metto qui i testi
Primo atto
Prologue-The Stage of the Paris Opera, 1911
AUCTIONEER:
Sold. Your number, sir? Thank you.
Lot 663, then, ladies and gentlemen:
a poster for this house's production of "Hannibal" by Chalumeau.
PORTER:
Showing here.
AUCTIONEER:
Do I have ten francs? Five then. Five I am bid.
Six, seven. Against you, sir, seven.
Eight. Eight once. Selling twice.
Sold, to Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.
Lot 664: a wooden pistol and three human skulls
from the 1831 production of "Robert le Diable" by Meyerbeer.
T en francs for this. Ten, thank you.
Ten francs still. Fifteen, thank you, sir Fifteen I am bid.
Going at fifteen. Your number, sir?
665, ladies and gentlemen:
a papier-mache 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.
PORTER:
Showing here.
AUCTIONEER:
May I start at twenty francs? Fifteen, then?
Fifteen I am bid. Sold, for thirty francs to the Vicomte de Chagny.
Thank you, sir.
RAOUL:
A collector's piece indeed . . . every detail exactly as she said . . .
She often spoke of you, my friend ....Your velvet lining, and your figurine of lead...
Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead?
AUCTIONEER:
Lot 666, then: a chandelier in pieces.
Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera:
a mystery never fully explained.
We are told, ladies and gentlemen,
that this is the very chandelier which figures in the famous disaster.
Our workshops have repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light,
so that we may get a hint of how it may look when reassembled.
Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago
with a little illumination, gentlemen?
Hannibal
CARLOTTA:
This trophy from our saviours, from our saviours!
From the enslaving force of Rome!
GIRL'S CHORUS:
With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration, we greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!
MEN'S CHORUS:
The trumpets of Carthage resound! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground!
ALL:
Hear the drums -- Hannibal comes!
PIANGI:
Sad to return to find the land
we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp,
REYER:
Signor . . . if you please: "Rome".
We say "Rome' not "Roma"
PIANGI:
Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me.
LEFEVRE:
This way, gentlemen, this way.
Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal".
Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met M. Andre and M. Firmin ...
REYER:
I'm sorry, M. Lefevre, we are rehearsing.
If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?
LEFEVRE:
My apologies, M. Reyer. Proceed, proceed ...
REYER:
Thank you, monsieur.
"Sad to return..." Signor ...
LEFEVRE:
M. Reyer, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid.
PIANGI:
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.
LEFEVRE:
Signor Piangi, our principal tenor.
He does play so opposite La Carlotta.
GIRY:
Gentlemen, please! If you would kindly move to one side?
LEFEVRE:
My apologies, Mme. Giry.
Mme. Giry, our ballet mistress.
I don't mind confessing, M. Firmin, I shan't be sorry to be rid of the whole blessed business.
FIRMIN:
I keep asking you, monsieur, why exactly are you retiring?
LEFEVRE:
We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets.
ANDRE:
Who's that girl, Lefevre?
LEFEVRE:
Her? Meg Giry, Madame Giry's daughter.
Promising dancer, M. Andre, most promising.
GIRY:
You! Christine Daaé! Concentrate, girl!
MEG:
Christine . . . What's the matter?
FIRMIN:
Daaé? Curious name
LEFEVRE:
Swedish.
ANDRE:
Any relation to the violinist?
LEFEVRE;
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!
CARLOTTA:
Once more to my welcoming arms my love returns in splendour!
PIANGI:
Once more to those sweetest of charms my heart and soul surrender!
CHORUS:
The trumpeting elephants sound -- hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to their step on the ground -- hear the drums! Hannibal drums!
LEFEVRE:
Ladies and gentlemen - Madame Giry, thank you - may I have your attention, please?
As you know, for some weeks there have been rumours 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 Opera Populaire, M. Richard Firmin and M. Gilles Andre.
Gentlemen, Signora Carlotta Giudicelli, our leading soprano for five seasons now.
ANDRE:
Of course, of course. I have experienced all your greatest roles, Signora.
