Miss Elaina: The Musical

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THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF MAKE BELIEVE THEATER, 1905 (The contents of the theater is being auctioned off. An AUCTIONEER, PORTERS, BIDDERS, and DAD TIGER, seventy now, but still bright of eye. The auction commences with a blow from MR MCFEELY's gavel)

MR MCFEELY Sold. Your number, sir? Thank you.

Lot 663, then, ladies and gentlemen: a poster for this house's production of "Hannibal" by Chalumeau.

DOCTOR PLATYPUS Showing here.

MR MCFEELY Do I have ten francs? Five then. Five I am bid. Six, seven. Against you, sir, seven. Eight. Eight once. Selling twice. Sold, to Mr. Tiger.

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 francs still. Fifteen, thank you, sir Fifteen I am bid. Going at fifteen. Your number, sir?

665, ladies and gentlemen: a paper-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 theater, still in working order.

DOCTOR PLATYPUS (holding it up) Showing here. (She sets it in motion)

MR MCFEELY My I start at twenty francs? Fifteen, then? Fifteen I am bid.

(the bidding continues. DAD TIGER. eventually buys the box for thirty francs)

Sold, for thirty francs to Mr. Tiger. Thank you, sir.

(The box is handed across to DAD TIGER. He studies it, as attention focuses on him for a moment)

DAD TIGER (quietly, half to himself, half to the box) A collector's piece indeed. every detail exactly as he said.

He 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?

(Attention returns to MR MCFEELY, as he resumes) MR MCFEELY 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 restored it and fitted up parts of it with wiring for the new electric light, so that we may get a hint of what it may look like when re-assembled. Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?

(MR MCFEELY switches on the chandelier. There is an enormous flash, and the OVERTURE begins. During the overture the theater is restored to its earlier grandeur. The chandelier immense and glittering, rises magically from the stage, finally hovering high above the stalls)

ACT 1 Scene 1 REHEARSALS FOR "HANNIBAL" BY CHALUMEAU

(We have reached the great choral scene in which HANNIBAL and his army return to save Carthage from the Roman invasion under Scipio. HANNIBAL is KING FRIDAY; ELISSA, Queen of Carthage (his mistress) is QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY. The two leading SLAVES are played by JODI PLATYPUS and DANIEL TIGER. TEACHER HARRIET is the ballet mistress. BAKER AKER, the repetiteur, is in charge.

We join the opera towards the end of ELISSA's (QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY'S) great aria. She is alone, holding a pre. from the approaching HANNIBAL, a bleeding severed head)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (at the climax of an extravagant cade) This trophy from our saviours, from the enslaving force of Rome!

(A STAGE HAND carries a ladder across the stage. OTHERS are seen still constructing parts of the scenery)

GIRLS' 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!

(KING FRIDAY enters, as HANNIBAL)

KING FRIDAY (HANNIBAL) Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp.

BAKER AKER (interrupting him) Signor .if you please: "Rome". We say "Rome' not "Roma"

KING FRIDAY Si, si, Rome, not Roma. Is very hard for me. (practicing) Rome. Rome.

(Enter X THE OWL, the retiring manager of the Opera, with KATERINA KITTYCAT and O THE OWL, to whom he has just sold it)

BAKER AKER (to KING FRIDAY) Once again, then, if you please, Signor: "Sad to return."

X THE OWL (to O and KATERINA) This way, children, this way. Rehearsals, as you see, are under way, for a new production of Chalumeau's "Hannibal".

(seeing a hiatus in the rehearsal, X attempts to attract attention.)

X THE OWL Ladies and gentlemen, some of you may already, perhaps, have met O the Owl and Katerina Kittycat.

(the new managers are politely bowing, when BAKER AKER interrupts)

BAKER AKER I'm sorry, X, we are rehearsing. If you wouldn't mind waiting a moment?

X THE OWL My apologies, Baker Aker. Proceed, proceed.

BAKER AKER Thank you, monsieur (turning back to KING FRIDAY). "Sad to return." Signor.

X THE OWL (sotto voce to O and KATERINA) Baker Aker, our chief repetiteur. Rather a tyrant, I'm afraid.

(the rehearsal continues)

KING FRIDAY (HANNIBAL) 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.

(BALLET GIRLS begin their dance. X, O and KATERINA stand center-stage watching the ballet. They are in the way. The ballet continues under the following dialogue.)

X THE OWL (indicating KING FRIDAY) Signor Friday, our principal tenor. He does play so opposite Queen Sarah Saturday.

