Happy Thanksgiving!
No big news, just a post-turkey treat for all of you: "Notes/Prima Donna." Bon Appetiet!
INT-MANAGER’S OFFICE-DAY
A newspaper with a banner headline reading “MYSTÉRE DE GALA.” It is in the hands of Firmin, who reads it as he paces about the office shared by André and himself: an austere, business-like place, with a double desk for the managers, leather chairs for visitors, books, papers. A door leads to the Opera’s ornate hall.
FIRMIN
“Mystery after gala night!”
It says, “Mystery of soprano’s flight!”
“Mystified,” baffled Sûréte say,
“We are mystified, we suspect foul play.”
Bad news on soprano scene:
First Carlotta, now Christine!
(glancing at the ledger on his desk)
Still, at least the seats get sold…
Gossip’s worth its weight in gold!
He sits at his side of the desk, leaning back and chuckling to himself as he examines the paper.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
“Diva tenders resignation,
Cover takes a moonlight flit!”
Half your cast disappears,
But the crowd still cheers!
(shaking his head in disbelief)
Opera!
To Hell with Gluck and Handel
Have a scandal
And you’re sure to have a hit!
André bursts into the room in a temper, the morning paper in one hand, his mail in the other.
ANDRÉ
Damnable! Will they all walk out?
This is damnable!
FIRMIN
(amused at his partner’s irritation)
André, please don’t shout!
It’s publicity, and the take is vast!
Free publicity!
ANDRÉ
(slumping down at his desk)
But we have no cast!
FIRMIN
But André, have you seen the queue?
His face falls, for André has been thumbing through his mail, and is regarding one piece with displeasure: the Phantom’s stationary.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
Oh, it seems you’ve got one too…
He produces a similar note from the papers on his desk. With a sigh, André reads his note aloud.
ANDRÉ
“Dear André, what a charming gala,
Christine enjoyed a great success.
We were hardly bereft
When Carlotta left-
Otherwise,
The chorus was entrancing
But the dancing
Was a lamentable mess!”
He flings the note on his desk as Firmin reads his, clearly outraged by the author’s audacity.
FIRMIN
“Dear Firmin, just a brief reminder:
My salary has not been paid
Send it care of the ghost
By return of post-
PTO:
(turning letter over)
No one likes a debtor
So it’s better
If my orders are obeyed!”
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(mutually annoyed)
Who would have the gall to send this?
Someone with a puerile brain!
FIRMIN
(taking both notes and comparing them)
These are both signed “O.G.”-
ANDRÉ
Who the hell is he?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(realizing)
“Opera Ghost”!
FIRMIN
(stands, ripping both notes defiantly)
It’s really not amusing!
ANDRÉ
(standing also)
He’s abusing our position-
FIRMIN
(this is what really irritates him)
In addition,
He wants money!
ANDRÉ
He’s a funny
Sort of specter
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(at opposite ends of the desk, venting)
To expect a
Large retainer!
Nothing plainer,
He is clearly quite insane!
Behind them, the door is thrown open-it is Raoul, agitated and furious, bearing another of the Phantom’s notes.
RAOUL
Where is she?
ANDRÉ
You mean Carlotta?
RAOUL
I mean Miss Daaé, where is she?
FIRMIN
Well, how should we know?
RAOUL
(brandishing the note)
I want an answer-
I take it that you sent me this note?
Firmin and André are shocked and insulted by the accusation.
FIRMIN
What’s all this nonsense?
ANDRÉ
Of course not!
FIRMIN
Don’t look at us!
RAOUL
(confused)
She’s not with you then?
FIRMIN
Of course not!
ANDRÉ
We’re in the dark!
RAOUL
(trying hard to restrain himself)
Monsieur, don’t argue-
Isn’t this the letter you wrote?
FIRMIN
(snatching it away from him)
And what is it that we’re meant to have wrote?
A beat, as André and Raoul react to his poor grammar.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
(correcting himself)
Written!