LEFEVRE:
And Signor Ubaldo Piangi.
FIRMIN:
An honour, Signor.
ANDRE:
If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of "Hannibal".
I wonder, Signora, if, as a personal favour, you would oblige us with a private rendition?
Unless, of course, M. Reyer objects . . .
CARLOTTA:
My manager commands . . . M. Reyer?
REYER:
My diva commands. Will two bars be sufficient introduction?
FIRMIN:
Two bars will be quite sufficient
REYER:
Signora?
CARLOTTA:
Maestro.
CARLOTTA:
Think of me, think of me fondly
when we've said goodbye ...
Remember me, Every so often,
Please promise me you'll try ...
On that day, that not so distant day,
when you are far away and free,
if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me ...
Think of me, think of me...
CHORUS:
The Phantom of the Opera! He's with us, he's a ghost ...
He's here! The Phantom of the Opera!
LEFEVRE:
Signora! Are you all right? Buquet! Where is Buquet? Get that man down here! Chief of the flies. He's responsible for this.
Buquet! For God's sake, man, what's going on up there?
BUQUET:
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 . . .
MEG:
He's there; the Phantom of the Opera ...
ANDRE:
Good heavens! Will you show a little courtesy?
FIRMIN:
Mademoiselle, please ...
ANDRE:
These things do happen!
CARLOTTA:
Si! These things do happen! Well, until you stop these things happening, this thing does not happen!
Ubaldo! Andiamo!
PIANGI:
Amateurs!
LEFEVRE:
I don't think there's much more to assist you, gentlemen. Good luck.
If you need me, I shall be in Frankfurt .
ANDRE:
La Carlotta will be back.
GIRY:
You think so, messieurs? I have a message, sir, from the Opera Ghost.
FIRMIN:
God in Heaven, you're all obsessed!
GIRY:
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.
FIRMIN:
His salary?
GIRY:
Monsieur Lefevre paid him twenty thousand francs a month.
Perhaps you can afford more, with the Vicomte de Chagny as your patron.
ANDRE:
Madame, I had hoped to have made that announcement myself.
GIRY:
Will the Vicomte be at the performance tonight, monsieur?
FIRMIN:
Yes, in our box.
ANDRE:
Madame, who is the understudy for this role?
REYER:
There is no understudy, monsieur - the production is new.
MEG:
Christine Daae could sing it, sir.
FIRMIN:
The chorus girl?
MEG:
She's been taking lessons from a great teacher
ANDRE:
From whom?
CHRISTINE:
I don't know, sir . . .
FIRMIN:
Oh, not you as well! Can you believe it?
A full house - and we have to cancel!
GIRY:
Let her sing for you monsieur. She has been well taught!
REYER:
From the beginning of the aria then, mam'selle.
Think of Me
CHRISTINE:
Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye. Remember me every so often -- promise me you'll try.
FIRMIN:
Andre, this is doing nothing for my nerves.
ANDRE:
Don't fret, Firmin.
CHRISTINE:
On that day, that not so distant day, when you are far away and free, if you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me ...
And though it's clear, though it was always clear that this was never meant to be, if you happen to remember, stop and think of me ....
Think of August when the trees were green - don't think about the ways things might have been ...
Think of me, think of me waking, silent and resigned. Imagine me, trying too hard to put you from my mind. Think of me, please say you'll think of me, whatever else you choose to do -- There will never be a day when I won't think of you ...
RAOUL:
Can it be? Can it be Christine? Brava! ... Brava!
Long ago ... It seems so long ago ... How young and innocent we were ... She may not remember me, but I remember her ...
CHRISTINE:
Flowers fade, the fruits of Summer fade -- they have their season, so do we ... But please promise me that sometimes, you will think ... ... of me!
GIRY:
Yes, you did well. He will be pleased.
(to the DANCERS) And you! You were a disgrace tonight!
Such ronds de jambe! Such temps de cuisse! Come, we rehearse. Now!
Angel of Music
PHANTOM:
Brava, brava, bravissima ...
MEG:
Where in the world have you been hiding?