TEACHER HARRIET (exasperated by their presence, bangs her cane angrily on the stage) X, O, and Katerina, please! If you would kindly move to one side?

X THE OWL My apologies, Teacher Harriet. (leading O and KATERINA aside) Teacher Harriet, our ballet mistress. I don't mind confessing, Katerina, I shan't be sorry to be rid of the whole blessed business.

KATERINA KITTYCAT I keep asking you, monsieur, why exactly are you retiring?

X THE OWL (ignoring this, calls his attention to the continuing ballet) We take a particular pride here in the excellence of our ballets.

(JODI becomes prominent among the dancers)

O THE OWL Who's that girl, Uncle?

X THE OWL Her? Jodi Platypus, Teacher Harriet's student. Promising dancer, O, most promising.

(DANIEL becomes prominent. He has absentmindedly fallen out-of-step)

TEACHER HARRIET (spotting her, bangs her cane again) You! Daniel Tiger! Concentrate, boy!

JODI (quietly, to DANIEL) Daniel.What's the matter?

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to X) Tiger? Curious name.

X THE OWL Swedish.

O THE OWL Any relation to the violinist?

X THE OWL His grandson, I believe. Always has his head in the clouds, I'm afraid.

(The ballet continues to its climax and ends. The CHORUS resumes)

CHORUS Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests the elephants of Carthage! As guides on our conquering quests, Dido sends Hannibal's friends!

(the ELEPHANT, a life-sized mechanical replica, enters. KING FRIDAY is lifted, in triumph, onto its back)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (ELISSA) Once more to my welcoming arms my love returns in splendour!

KING FRIDAY (HANNIBAL) 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 comes!

(At the end of the chorus X claps his hands for silence. The elephant is led off. Two stage-hands are revealed operating it from within)

X THE OWL Ladies and gentlemen-Teacher Harriet, 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 Neighborhood of Make Believe theater, Katerina Kittycat and O the Owl.

(Polite applause. Some bowing. QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY makes her presence felt)

Gentlemen, Queen Sarah Saturday, our leading soprano for five seasons now.

O THE OWL Of course, of course. I have experienced all your greatest roles, Signora.

X THE OWL And Signor King Friday.

KATERINA KITTYCAT An honor, Signor.

O THE OWL If I remember rightly, Elissa has a rather fine aria in Act Three of "Hannibal". I wonder, Signora, if, as a personal favor, you would oblige us with a private rendition? (Somewhat acerbic). Unless, of course, Baker Aker objects.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY My manager commands. Baker Aker?

BAKER AKER My diva commands. Will two bars be sufficient introduction?

KATERINA KITTYCAT Two bars will be quite sufficient

BAKER AKER (ensuring that SATURDAY is ready) Signora?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Maestro.

(The introduction is played on the piano)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY 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 heart.

(As QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY is singing a backdrop crashes to the floor cutting her off from half the cast)

JODI PLATYPUS/BALLET GIRLS/CHORUS She's here: the Phantom of the Opera. She is with us. It's the ghost.

KING FRIDAY (looking up, furiously) You idiots!

(He rushes over to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) Sarah! Sarah! Are you hurt?

X THE OWL Signora! Are you all right? Tuesday! Where is Tuesday ?

KING FRIDAY Is no one concerned for our prima donna?

X THE OWL Get that man down here ! (to O and KATERINA) Chief of the flies. He's responsible for this.

(The drop is raised high enough to reveal upstage an young stagehand, PRINCE TUESDAY, holding a length of rope, which looks almost like a noose)

X THE OWL Tuesday! For God's sake, man, what's going on up there?

PRINCE TUESDAY 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.

JODI PLATYPUS (looking up) She's there; the Phantom of the Opera.

O THE OWL Good heavens! Will you show a little courtesy?

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to JODI and the OTHERS) Mademoiselle, please!

O THE OWL (to SARAH) These things do happen.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Si! These things do happen! Well, until you stop these things happening, this thing does not happen!

Friday! Andiamo! (KING FRIDAY dutifully fetches her furs from the wings)

KING FRIDAY Amateurs !

X THE OWL 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. The COMPANY looks anxiously at the NEW MANAGERS)

O THE OWL Queen Sarah will be back.

TEACHER HARRIET You think so, messieurs? I have a message, sir, from the Opera Ghost.

(The GIRLS twitter and twirl in fear)

KATERINA KITTYCAT God in Heaven, you're all obsessed!