André, meanwhile, takes the note from his partner’s hand, opens it, and reads:
ANDRÉ
“Do not fear for Miss Daaé,
The Angel of Music
Has her under his wing.
Make no attempt
To see her again.”
Firmin and André share a confused glance. Raoul folds his arms, contemptuous.
RAOUL
If you didn’t write it, who did?
IN THE HALLWAY
Carlotta flings open the hall doors dramatically, in full diva rage. She too has a note from the Phantom.
CARLOTTA
Where is he?
ANDRÉ
(coming to the office door, arms outstretched)
Ah, welcome back!
CARLOTTA
Your precious patron, where is he?
She shoves past André into the office.
MANAGER’S OFFICE
André shuts the door as Carlotta storms over to Raoul.
RAOUL
What is it now?
CARLOTTA
(waving the note under his nose)
I have your letter--
A letter which I rather resent!
FIRMIN
(already guessing the answer)
And did you send it?
RAOUL
Of course not!
ANDRÉ
(placating, to Carlotta)
As if he would!
CARLOTTA
(sneering)
You didn’t send it?
RAOUL
Of course not!
FIRMIN
(to André)
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?
(takes note from her, opens it, and reads)
“Your days at the Opera Garnier are numbered.
Christine Daaé will be singing on your behalf tonight.
Be prepared for a great misfortune
Should you attempt to take her place.”
He hands the note to Firmin and André, who examine it, then, after a suspicious glance at the others, huddle together.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Far too many notes for my taste!
And most of them about Christine…
All we’ve heard since we came
Is Miss Daaé’s name-
They open the door to leave the office, but their path is blocked by Mme. Giry, who is on the other side, and Meg, peeping over her mother’s shoulder. The managers start, but Mme. Giry regards them coolly.
MME. GIRY
Miss Daaé has returned.
FIRMIN
(entirely fed up, elbows past her into the hall)
In which case, I’d say this meeting is adjourned!
HALLWAY
André follows Firmin into the hall. Raoul approaches Mme. Giry.
ANDRÉ
Where precisely is she now?
MME. GIRY
I thought it best
That she went home-
MEG
She needed rest…
RAOUL
May I see her?
MME. GIRY
(cold)
No monsieur, she will see no one…
CARLOTTA
(standing in the office doorway)
Will she sing, will she sing?
Mme. Giry calmly produces a note from the folds of her gown.
MME. GIRY
Here I have a note…
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/CARLOTTA/RAOUL
Let me see it!
There is a brief tussle as they all go for the offending missive, which ends up in Firmin’s hands.
FIRMIN
(to the others)
Please!
(he opens the note and reads, growing angrier by the word)
“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…
As Firmin reads, his voice is gradually replaced by that of the Phantom.
PHANTOM (V/O)
…I shall give you one last chance.
Christine Daaé has returned to you,
And I am anxious her career should progress.
In the new production of “Il Muto”…
INT-STAGE (FANTASY)-NIGHT
The performance of “Il Muto,” as the Phantom would have it: Christine, resplendent in late-18th century costume, shining in a blaze of limelight, a star of the first degree. Behind her, almost lost in the shadows, is Carlotta, humbly dressed as a page, silent and forgotten.
PHANTOM (V/O, Con’t)
…You will therefore cast Carlotta as the pageboy,
And put Miss Daaé in the role of Countess.
The role which Miss Daaé plays
Calls for charm and appeal,
The role of the pageboy is silent,
Which makes my casting, in a word, ideal…
INT-SECRET PASSAGE (HALLWAY)-BACK TO REALITY
The Phantom’s secret thoroughfare adjoining the hall, which is visible thanks to the one-way mirrors which line it. The Phantom, partially reflected in the glass, paces down the passage, his expression grim as he observes the conference in the next room.
PHANTOM (V/O, Con’t)
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…
INT-HALLWAY-CONTINUOUS
The Phantom’s voice fades as Firmin’s takes over again.
FIRMIN
…beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G.”
A brief pause while everyone digests this-then Carlotta explodes.
CARLOTTA
Christine!