Really, you were perfect!
I only wish I knew your secret!
Who is this new tutor?
CHRISTINE:
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 ...
MEG:
I watched your face from the shadows
Distant through all the applause
I hear your voice in the darkness,
but the words aren't yours
CHRISTINE:
Angel of Music! Guide and guardian!
Grant to me your glory!
MEG:
Who is this angel? This ...
BOTH:
Angel of Music! Hide no longer!
Secret and strange angel ...
CHRISTINE:
He's with me, even now ...
MEG:
Your hands are cold ...
CHRISTINE:
All around me ...
MEG:
Your face, Christine, it's white ...
CHRISTINE:
It frightens me...
MEG:
Don't be frightened ...
GIRY:
Meg Giry. Are you a dancer?
Then come and practice.
My dear, I was asked to give you this.
CHRISTINE:
A red scarf ... the attic ... Little Lotte ...
ANDRE:
A tour de force! No other way to describe it!
FIRMIN:
What a relief! Not a single refund!
MME. FIRMIN:
Greedy.
ANDRE:
Richard, I think we've made quite a discovery in Miss Daaé!
FIRMIN:
Here we are, Monsieur le Vicomte.
RAOUL:
Gentlemen if you wouldn't mind.
This is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied.
ANDRE:
As you wish, monsieur.
FIRMIN:
They appear to have met before ...
Little Lotte
RAOUL:
Christine Daae, where is your scarf?
CHRISTINE:
Monsieur?
RAOUL:
You can't have lost it. Not after all the trouble I took.
I was just fourteen and soaked to the skin ...
CHRISTINE:
Because you had run into the sea to fetch my scarf.
Oh, Raoul. So it is you!
RAOUL:
Christine.
Little lotte Let your mind wander ...
CHRISTINE:
Remember that, too ... ?
RAOUL:
Little lotte thought: Am I fonder of dolls,
BOTH:
Or of goblins or shoes
CHRISTINE:
Or of riddles or frocks ...
RAOUL:
Those picnics in the attic?
or of chocolates
CHRISTINE:
Father playing the violin ...
RAOUL:
As we read to each other dark stories of the North ...
CHRISTINE:
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 song in my head!
CHRISTINE:
Father said, "When I'm in heaven, child, I will send the Angel of Music to you".
Well, father is dead, Raoul, and I have been visited by the Angel of Music.
RAOUL:
There's no doubt of that. But now, we'll go to supper!
CHRISTINE:
No, Raoul, the Angel of Music is very strict.
RAOUL:
I shan't keep you up late!
CHRISTINE:
No, Raoul ...
RAOUL:
You must change. I must get my hat. Two minutes Little Lotte.
CHRISTINE:
Raoul!
Things have changed, Raoul.
The Mirror
PHANTOM:
Insolent boy!
This slave of fashion,
basking in your glory!
Ignorant fool!
This brave young suitor,
sharing in my triumph!
CHRISTINE:
Angel! I hear you!
Speak - I listen ...
stay by my side, guide me!
Angel, my soul was weak -
forgive me ...
enter at last, Master!
PHANTOM:
Flattering child,
you shall know me,
see why in shadow I hide!
Look at your face in the mirror -
I am there inside!
CHRISTINE:
Angel of Music!
Guide and guardian!
Grant to me your glory!
Angel of Music!
Hide no longer!
Come to me, strange angel ...
The Phantom of the Opera
CHRISTINE:
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 Phantom of the Opera is there -
inside my mind ...
PHANTOM:
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 Phantom of the Opera is there -
inside your mind ...
CHRISTINE:
Those who have seen your face
draw back in fear ...
I am the mask you wear ...
PHANTOM:
It's me they hear ...
BOTH:
Your/my spirit and your/my voice
in one combined:
the Phantom of the Opera is there -
inside your/my mind ...
CHORUS:
He's there,
the Phantom of the Opera ...
Beware, the Phantom of the Opera ...
PHANTOM:
In all your fantasies,
you always knew
that man and mystery ...