TEACHER HARRIET She merely welcomes you to her theater and commands you to continue to leave Box Five empty for her use and reminds you that her salary is due.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Her salary?

TEACHER HARRIET X the Owl paid her twenty thousand francs a month. Perhaps you can afford more, with Dad Tiger as your patron.

(Reaction to this from the BALLET GIRLS. DANIEL takes hold of JODI nervously)

O THE OWL (to TEACHER HARRIET) Madame, I had hoped to have made that announcement myself.

TEACHER HARRIET (to KATERINA) Will Mr. Tiger be at the performance tonight, madame?

KATERINA KITTYCAT In our box.

O THE OWL Madame, who is the understudy for this role?

BAKER AKER There is no understudy, monsieur -the production is new.

JODI PLATYPUS Daniel Tiger could sing it, sir.

KATERINA KITTYCAT The chorus boy ?

JODI PLATYPUS (to KATERINA) He's been taking lessons from a great teacher

O THE OWL From whom ?

DANIEL TIGER (uneasily) I don't know, sir.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Oh, not you as well! (turning to O) Can you believe it? A full house -and we have to cancel !

TEACHER HARRIET Let him sing for you, madame. He has been well taught.

BAKER AKER (after a pause) From the beginning of the aria then, monsieur.

DANIEL TIGER Think of me think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while please promise me you'll try.

KATERINA KITTYCAT O, this is doing nothing for my nerves.

O THE OWL Don't fret, Katerina.

DANIEL TIGER 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

(Transformation to the Gala. DANIEL is revealed in full costume)

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.

(Applause, bravos. Prominent among the bravos, those of the young DAD TIGER in the MANAGERS' box)

DAD TIGER Can it be? Can it be Daniel? Bravo!

(he raises his opera-glasses)

What a change! You're really not a bit the gawkish boy that once you were.

(lowering his opera-glasses)

He may not remember me, but I remember him. DANIEL TIGER We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea but please promise me, that sometimes you will think of me!

(The curtain closes upstage. BALLET GIRLS, from the wings gush around DANIEL who hands each a flower from his bouquet. BAKER AKER stiffly gives his approval)

TEACHER HARRIET (to DANIEL) 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! Here we rehearse. Now! (She emphasizes this with her cane. The BALLET GIRLS settle into rehearsal upstage, TEACHER HARRIET keeping time with her stick. Variations on this continue throughout the scene)

(DANIEL moves slowly, downstage, away from the DANCERS as his dressing room becomes visible. Unseen by him, JODI also moves away and follows him. As DANIEL is about to open the dressing room door, he hears MISS ELAINA'S voice out of nowhere)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE Bravi, bravi, bravissimi.

(DANIEL is bewildered by the voice. JODI, following, has not heard it. DANIEL turns in surprise, and is relieved to see her)

JODI PLATYPUS Where in the world have you been hiding? Really, you were perfect!

I only wish I knew your secret! Who is this new tutor?

DANIEL TIGER (abstracted, entering the dressing room) Grandpere once spoke of an angel. I used to dream she'd appear.

Now as I sing, I can sense her. And I know she's here. (trance-like)

Here in this room she calls me softly. somewhere inside. hiding.

Somehow I know she's always with me. she the unseen genius.

JODI PLATYPUS (uneasily) Daniel, you must have been dreaming. stories like this can't come true.

Daniel, you're talking in riddles. and it's not like you.

DANIEL TIGER (not hearing her, ecstatic) Angel of Music! Guide and guardian! Grant to me your glory!

JODI PLATYPUS (to herself) Who is this angel? This.

BOTH Angel of Music! Hide no longer! Secret and strange angel.

DANIEL TIGER (darkly) She's with me, even now.

JODI PLATYPUS (bewildered) Your hands are cold.

DANIEL TIGER; All around me.

JODI PLATYPUS Your face, Daniel, it's white.

DANIEL TIGER It frightens me.

JODI PLATYPUS Don't be frightened.

(THEY look at each other The moment is broken by the arrival of HARRIET)

TEACHER HARRIET Jodi. Are you a dancer? Then come and practice.

(JODI PLATYPUS leaves and joins the DANCERS) My dear, I was asked to give you this.

(She hands DANIEL a note, and exits. DANIEL opens it and reads) DANIEL TIGER A red scarf. the attic. Little Lotte.

Scene 3 CHRISTINE 'S DRESSING ROOM

(Meanwhile DAD TIGER O, KATERINA, and DOCTOR ANNA are seen making their way towards the dressing room, the MANAGERS in high spirits, bearing champagne)

O THE OWL A tour de force! No other way to describe it!