ANDRÉ
(wearily)
Whatever next?
CARLOTTA
It’s all a ploy to help Christine!
FIRMIN
This is insane!
CARLOTTA
(snatching note from Firmin)
I know who sent this:
(an accusing finger)
The Vicomte, her lover!
RAOUL
(indignant)
Indeed! Can you believe this?
Carlotta turns and attacks the managers, who try to placate her.
ANDRÉ
Signora!
CARLOTTA
I am unwanted!
FIRMIN
This is a joke!
CARLOTTA
I am unwelcomed!
ANDRÉ
This changes nothing!
FIRMIN
Signora…
ANDRÉ
You are our star-
FIRMIN
And always will be!
ANDRÉ
Signora…
FIRMIN
The man is mad!
ANDRÉ
We don’t take orders!
FIRMIN
(putting his foot down)
Miss Daaé will be playing the pageboy-
The silent role…
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(extending their arms to Carlotta)
Carlotta will be playing the lead!
But Carlotta brushes them aside, making a grand scene. The others react to her: the managers with chagrin, Raoul with disbelief, and Mme. Giry and Meg with a mixture of disgust and amusement.
CARLOTTA
It’s useless trying to appease me!
You’re only saying this to please me!
I will not listen!
You thus insult the honor of your prima donna,
Padre mio! Dio!
Carlotta turns to leave, the managers anxiously follow, trying to calm her. Mme. Giry, with Meg in tow, pursues them, protesting in a vain attempt to get their attention, while unaware that Raoul is trying to get hers.
MME. GIRY
Who scorn his word, beware to those;
CARLOTTA
You have reviled me!
MME GIRY
The Angel sees, the Angel knows!
RAOUL
Why did Christine fly from my arms?
CARLOTTA
(brushing off the managers)
You are unthinking!
You are unfeeling!
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Signora, sing for us-
Don’t be a martyr!
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG
What new surprises lie in store?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Our star!
CARLOTTA
You go too far!
Carlotta leaves, still pursued by the managers, while the others look on bemused.
INT-SALON-DAY
A large public sitting room; couches, tables, assorted artwork and artifacts. Windows overlook the street below. It is here Carlotta has retreated, sulking theatrically and making a great show of ignoring André, who is at her side. Firmin stands in the doorway, puffing irritably on a cigar.
ANDRÉ
Your public needs you…
He glances over at Firmin, motioning frantically to be backed up.
FIRMIN
(flatly)
We need you too…
CARLOTTA
Would you not rather have
Your precious little ingénue?
Firmin and André exchange a look. Time to turn on the charm.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Signora, no-
The world wants you!
(they kneel before her, cajoling)
Prima donna,
First lady of the stage!
Your devotees
Are on their knees
To implore you!
ANDRÉ
Can you bow out
When they’re shouting your name?
He attempts to kiss Carlotta’s hand, which earns him a slap on the cheek.
FIRMIN
(making it up as he goes along)
Think of how
They all adore you!
Carlotta is clearly flattered by all the attention, but she still pretends to be insulted.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Prima donna,
Enchant us once again!
They lead her to the window, where we can see the patrons lining up at the box office.
ANDRÉ
Think of your muse,
FIRMIN
(delighted by this idea)
And all the queues
‘Round the theatre!
Carlotta is mollified; she sighs, as if accepting against her will, but her eyes glitter with calculated triumph.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Can you deny us
The triumph in store?
Sing, prima donna,
INT-FOYER-EVENING
Mme. Giry and Meg are accosted by Raoul on the grand staircase.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ (Con’t, V/O)
Once more…
RAOUL
Christine spoke of an Angel…
INT-VARIOUS OPERA LOCALES-EVENING (INTERCUT)
We intercut between several parts of the Opera, as preparations are made for the evening’s performance of “Il Muto.”
Carlotta is in her dressing room, surrounded by flowers, gifts, and portraits of herself. She applies her makeup, admiring her reflection, the picture of vanity.
