, while Marguerite watches in horror.
PERCY
Free her!
Do what you like,
Only free her!
Have you no pity?
CHAUVELIN
Your lover makes
A passionate plea!
MARGUERITE
Please, Percy, it’s useless…..
PERCY
I love her!
Does that mean nothing?
I love her!
Show some compassion!
CHAUVELIN
The world showed no
Compassion to me!
PERCY
Margot,
Margot…..
Let me see her!
CHAUVELIN
Be my guest, sir!
He raises the portcullis, and Percy rushes foreword to Marguerite.
CHAUVELIN
Monsieur, I
Bid you welcome!
Did you think that
I would harm her?
Why should I make
Her pay
For the sins which
Are yours?
Too late! Chauvelin has roped Percy and tied him to a pillar while Marguerite cries out. He takes the dustcover off of a huge guillotine, cackling.
CHAUVELIN
Order your fine horses now!
Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes!
Nothing can save you now –
Except for Marguerite!
Marguerite races foreword to try and free Percy, but Chauvelin catches her and drags her back.
CHAVUELIN
Start a new life with me –
Buy his freedom with your love!
Refuse me, and you send your lover to his
Death!
This is the choice –
This is the point of no return!
MARGUERITE
The tears I might have shed
For your dark fate
Grow cold, and turn to tears
Of hate!
PERCY
Margot, forgive
Me, please forgive me!
I did it all
For you, and all for
Nothing!
MARGUERITE
Farewell,
My fallen idol
And false friend
One by one
I’ve watched illusions shattered
CHAUVELIN
Too late for
Turning back,
Too late for
Prayers and
Useless pity!
PERCY
Say you love him,
And my
Life is over!
CHAUVELIN
Past all hope
Of cries for help:
No point in fighting –
PERCY
Either way
You choose,
He has to win!
CHAUVELIN
For either way
You choose,
You cannot win!
So, do you end
Your days with me,
Or do you send
Him to his grave?
PERCY
Why make her lie
To you, to save me?
MARGUERITE
Angel of Music….
CHAUVELIN
Past the point
Of no return
PERCY
For pity’s sake,
Margot, say no!
MARGUERITE
Why this torment?
CHAUVELIN
The final threshold!
PERCY
Don’t throw your life
Away for my sake!
MARGUERITE
When will you see
Reason?
CHAUVELIN
His life is now the prize
Which you must earn!
PERCY
I fought so hard
To free you!
MARGUERITE
Angel of Music!
CHAUVELIN
You’ve past the point
Of no return!
MARGUERITE
You deceived me!
I gave my mind
Blindly…..
CHAUVELIN
You try my patience –
Make your choice!
She stares from Percy, to Chauvelin, sobbing. Finally, she slowly approaches Chauvelin.
MARGUERITE
Pitiful creature
Of darkness
What kind of life
Have you known?
God, give me courage
To show you
You are not
Alone!
She falls into his embrace and they kiss passionately while Percy looks away in disgust. Chauvelin lets her go, cutting Percy’s bonds before taking Marguerite into his arms again. Horrified, Percy does not leave, heartbroken. From offstage, we can hear the mob again, and Chauvelin suddenly looks terrified (woe to the Republic when the mob turns on it!)
MOB
Track down this
Murderer –
He must be found!
Hunt out this
Animal,
Who runs to ground!
Too long he’s
Preyed on us –
But now we know:
The Agent of the Opera
Is here,
Deep down below!
Who is this monster,
This murdering beast?
Revenge for Armand!
Revenge for St. Cyr!
This creature
Must never go free!
Chauvelin reluctantly let’s Marguerite go, ushering her into Percy’s arms. Both are surprised at the sudden change of heart, and stare, stupefied. Chauvelin is quickly hiding things and rearranging things, ordering them out.
CHAUVELIN
Take her – forget me – forget all of this
Leave me alone – forget all you’ve seen!
Go now – don’t let them find you!
Take the boat – Leave me here – go now,
Don’t wait!
Just take her and go – before it’s too late!
Go!
Go now and leave me!
Percy and Marguerite do not question him, and rush off stage. Chauvelin settles into a chair with the Monkey Music Box, which plays, soothing him as he cries for Marguerite.
CHAUVELIN
Masquerade
Paper faces on parade
Masquerade
Hide your face
So the world will
Never find you……
Suddenly, Marguerite comes back on stage. Chauvelin stares at her, stupefied. She takes the gold ring off her finger, takes his hand, and puts it on his palm, wrapping his fingers around it. As she begins to leave, he calls after her.
CHAUVELIN
Margot, I love you!
From off stage, we can hear Percy and Marguerite singing to each other as the mob advances.
MARGUERITE
Say you’ll share with
Me, one
Love, one lifetime –
Say the word
And I will follow you!
PERCY
Share each day with me!
MARGUERITE
Each night!
BOTH
Each morning!
CHAUVELIN
You alone
Can make my song take flight –
It’s over now, the music of the night!
He wraps his cloak around him and disappears as the mob enters, Marie included. They look around for everyone, but can’t find anything. Slowly, Marie crosses the lair and picks up Chauvelin’s mask in her hands.
The End
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