KATERINA KITTYCAT What a relief ! Not a single refund!

DOCTOR ANNA Greedy.

O THE OWL Katerina, I think we've made quite a discovery in Daniel Tiger!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to DAD TIGER, indicating DANIEL 'S dressing room) Here we are, Mr. Tiger. DAD TIGER Kids if you wouldn't mind. This is one visit I should prefer to make unaccompanied.

(He takes the champagne from KATERINA)

O THE OWL As you wish, monsieur.

(They bow and move off)

KATERINA KITTYCAT They appear to have met before.

(DAD TIGER knocks at the door and enters)

DAD TIGER Daniel, where is your scarf?

DANIEL TIGER Dad?

DAD TIGER You can't have lost it. After all the trouble I took. I was just fourteen and soaked to the skin.

DANIEL TIGER Because you had run into the sea to fetch my scarf. Oh, Dad. So it is you!

DAD TIGER Daniel.

(They embrace and laugh. He moves away and sits at his dressing table)

DAD TIGER "Little Lotte let her mind wander."

DANIEL TIGER You remember that, too.

DAD TIGER (continuing) ". Little Lotte thought: Am I fonder of dolls."

BOTH (DANIEL joining in) "or of goblins, of shoes."

DANIEL TIGER "or of riddles. of frocks."

DAD TIGER Those picnics in the attic. "or of chocolates."

DANIEL TIGER Grandpere playing the violin.

DAD TIGER As we read to each other dark stories of the North.

DANIEL TIGER "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!"

DANIEL TIGER (turning in his chair to look at him) Grandpere said, "When I'm in heaven, child, I will send the Angel of Music to you". Well, grandpere is dead, Dad, and I have been visited by the Angel of Music.

DAD TIGER No doubt of it. And now we'll go to supper!

DANIEL TIGER No, Dad, the Angel of Music is very strict.

DAD TIGER I shan't keep you up late!

DANIEL TIGER No, Dad.

DAD TIGER You must change. I must get my hat. Two minutes Little Lotte.

(He hurries out)

DAD TIGER (calling after him)

Dad!

(quietly picking up his hand mirror)

Things have changed, Dad.

(Tremulous music. DANIEL hears MISS ELAINA'S voice, seemingly from behind her dressing room mirror)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE Insolent boy! This slave of fashion basking in your glory!

Ignorant fool! This brave young suitor, sharing in my triumph!

DANIEL TIGER (spell-bound) Angel! I hear you! Speak I listen. stay by my side, guide me!

Angel, my soul was weak -forgive me. enter at last, Mistress!

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE Flattering child, you shall know me, see why in shadow I hide!

Look at your face in the mirror I am there inside!

(The figure of MISS ELAINA becomes discernible behind the mirror)

DANIEL TIGER (ecstatic) Angel of Music! Guide and guardian! Grant to me your glory!

Angel of Music! Hide no longer! Come to me, strange angel.

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE I am your Angel. Come to me: Angel of Music.

(DANIEL walks towards the glowing, shimmering glass. Meanwhile, DAD TIGER has returned. He hears the voices and is puzzled. He tries the door It is locked)

DAD TIGER Whose is that voice.? Who is that in there.?

(Inside the room the mirror opens. Behind it, in an inferno of white light, stands MISS ELAINA. She reaches forward and takes DANIEL firmly, but not fiercely, by the wrist. Her touch is cold, and DANIEL gasps)

MISS ELAINA I am your Angel of Music. Come to me: Angel of Music.

(DANIEL disappears through the mirror, which closes behind him The door of the dressing room suddenly unlocks and swings open, and DAD TIGER enters to find the room empty) DAD TIGER Daniel! Angel!

Scene 4 THE LABYRINTH UNDERGROUND

(MISS ELAINA and DANIEL take their strange journey to MISS ELAINA'S lair. Candles rise from the stage. We see DANIEL and MISS ELAINA in a boat which moves slowly across the misty waters of the underground lake)

DANIEL TIGER In sleep she sang to me, in dreams she 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.

MISS ELAINA 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.

DANIEL TIGER Those who have seen your face draw back in fear. I am the mask you wear.

MISS ELAINA 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.

OFFSTAGE VOICES She's there, the Phantom of the Opera. Beware the Phantom of the Opera.

MISS ELAINA In all your fantasies, you always knew that girl and mystery.

DANIEL TIGER .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.

Sing, my Angel of Music!