CARLOTTA
Prima donna,
Your song shall live again,
You took a snub,
Mme. Giry, Meg and Raoul in the foyer.
CARLOTTA (V/O)
But there’s a public
Who needs you!
Think of their cry
Of undying support,
MME. GIRY
(to Raoul, re: Christine)
She has heard the voice
Of the Angel of Music…
RAOUL
(angrily showing her his note from the Phantom)
Is this her Angel of Music?
Firmin and André watch with delight as workers plaster “SOLD OUT” signs over the posters for “Il Muto.”
ANDRÉ
We get our opera,
FIRMIN
She gets her limelight!
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Follow where
The limelight leads you!
Raoul, seeing he will get nothing from Mme. Giry, leaves. Meg watches him with empathy.
MEG
Is this ghost
An angel or madman?
RAOUL
Angel or madman?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ (V/O)
Leading ladies are a trial!
Carlotta preens at her wig, while her dresser laces her into her costume.
CARLOTTA
Prima donna,
Your song shall never die!
You’ll sing again,
To an unending
Ovation!
MEG (V/O)
Voice of Hell, or of Heaven?
ANDRÉ/FIRMIN (V/O)
Tears, Oaths,
Lunatic demands
Are regular occurrences!
Backstage, stagehands, prop men, and costumers prepare for the night. Firmin and André are ostensibly overseeing the action, almost jovial, oblivious to the fact that they’re getting in the way of the workers. Also unnoticed by them is Mme. Giry, warming up Meg and the ballet chorus, her expression sullen and anxious. Meg is equally worried.
MME. GIRY
Oh fools,
To have flouted his warnings!
MEG
Surely he’ll strike back…
RAOUL (V/O)
Surely, for her sake…
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Think how you’ll shine
In that final encore!
Raoul, wandering through the halls, sees Christine enter the building.
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Sing, prima donna,
Once more!
RAOUL
…I must see these demands
Are rejected!
MME. GIRY (V/O)
Think, before these demands
Are rejected!
MEG (V/O)
…if his threats and demands
Are rejected…
Christine has entered the backstage area. Raoul follows, clearly having pursued her for some time. Although their conversation is unheard by us, it is apparent that Raoul is trying to find out where she’s been, and Christine, reluctantly but firmly, is refusing to tell him. He tries to take her hand, but Christine pulls it from his grasp, shaking her head sadly. Firmin and André watch all of this, gossiping to each other with great delight.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Who’d believe a diva
Happy to relieve a
Chorus girl, who’s gone
And slept with her patron?
Raoul and the soubrette,
Entwined in love’s duet!
Although he may demur,
He must have been with her…
With a final hopeless gesture, Christine runs from Raoul toward the dressing rooms, passing Mme. Giry and Meg as she does so. They look at Raoul with pity.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
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!
MME. GIRY
(half to Raoul, half to herself)
This is a game you cannot hope to win…
She, Meg, and the other dancers also exit to the dressing rooms. Raoul is livid.
RAOUL
And in Box Five, a new game will begin…
MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
For, if his curse is on this Opera…
Carlotta emerges from her dressing room, dripping jewels and lace. Firmin and André are there to greet her, kissing ass like old pros, escorting her to the stage.
CARLOTTA
(with affected modesty)
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!
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Prima donna,
The world is at your feet!
A nation waits,
And how it hates
To be cheated!
MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
Then I fear the outcome,
Should you dare to…
The cuts come more quickly now: Carlotta and the managers, the Girys, and Raoul, interspersed with shots of the stagehands hoisting curtains and moving scenery, audience members entering the building, the final moments before curtain.
CARLOTTA/FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG
Light up the stage
With that age-old rapport,
Sing, prima donna,
Once more!
High above the stage, almost hidden in the shadows, someone else is watching: the Phantom. We cannot see his expression, but in there is in his presence an unmistakable threat, a storm about to break.
PHANTOM
So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!
The audience files into the auditorium, taking their seats.
CARLOTTA/FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
Once more!