CHRISTINE:
... were both in you ...
BOTH:
And in this labyrinth,
where night is blind,
the Phantom of the Opera is there/here
inside your/my mind ...
PHANTOM:
Sing, my Angel of Music!
CHRISTINE:
He's there, the Phantom of the Opera ...
PHANTOM:
Sing for me ... sing.
Sing my Angel ... sing.
Sing for me.
PHANTOM:
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 for my music ...
my music ...
The Music of the Night
PHANTOM:
Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation ...
Darkness stirs andwakes imagination ...
Silently the senses abandon their defenses ...
Slowly, gently, night unfurls its splendour ...
Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender ...
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 ...
Softly, deftly, music shall caress you ...
Hear it, feel it, secretly possess 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 ...
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 where you long to be!
Only then can you belongto me ...
Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me, savour 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 ...
You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night ...
I Remember / Stranger than you Dreamt it
CHRISTINE:
I remember, there was mist ...
Swirling mist upon a vast glossy lake ...
There were candles all around And on the lake there was a boat ...
And in the boat there was a man ...
Who was that shape in the shadows?
Whose is the face in the mask?
PHANTOM:
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!
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, Christine,
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, Christine ...
Come, we must return!
Those two fools who run my theatre will be missing you.
Magical Lasso
BUQUET:
Like yellow parchment is his skin ...
A great black hole serves as the nose that never grew ...
You must be always on your guard ...
Or he will catch you with his magical lasso ... !
GIRY:
Those who speak of what they know, find too late that prudent silence is wise ...
Joseph Buquet, hold your tongue
He will burn you with the heat of his eyes ... !
Notes/Prima Donna
FIRMIN:
"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 Carlotta, now Christine!
Ah, but still at least the seats get sold --
gossip's worth its weight in gold ...
Diva tenders resignation!
Cover does a moonlight flit!
Half your cast disappears,
but the crowd still cheers!
Opera!
To hell with Gluck and Handel --
have a scandal and you're sure to have a hit!
ANDRE:
Damnable!
Will they all walk out?
This is damnable!
FIRMIN:
Andre, please don't shout ...
It's publicity!
And the take is vast!
Free publicity!
ANDRE:
But we have no cast ...
FIRMIN:
But Andre,
have you seen the queue?
Oh, it seems you've got one too ...
ANDRE:
"Dear Andre, 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!"
FIRMIN:
"Dear Firmin, just a quick 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 peurile brain!
FIRMIN:
These are both signed "O.G." ...
ANDRE:
Who the hell is he?
BOTH:
"Opera ghost!"
FIRMIN:
It's really not amusing!
ANDRE:
He's abusing our position!
FIRMIN:
In addition he wants money!
ANDRE:
He's a funny sort of spectre ...
BOTH:
... to expect a large retainer!
Nothing plainer -- He is clearly quite insane!
RAOUL:
Where is she?
ANDRE:
You mean Carlotta?
RAOUL:
I mean, Miss Daae -- where is she?
FIRMIN:
Well, how should we know?
RAOUL:
I want an answer --
I take it that you sent me this note?
FIRMIN:
What's all this nonsense?
ANDRE:
Of course not!
FIRMIN:
Don't look at us!
RAOUL:
She's not with you, then?
FIRMIN:
Of course not!
ANDRE:
We're in the dark ...
RAOUL:
Monsieur, don't argue --
Isn't this the letter you wrote?
FIRMIN:
And what is it that we're meant to have wrote?
Written!
ANDRE:
"Do not fear for Miss Daae.
The Angel of Music has her under his wing.
Make no attempt to see her again."
RAOUL:
If you didn't write it, who did?
CARLOTTA:
Where is he?
ANDRE:
Ah, welcome back!
CARLOTTA:
Your precious patron --
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
Where is he?
RAOUL:
What is it now?
CARLOTTA:
I have your letter --
a letter which I rather resent!
FIRMIN:
And did you send it?
RAOUL:
Of course not!
ANDRE:
As if he would!
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
You didn't send it?
RAOUL:
Of course not!
