Scene 8

The Managers' Office

Desk, chairs, papers. Firmin is scornfully eyeing a newspaper article

Firmin        Andre

"Mystery   after gala night,"   if says, "Mystery   of soprano's flight!"   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' a scandal that'll   pack 'em in the aisles . . .

 

One by one Raoul, Carlotta, Mme Giry and Meg drift in          Opens the letter and reads. The Phantom's voice gradually takes over.                                      pointing an accusing finger              announcing it to everyone            All look at Carlotta, as the Managers approach  her lovingly)

Giry  Raoul/  Carlotta/  Andre  Firmin      Phantom's  Voice  (taking  over)                              Carlotta        Firmin  Andre  Firmin    Andre/  Firmin  Andre  Firmin

Here I have a note    Let me see it      "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 one last chance . . ."  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  in the role of Countess.  The role which Miss Daae 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.  Christine  It's all a ploy to help Christine!  I know who sent this:  The Vicomte - her lover!  The man is mad!  We don't take orders!  Miss Daae will be playing  the Pageboy - the silent role . . .  Carlotta will be playing  the lead!  Your public need you!  We need you, too!

 

 

Carlotta registers her acceptance as the Managers continue to cajole and the others reflect variously on the situation                      Ignoring him

Andre/  Firmin                  Carlotta          All          Phantom's  voice  All

Prima donna  first lady of the stage!  Your devotees  are on their knees  to implore you !  Can you deny us the triumph  in store?  Sing, prima donna, once more!    Prima donna  your song shall live again!  You took a snub  but there's a public  who needs you!  Light up the stage  with that age old  rapport!  Sing, prima donna,  once more!  So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not  met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!  Once more

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