INT-MANAGER’S OFFICE-DAY
A newspaper with a banner headline reading “MYSTÉRE DE GALA.” It is in the hands of Firmin, who reads it as he paces about the office shared by André and himself: an austere, business-like place, with a double desk for the managers, leather chairs for visitors, books, papers. A door leads to the Opera’s ornate hall.
FIRMIN
“Mystery after gala night!”
It says, “Mystery of soprano’s flight!”
“Mystified,” baffled Sûréte say,
“We are mystified, we suspect foul play.”
Bad news on soprano scene:
First Carlotta, now Christine!
(glancing at the ledger on his desk)
Still, at least the seats get sold…
Gossip’s worth its weight in gold!
He sits at his side of the desk, leaning back and chuckling to himself as he examines the paper.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
“Diva tenders resignation,
Cover takes a moonlight flit!”
Half your cast disappears,
But the crowd still cheers!
(shaking his head in disbelief)
Opera!
To Hell with Gluck and Handel
Have a scandal
And you’re sure to have a hit!
André bursts into the room in a temper, the morning paper in one hand, his mail in the other.
ANDRÉ
Damnable! Will they all walk out?
This is damnable!
FIRMIN
(amused at his partner’s irritation)
André, please don’t shout!
It’s publicity, and the take is vast!
Free publicity!
ANDRÉ
(slumping down at his desk)
But we have no cast!
FIRMIN
But André, have you seen the queue?
His face falls, for André has been thumbing through his mail, and is regarding one piece with displeasure: the Phantom’s stationary.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
Oh, it seems you’ve got one too…
He produces a similar note from the papers on his desk. With a sigh, André reads his note aloud.
ANDRÉ
“Dear André, what a charming gala,
Christine enjoyed a great success.
We were hardly bereft
When Carlotta left-
Otherwise,
The chorus was entrancing
But the dancing
Was a lamentable mess!”
He flings the note on his desk as Firmin reads his, clearly outraged by the author’s audacity.
FIRMIN
“Dear Firmin, just a brief reminder:
My salary has not been paid
Send it care of the ghost
By return of post-
PTO:
(turning letter over)
No one likes a debtor
So it’s better
If my orders are obeyed!”
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(mutually annoyed)
Who would have the gall to send this?
Someone with a puerile brain!
FIRMIN
(taking both notes and comparing them)
These are both signed “O.G.”-
ANDRÉ
Who the hell is he?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(realizing)
“Opera Ghost”!
FIRMIN
(stands, ripping both notes defiantly)
It’s really not amusing!
ANDRÉ
(standing also)
He’s abusing our position-
FIRMIN
(this is what really irritates him)
In addition,
He wants money!
ANDRÉ
He’s a funny
Sort of specter
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(at opposite ends of the desk, venting)
To expect a
Large retainer!
Nothing plainer,
He is clearly quite insane!
Behind them, the door is thrown open-it is Raoul, agitated and furious, bearing another of the Phantom’s notes.
RAOUL
Where is she?
ANDRÉ
You mean Carlotta?
RAOUL
I mean Miss Daaé, where is she?
FIRMIN
Well, how should we know?
RAOUL
(brandishing the note)
I want an answer-
I take it that you sent me this note?
Firmin and André are shocked and insulted by the accusation.
FIRMIN
What’s all this nonsense?
ANDRÉ
Of course not!
FIRMIN
Don’t look at us!
RAOUL
(confused)
She’s not with you then?
FIRMIN
Of course not!
ANDRÉ
We’re in the dark!
RAOUL
(trying hard to restrain himself)
Monsieur, don’t argue-
Isn’t this the letter you wrote?
FIRMIN
(snatching it away from him)
And what is it that we’re meant to have wrote?
A beat, as André and Raoul react to his poor grammar.
FIRMIN (Con’t)
(correcting himself)
Written!
André, meanwhile, takes the note from his partner’s hand, opens it, and reads:
ANDRÉ
“Do not fear for Miss Daaé,
The Angel of Music
Has her under his wing.
Make no attempt
To see her again.”