DANIEL TIGER She's there, the Phantom of the Opera. (He begins to vocalize strangely, his song becoming more and more extravagant.)

Scene 5 BEYOND THE LAKE THE NEXT MORNING

(Finally they arrive in MISS ELAINA'S lair. Downstage the candles in the lake lift up revealing giant candelabras outlining the space. The boat turns into a bed. There is a huge pipe organ. MISS ELAINA sits at the organ and takes over the accompaniment)

MISS ELAINA 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.

(changing mood)

Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness stirs and wakes 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 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.

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 belong to 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.

(During all this, MISS ELAINA has conditioned DANIEL to the coldness of her touch and his fingers are brave enough to stray to her mask and caress it, with no hint of removing it. MISS ELAINA leads him to a large mirror from which she removes a dust cover and in which we see the image of DANIEL, a perfect wax-face impression, wearing a red sweater. DANIEL moves slowly towards it when suddenly the image thrusts its hands through the mirror towards him He faints. MISS ELAINA catches him and carries him to the bed, where she lays him down.) MISS ELAINA You alone can make my song take flight help me make the music of the night.

Scene 6

THE NEXT MORNING (As the light brightens, we see MISS ELAINA seated at the organ playing with furious concentration. She breaks off occasionally to write the music down. There is a musical box in the shape of a barrel organ beside the bed. Mysteriously, it plays as DANIEL wakes up. The music keeps him in a half trance)

DANIEL TIGER 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 girl.

(He rises and approaches MISS ELAINA who does not see him As he reaches for her mask, she turns, almost catching him. This happens several times)

Who was that shape in the shadows? Whose is the face in the mask?

(He finally succeeds in tearing the mask from her face. MISS ELAINA springs up and rounds on him furiously. He clearly sees her face. The audience does not, as she is standing in profile and in shadow)

MISS ELAINA 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.

(a pause)

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, Daniel.

Fear can Turn to love you'll learn to see, to find the girl behind the monster: this. repulsive carcass, who seems a beast, but secretly dreams of beauty, secretly. secretly.

Oh, Daniel.

(She holds out her hand to the mask, which he gives to her. She puts it on, turning towards the audience as she sings):

Come we must return those two fools who run my theater will be missing you. (The lair sinks into the floor as MISS ELAINA and DANIEL leave)

Scene 7 BACKSTAGE (TUESDAY mysteriously appears, a length of fabric serving as a cloak, and a piece of rope as the Punjab lasso. He is showing off to the BALLET GIRLS)

PRINCE TUESDAY Like yellow parchment is her skin. a great black hole served as the nose that never grew.

(Demonstrating his method of self-defense against the Punjab lasso, he inserts his hand between his neck and the noose, and then pulls the rope taut. With a mixture of horror and delight, the BALLET GIRLS applaud this demonstration)

(explaining to them) You must be always on your guard, or she will catch you with her magical lasso!

(A trap opens up centre stage casting a shadow of MISS ELAINA as she emerges. The GIRLS, linking hands, run off terrified. MISS ELAINA, leading DANIEL, fixes her stare on PRINCE TUESDAY. Sweeping her cape around DANIEL, she exits with him But before they go TEACHER HARRIET has entered, observing. She turns on PRINCE TUESDAY) TEACHER HARRIET Those who speak of what they know find, too late, that prudent silence is wise. Prince Tuesday, hold your tongue she will burn you with the heat of her eyes.

Scene 8 THE MANAGERS' OFFICE (Desk, chairs, papers. KATERINA is scornfully eyeing a newspaper article)

KATERINA KITTYCAT "Mystery after gala night," if says, "Mystery of soprano's flight!"

"Mystified baffled Surete say, we are mystified we suspect foul play!"

(She lowers the paper)

Bad news on soprano scene first Queen Sarah, now Daniel! Still, at least the seats get sold gossip's worth its 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!

(O bursts in, in a temper)

O THE OWL Damnable! Will they all walk out? This is damnable!

KATERINA KITTYCAT O, please don't shout.

It's publicity! And the take is vast! Free publicity!

O THE OWL But we have no cast.

KATERINA KITTYCAT (calmly) But O, have you seen the queue?

(She has been sorting mail on her desk. Finding the two letters from MISS ELAINA): Oh, it seems you've got one too.

(She hands the letter to O, who opens it and reads):

O THE OWL "Dear O what a charming gala! Daniel enjoyed a great success! We were hardly bereft when Queen Sarah Saturday left -otherwise the chorus was entrancing, but the dancing was a lamentable mess!"