FIRMIN:
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?
"Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered.
Christine Daae will be singing on your behalf tonight.
Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take her place."
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Far too many notes for my taste --
and most of them about Christine!
All we've heard since we came, is Miss Daae's name ...
GIRY:
Miss Daae has returned.
FIRMIN:
In which case, I think our meeting is adjourned.
ANDRE:
Where precisely is she now?
GIRY:
I thought it best that she went home ...
MEG:
She needed rest.
RAOUL:
May I see her?
GIRY:
No, monsieur, she will see no one.
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
Will she sing? Will she sing?
GIRY:
Here, I have a note ...
RAOUL/CARLOTTA/ANDRE:
Let me see it!
FIRMIN:
Please!
"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 ... "
PHANTOM:
... 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 the 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 open for me.
Should these commands be ignored,
a disaster beyond your imagination will occur ...
FIRMIN:
"... I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, O.G."
MEG:
Christine ... Christine.
CARLOTTA:
Christine!
ANDRE:
Whatever next ... ?
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
It's all a ploy to help Christine!
FIRMIN:
This is insane ...
CARLOTTA:
I know who sent this The Vicomte -- her lover!
RAOUL:
Indeed? Can you believe this?
ANDRE:
Signora!
PIANGI:
How can you do this?
CARLOTTA:
I am unwanted!
FIRMIN:
This is a joke!
ANDRE:
This changes nothing!
CARLOTTA:
I am unwelcome!
FIRMIN:
Signora!
ANDRE:
You are our star!
FIRMIN:
And always will be!
ANDRE:
Signora ...
FIRMIN:
The man is mad!
ANDRE:
We don't take orders!
FIRMIN:
Miss Daae will be playing the Pageboy -- the silent role ...
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Carlotta will be playing the lead!
PIANGI:
You don't deserve her!
CARLOTTA:
It's useless trying to appease me!
PIANGI:
Appease her --
CARLOTTA:
You're only saying this to please me!
PIANGI:
To please her --
CARLOTTA:
I will not listen!
You thus insult the honour of your prima donna?
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
Padre mio! Dio!
GIRY:
Who scorn his word, beware to those ...
CARLOTTA:
You have reviled me!
GIRY:
The angel sees, the angel knows ...
RAOUL:
Why did Christine fly from my arms ... ?
MEG:
Christine ...
CARLOTTA:
You have rebuked me!
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Signora, pardon us ...
CARLOTTA:
You have replaced me!
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Please, Signora we beseech you ...
GIRY:
This hour shall see your darkest fears ...
MEG/RAOUL:
I must see her ...
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
This is uncalled-for for!
This is unfounded!
This is unheard of!
GIRY:
The angel knows, the angel hears ...
RAOUL:
Where did she go?
CARLOTTA:
You are unthinking! You are unfeeling!
PIANGI:
They are unthinking. They are unfeeling.
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Signora, sing for us! Don't be a martyr ...
RAOUL/GIRY/MEG:
What new surprises lie in store ... ?
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Our star!
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
You go too far!
ANDRE:
Your public needs you!
FIRMIN:
We need you, too!
CARLOTTA:
Would you not rather have your precious little ingenue?
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Signora, no! the world wants you!
Prima donna, first lady of the stage!
Your devotees are on their knees to implore you!
ANDRE:
Can you bow out when they're shouting your name?
FIRMIN:
Think of how they all adore you!
BOTH:
Prima donna, enchant us once again!
ANDRE:
Think of your muse ...
FIRMIN:
And of the queues of the theatre!
BOTH:
Can you deny us the triumph in store?
Sing, prima donna, once more!
RAOUL:
Christine spoke of an angel ...
CARLOTTA:
You took a snub
but there's a public who need you!
GIRY:
She has heard the voice of the angel of music ...
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Those who hear your voice liken you to an angel!
CARLOTTA:
Think of their cry of undying support!
RAOUL:
Is this her angel of music ... ?
ANDRE:
We get our opera ...
FIRMIN:
She gets her limelight!