Firmin and André share a confused glance. Raoul folds his arms, contemptuous.
RAOUL
If you didn’t write it, who did?
IN THE HALLWAY
Carlotta flings open the hall doors dramatically, in full diva rage. She too has a note from the Phantom.
CARLOTTA
Where is he?
ANDRÉ
(coming to the office door, arms outstretched)
Ah, welcome back!
CARLOTTA
Your precious patron, where is he?
She shoves past André into the office.
MANAGER’S OFFICE
André shuts the door as Carlotta storms over to Raoul.
RAOUL
What is it now?
CARLOTTA
(waving the note under his nose)
I have your letter--
A letter which I rather resent!
FIRMIN
(already guessing the answer)
And did you send it?
RAOUL
Of course not!
ANDRÉ
(placating, to Carlotta)
As if he would!
CARLOTTA
(sneering)
You didn’t send it?
RAOUL
Of course not!
FIRMIN
(to André)
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?
(takes note from her, opens it, and reads)
“Your days at the Opera Garnier are numbered.
Christine Daaé will be singing on your behalf tonight.
Be prepared for a great misfortune
Should you attempt to take her place.”
He hands the note to Firmin and André, who examine it, then, after a suspicious glance at the others, huddle together.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Far too many notes for my taste!
And most of them about Christine…
All we’ve heard since we came
Is Miss Daaé’s name-
They open the door to leave the office, but their path is blocked by Mme. Giry, who is on the other side, and Meg, peeping over her mother’s shoulder. The managers start, but Mme. Giry regards them coolly.
MME. GIRY
Miss Daaé has returned.
FIRMIN
(entirely fed up, elbows past her into the hall)
In which case, I’d say this meeting is adjourned!
HALLWAY
André follows Firmin into the hall. Raoul approaches Mme. Giry.
ANDRÉ
Where precisely is she now?
MME. GIRY
I thought it best
That she went home-
MEG
She needed rest…
RAOUL
May I see her?
MME. GIRY
(cold)
No monsieur, she will see no one…
CARLOTTA
(standing in the office doorway)
Will she sing, will she sing?
Mme. Giry calmly produces a note from the folds of her gown.
MME. GIRY
Here I have a note…
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/CARLOTTA/RAOUL
Let me see it!
There is a brief tussle as they all go for the offending missive, which ends up in Firmin’s hands.
FIRMIN
(to the others)
Please!
(he opens the note and reads, growing angrier by the word)
“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…
As Firmin reads, his voice is gradually replaced by that of the Phantom.
PHANTOM (V/O)
…I shall give you one last chance.
Christine Daaé has returned to you,
And I am anxious her career should progress.
In the new production of “Il Muto”…
INT-STAGE (FANTASY)-NIGHT
The performance of “Il Muto,” as the Phantom would have it: Christine, resplendent in late-18th century costume, shining in a blaze of limelight, a star of the first degree. Behind her, almost lost in the shadows, is Carlotta, humbly dressed as a page, silent and forgotten.
PHANTOM (V/O, Con’t)
…You will therefore cast Carlotta as the pageboy,
And put Miss Daaé in the role of Countess.
The role which Miss Daaé plays
Calls for charm and appeal,
The role of the pageboy is silent,
Which makes my casting, in a word, ideal…
INT-SECRET PASSAGE (HALLWAY)-BACK TO REALITY
The Phantom’s secret thoroughfare adjoining the hall, which is visible thanks to the one-way mirrors which line it. The Phantom, partially reflected in the glass, paces down the passage, his expression grim as he observes the conference in the next room.
PHANTOM (V/O, Con’t)
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…
INT-HALLWAY-CONTINUOUS
The Phantom’s voice fades as Firmin’s takes over again.
FIRMIN
…beyond your imagination will occur. I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G.”
A brief pause while everyone digests this-then Carlotta explodes.
CARLOTTA
Christine!
ANDRÉ
(wearily)
Whatever next?
CARLOTTA
It’s all a ploy to help Christine!
