ACT II - Six months later

Scene 1

Masquerade - the staircase of the Paris Opera House

A gauze half conceals the tableau of guests at the opera ball. The guests (whom we cannot yet see   clearly) are in fancy dress, a peacock, a lion, a   dragon, Mephistopheles, a highwayman, a clown, knights, ladies, an executioner.

Firmin        Chorus

Dear Andre   what a splendid party!   A prologue to a bright new year.   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!

 

They clink glasses and move off Raoul and Christine emerge. She is admiring a new acquisition: an engagement ring from Raoul, which she has   attached to a gold chain around her neck.

Andre  Piangi  Carlotta  Andre/  Firmin  Meg/Giry  Carlotta  Piangi  Giry  Andre    Firmin  Piangi/  Carlotta  Firmin  Giry  Meg  Firmin/  Andre  Andre  Christine        Raoul    Christine    All

Six months...   Of relief!   Of delight!   Of Elysian peace!      And we can breathe at last!   No more notes!   No more ghost!   Here's a health!   Here's a toast:   to a prosperous year!   To the new chandelier!   And may its   splendour never fade!   Six months!   What a joy!   What a change!   What a blessed release!      And what a masquerade!   Think of it!   A secret engagement!   Look - your future bride!   Just think of it!   But why is it secret?   What have we to hide?   Wait till the time is right.      Masquerade!   Paper faces on parade!   Masquerade!   Hide your face,   so the world will   never find you!   Masquerade!   Grinning yellows,   spinning reds . . .   Masquerade!   Take your fill -   let the spectacle   astound you!

 

A grotesque figure suddenly appears at the lop of the staircase. Dressed all in crimson, with a death's head visible inside the hood of his robe, the Phantom has come to the party. He descends the stairs and takes the   centre of the stage              Christine, mesmerized, approaches as the  Phantom beckons her. He reaches out, grasps the   chain that holds the secret engagement ring, and rips it from her throat   He disappears

Phantom

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!   Here I bring the finished score -   "Don Juan Triumphant" !   I advise you   to comply -   my instructions   should be clear -   Remember   there are worse things   than a shattered chandelier . . .      Your chains are still mine -   you will sing for me!

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