CARLOTTA:
Follow where the limelight leads you!
PIANGI:
The limelight once again shall shine upon her.
MEG:
Is this ghost an angel or madman ... ?
RAOUL:
Angel or madman ... ?
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Leading ladies are a trial!
CARLOTTA:
Prima donna, your song shall never die!
PIANGI:
When she sings we see heaven
MEG:
Voice of hell, or of heaven ... ?
GIRY:
Heaven help you, those who doubt ...
CARLOTTA:
You'll sing again, and to an unending ovation!
RAOUL:
Order! Warnings! Lunatic demands!
GIRY:
This miscasting will invite damnation ...
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Tears ... oaths ... lunatic demands are regular occurrences!
PIANGI:
Unending ovation now and always ...
MEG:
Bliss or damnation? Which has claimed her?
CARLOTTA:
Think how you'll shine in that final encore!
Sing, prima donna, once more!
GIRY:
Oh fools, to have flouted his warnings!
RAOUL:
Surely, for her sake ...
PIANGI:
Surely heads will roll ...
MEG:
Surely he'll strike back ...
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Surely there'll be further scenes - worse than this!
GIRY:
Think, before those demands are rejected!
RAOUL:
... I must see these demands are rejected!
PIANGI:
If his threats and demands are rejected.
MEG:
... if his threats and demands are rejected!
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Who'd believe a diva happy to relieve a chorus girl,
who's gone and slept with her patron?
Raoul and his soubrette, entwined in love's duet!
Although he may demur, he must have been with her!
MEG/RAOUL:
Christine must be protected!
PIANGI/GIRY:
Honour must be protected!
CARLOTTA:
Deposed! Rejected! Reappraised and re-elected?
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
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!
RAOUL:
His game is over!
PIANGI:
Their game is over!
GIRY:
This is a game you cannot hope to win!
RAOUL:
And in Box Five a new game will begin ...
GIRY:
For, if his curse is on this opera ...
MEG:
But if his curse is on this opera ...
ANDRE/FIRMIN:
Prima donna, the world is at your feet!
A nation waits, and how it hates to be cheated!
CARLOTTA/PIANGI:
The stress that falls upon a famous prima donna!
Terrible diseases, coughs and colds and sneezes!
Still, the dryest throat will reach the highest note,
in search of a perfect opera!
MEG/GIRY:
... then I fear the outcome ...
RAOUL:
Christine plays the Pageboy, Carlotta plays the Countess ...
GIRY:
... should you dare to ...
MEG:
... when you once again ...
ALL:
Light up that stage with that age-old rapport!
Sing, prima donna, once more!
PHANTOM:
So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur!
ALL:
Once more!
Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh
RAOUL:Gentlemen, if you would care to take your seats ...
I shall be sitting in Box Five.
ANDRE:
Do you really think that's wise, monsieur?
RAOUL:
My dear Andre,
there would appear to be no seats available other than Box Five.
CONFIDANTE:
They say that this youth has set my Lady'sheart aflame!
1ST FOP:
His Lordship sure would die of shock!
2ND FOP:
His Lordship is a laughing-stock!
CONFIDANTE:
Should he suspect her, God protect her!
ALL THREE:
Shame! Shame! Shame!
This faithless lady's bound for Hades!
Shame! Shame! Shame!
ANDRE:
Nothing like the old operas!
FIRMIN:
Or the old scenery ...
ANDRE:
The old singers ...
FIRMIN:
The old audience ...
ANDRE:
And every seat sold!
FIRMIN:
Hardly a disaster beyond all imagination!
COUNTESS:
Serafimo - your disguise is perfect.
Who can this be?
DON ATTILIO:
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) Though I'd gladly take the maid with me.
COUNTESS:
(aside)The old fool's leaving!
DON ATTILI0:
(aside)I suspect my young bride is untrue to me.
I shall not leave, but shall hide over there to observe her!
Addio!
COUNTESS:
Addio!
BOTH:
Addio!
CARLOTTA:
Serafimo! Away with this pretense!
You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence!