FIRMIN
This is insane!
CARLOTTA
(snatching note from Firmin)
I know who sent this:
(an accusing finger)
The Vicomte, her lover!
RAOUL
(indignant)
Indeed! Can you believe this?
Carlotta turns and attacks the managers, who try to placate her.
ANDRÉ
Signora!
CARLOTTA
I am unwanted!
FIRMIN
This is a joke!
CARLOTTA
I am unwelcomed!
ANDRÉ
This changes nothing!
FIRMIN
Signora…
ANDRÉ
You are our star-
FIRMIN
And always will be!
ANDRÉ
Signora…
FIRMIN
The man is mad!
ANDRÉ
We don’t take orders!
FIRMIN
(putting his foot down)
Miss Daaé will be playing the pageboy-
The silent role…
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
(extending their arms to Carlotta)
Carlotta will be playing the lead!
But Carlotta brushes them aside, making a grand scene. The others react to her: the managers with chagrin, Raoul with disbelief, and Mme. Giry and Meg with a mixture of disgust and amusement.
CARLOTTA
It’s useless trying to appease me!
You’re only saying this to please me!
I will not listen!
You thus insult the honor of your prima donna,
Padre mio! Dio!
Carlotta turns to leave, the managers anxiously follow, trying to calm her. Mme. Giry, with Meg in tow, pursues them, protesting in a vain attempt to get their attention, while unaware that Raoul is trying to get hers.
MME. GIRY
Who scorn his word, beware to those;
CARLOTTA
You have reviled me!
MME GIRY
The Angel sees, the Angel knows!
RAOUL
Why did Christine fly from my arms?
CARLOTTA
(brushing off the managers)
You are unthinking!
You are unfeeling!
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Signora, sing for us-
Don’t be a martyr!
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG
What new surprises lie in store?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Our star!
CARLOTTA
You go too far!
Carlotta leaves, still pursued by the managers, while the others look on bemused.
INT-SALON-DAY
A large public sitting room; couches, tables, assorted artwork and artifacts. Windows overlook the street below. It is here Carlotta has retreated, sulking theatrically and making a great show of ignoring André, who is at her side. Firmin stands in the doorway, puffing irritably on a cigar.
ANDRÉ
Your public needs you…
He glances over at Firmin, motioning frantically to be backed up.
FIRMIN
(flatly)
We need you too…
CARLOTTA
Would you not rather have
Your precious little ingénue?
Firmin and André exchange a look. Time to turn on the charm.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Signora, no-
The world wants you!
(they kneel before her, cajoling)
Prima donna,
First lady of the stage!
Your devotees
Are on their knees
To implore you!
ANDRÉ
Can you bow out
When they’re shouting your name?
He attempts to kiss Carlotta’s hand, which earns him a slap on the cheek.
FIRMIN
(making it up as he goes along)
Think of how
They all adore you!
Carlotta is clearly flattered by all the attention, but she still pretends to be insulted.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Prima donna,
Enchant us once again!
They lead her to the window, where we can see the patrons lining up at the box office.
ANDRÉ
Think of your muse,
FIRMIN
(delighted by this idea)
And all the queues
‘Round the theatre!
Carlotta is mollified; she sighs, as if accepting against her will, but her eyes glitter with calculated triumph.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Can you deny us
The triumph in store?
Sing, prima donna,
INT-FOYER-EVENING
Mme. Giry and Meg are accosted by Raoul on the grand staircase.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ (Con’t, V/O)
Once more…
RAOUL
Christine spoke of an Angel…
INT-VARIOUS OPERA LOCALES-EVENING (INTERCUT)
We intercut between several parts of the Opera, as preparations are made for the evening’s performance of “Il Muto.”
Carlotta is in her dressing room, surrounded by flowers, gifts, and portraits of herself. She applies her makeup, admiring her reflection, the picture of vanity.
CARLOTTA
Prima donna,
Your song shall live again,
You took a snub,
Mme. Giry, Meg and Raoul in the foyer.