Poor fool, he makes me laugh!
Time I tried to get a better better half!
Poor fool, he doesn't know!
If he knew, the fool, he never would have gone!
PHANTOM:
Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?
MEG:
He's here: the Phantom of the Opera ...
CHRISTINE:
It's him! I know it, it's him!
CARLOTTA:
Your part is silent ... little toad!
PHANTOM:
A toad, madame? Perhaps it is you who are the toad!
CARLOTTA:
Serafimo! Away with this pretense!
You cannot speak, but kiss me in my ... croak!
Poor fool, he makes me laugh! Croak! Croak!
PHANTOM:
Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!
ANDRE:
Ladies and gentlemen,
the performance will continue in ten minutes time,
when the role of the Countess will be sung by Miss Christine Daae.
In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera.
Maestro, the ballet, NOW!
CHRISTINE:
Raoul! Raoul!
RAOUL:
Christine! Come with me!
CHRISTINE:
No, we must go up! To the roof!
ANDRE:
Ladies and gentlemen, please! Remain in your seats! Do not panic! It was an accident, simply an accident!
Why Have You Brought Me Here?/Raoul, I've been there
RAOUL:
Why have you brought me here?
CHRISTINE:
Don't take me back there!
RAOUL:
We must return!
CHRISTINE:
He'll kill me ...
His eyes will find me there!
RAOUL:
Christine, don't say that ...
CHRISTINE:
Those eyes that hurt ...
RAOUL:
Don't even think it ...
CHRISTINE:
And if he has to kill a thousand men ...
RAOUL:
Forget this waking nightmare ...
CHRISTINE:
The Phantom of the Opera will kill and kill again ...
RAOUL:
This Phantom is a fable
Believe me ... there is no Phantom of the Opera!
CHRISTINE:
My God, who is this man?
RAOUL:
My God, who is this man?
CHRISTINE:
Who hunts to kill?
RAOUL:
His mask of death ...
CHRISTINE:
I can't escape from him ...
RAOUL:
Whose is this voice you hear?
CHRISTINE:
I never will ... !
RAOUL:
With every breath ...
BOTH:
And in this labyrinth where night is blind ...
the Phantom of the Opera is here Inside your/my mind ...
RAOUL:
There is no Phantom of the Opera!
CHRISTINE:
Raoul, I've been there ...
to his world of unending night ...
to a world where the daylight dissolves into darkness ...
darkness ...
Raoul, 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 ...
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've never heard before!
RAOUL:
What you heard was a dream, and nothing more!
CHRISTINE:
Yet in his eyes, all the sadness of the world ...
those pleading eyes that both threatened ...
and adored ...
RAOUL:
Christine ... Christine ...
PHANTOM:
Christine ...
CHRISTINE:
What was that?
All I Ask of You
RAOUL:
No more talk of darkness,
Forget these wide-eyed fears.
I'm here, nothing can harm you -
my words will warm 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 ...
CHRISTINE:
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 ...
RAOUL:
Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light.
You're safe: No-one will find you -
your fears are far behind you ...
CHRISTINE:
All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night ...
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me ...
RAOUL:
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 -
Christine, that's all I ask of you ...
CHRISTINE:
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 ...
CHRISTINE:
Say you love me ...
RAOUL:
You know I do ...
BOTH:
Love me -
That's all I ask of you ...
Anywhere you go let me go too ...
Love me - that's all I ask of you ...
CHRISTINE:
I must go!
They'll wonder where I am!
Wait for me, Raoul!
RAOUL:
Christine, I love you!
CHRISTINE:
Order your fine horses,
be with them at the door ...
RAOUL:
And soon, you'll be beside me ...
CHRISTINE:
You'll guard me and you'll guide me ...
I Gave You My Music
PHANTOM:
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 ...
Christine ...
CHRISTINE/RAOUL:
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 ...
PHANTOM:
You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you ... !
Go!!!
- e Rachel Barell nei panni di Christine daaè... 
)
)
e il mio sogno sarebbe di vedere un giorno Josh nella parte di Raoul o Erik 