CARLOTTA (V/O)
But there’s a public
Who needs you!
Think of their cry
Of undying support,
MME. GIRY
(to Raoul, re: Christine)
She has heard the voice
Of the Angel of Music…
RAOUL
(angrily showing her his note from the Phantom)
Is this her Angel of Music?
Firmin and André watch with delight as workers plaster “SOLD OUT” signs over the posters for “Il Muto.”
ANDRÉ
We get our opera,
FIRMIN
She gets her limelight!
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Follow where
The limelight leads you!
Raoul, seeing he will get nothing from Mme. Giry, leaves. Meg watches him with empathy.
MEG
Is this ghost
An angel or madman?
RAOUL
Angel or madman?
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ (V/O)
Leading ladies are a trial!
Carlotta preens at her wig, while her dresser laces her into her costume.
CARLOTTA
Prima donna,
Your song shall never die!
You’ll sing again,
To an unending
Ovation!
MEG (V/O)
Voice of Hell, or of Heaven?
ANDRÉ/FIRMIN (V/O)
Tears, Oaths,
Lunatic demands
Are regular occurrences!
Backstage, stagehands, prop men, and costumers prepare for the night. Firmin and André are ostensibly overseeing the action, almost jovial, oblivious to the fact that they’re getting in the way of the workers. Also unnoticed by them is Mme. Giry, warming up Meg and the ballet chorus, her expression sullen and anxious. Meg is equally worried.
MME. GIRY
Oh fools,
To have flouted his warnings!
MEG
Surely he’ll strike back…
RAOUL (V/O)
Surely, for her sake…
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Think how you’ll shine
In that final encore!
Raoul, wandering through the halls, sees Christine enter the building.
CARLOTTA (V/O)
Sing, prima donna,
Once more!
RAOUL
…I must see these demands
Are rejected!
MME. GIRY (V/O)
Think, before these demands
Are rejected!
MEG (V/O)
…if his threats and demands
Are rejected…
Christine has entered the backstage area. Raoul follows, clearly having pursued her for some time. Although their conversation is unheard by us, it is apparent that Raoul is trying to find out where she’s been, and Christine, reluctantly but firmly, is refusing to tell him. He tries to take her hand, but Christine pulls it from his grasp, shaking her head sadly. Firmin and André watch all of this, gossiping to each other with great delight.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Who’d believe a diva
Happy to relieve a
Chorus girl, who’s gone
And slept with her patron?
Raoul and the soubrette,
Entwined in love’s duet!
Although he may demur,
He must have been with her…
With a final hopeless gesture, Christine runs from Raoul toward the dressing rooms, passing Mme. Giry and Meg as she does so. They look at Raoul with pity.
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
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!
MME. GIRY
(half to Raoul, half to herself)
This is a game you cannot hope to win…
She, Meg, and the other dancers also exit to the dressing rooms. Raoul is livid.
RAOUL
And in Box Five, a new game will begin…
MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
For, if his curse is on this Opera…
Carlotta emerges from her dressing room, dripping jewels and lace. Firmin and André are there to greet her, kissing ass like old pros, escorting her to the stage.
CARLOTTA
(with affected modesty)
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!
FIRMIN/ANDRÉ
Prima donna,
The world is at your feet!
A nation waits,
And how it hates
To be cheated!
MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
Then I fear the outcome,
Should you dare to…
The cuts come more quickly now: Carlotta and the managers, the Girys, and Raoul, interspersed with shots of the stagehands hoisting curtains and moving scenery, audience members entering the building, the final moments before curtain.
CARLOTTA/FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG
Light up the stage
With that age-old rapport,
Sing, prima donna,
Once more!
High above the stage, almost hidden in the shadows, someone else is watching: the Phantom. We cannot see his expression, but in there is in his presence an unmistakable threat, a storm about to break.
PHANTOM
So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!
The audience files into the auditorium, taking their seats.
CARLOTTA/FIRMIN/ANDRÉ/
RAOUL/MME. GIRY/MEG (V/O)
Once more!