KATERINA KITTYCAT (reading hers) "Dear Katerina, 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!"

KATERINA/O Who would have the gall to send this? Someone with a puerile brain!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (examining both letters) These are both signed "O.G.".

O THE OWL Who the hell is she?

BOTH (immediately realizing) Opera ghost!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (unamused) It's really not amusing!

O THE OWL She's abusing our position!

KATERINA KITTYCAT In addition she wants money!

O THE OWL She's a funny sort of spectre.

BOTH .to expect a large retainer! Nothing plainer -she is clearly quite insane!

(They are interrupted by the arrival of DAD TIGER, who brandishes another of MISS ELAINA'S notes)

DAD TIGER Where is he?

O THE OWL You mean Queen Sarah Saturday?

DAD TIGER I mean Daniel Tiger -where is he?

KATERINA KITTYCAT Well, how should we know?

DAD TIGER I want an answer -I take it that you sent me this note?

KATERINA KITTYCAT What's all this nonsense?

O THE OWL Of course not!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Don't look at us!

DAD TIGER He's not with you, then?

KATERINA KITTYCAT Of course not!

O THE OWL We're in the dark.

DAD TIGER Monsieur, don't argue -Isn't this the letter you wrote?

KATERINA KITTYCAT And what is it, that we're meant to have wrote?

(Realizing her mistake)

Written ! (DAD TIGER hands the note to O, who reads it)

O THE OWL "Do not fear for Daniel Tiger. The Angel of Music has him under her wing. Make no attempt to see him again."

(The MANAGERS look mystified)

DAD TIGER If you didn't write it, who did?

(QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY bursts in. She too has a letter, which has cheered her no more than the others)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Where is he?

O THE OWL Ah, welcome back!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Your precious patron -where is he?

DAD TIGER What is it now?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to DAD TIGER) I have your letter -a letter which I rather resent!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to DAD TIGER) And did you send it?

DAD TIGER Of course not!

O THE OWL As if he would!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You didn't send it?

DAD TIGER Of course not!

KATERINA KITTYCAT What's going on.?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to DAD TIGER) You dare to tell me, that this is not the letter you sent ? !

DAD TIGER And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?

(DAD TIGER takes the letter and reads it)

"Your days at the Make Believe Theater are numbered. Daniel Tiger will be singing on your behalf tonight. Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take his place."

(The MANAGERS are beginning to tire of the intrigue)

O/KATERINA Far too many notes for my taste -and most of them about Daniel! All we've heard since we came is Daniel Tiger's name.

(TEACHER HARRIET suddenly appears, accompanied by JODI)

TEACHER HARRIET Daniel Tiger has returned.

KATERINA KITTYCAT (drily) I trust his midnight oil is well and truly burned.

O THE OWL Where precisely is he now?

TEACHER HARRIET I thought it best that he went home.

JODI PLATYPUS He needed rest.

DAD TIGER May I see him?

TEACHER HARRIET No, monsieur, he will see no-one.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Will he sing? Will he sing?

TEACHER HARRIET Here, I have a note.

DAD TIGER/QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY/O THE OWL Let me see it!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (snatching it) Please!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (Opens the letter and reads. MISS ELAINA'S voice gradually lakes over) "Guys, I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theater is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you one last chance."

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE (taking over) Daniel Tiger has returned to you, and I am anxious his career should progress. In the new production of "Il Muto", you will therefore cast Queen Sarah as the Pageboy, and put Daniel Tiger in the role of Count. The role which Daniel 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.

KATERINA KITTYCAT (taking over) "I remain, Friends, Your obedient servant, O.G."

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Daniel!

O THE OWL Whatever next.?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY It's all a ploy to help Daniel!

KATERINA KITTYCAT This is insane.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY I know who sent this: (pointing an accusing finger) Mr. Tiger -his father!

DAD TIGER (ironical) Indeed? (to the OTHERS) Can you believe this?

O THE OWL (to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY, in protest) Signora!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (half to the MANAGERS, half to herself) O traditori!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) This is a joke!

O THE OWL This changes nothing!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY O mentitori!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Signora!

O THE OWL You are our star!

KATERINA KITTYCAT And always will be!

O THE OWL Signora.

KATERINA KITTYCAT The girl is mad!

O THE OWL We don't take orders!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (announcing it to EVERYONE) Daniel Tiger will be playing the Pageboy -the silent role.

O/KATERINA Queen Sarah Saturday will be playing the lead!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (waxing melodramatic) It's useless trying to appease me! You're only saying this to please me! Signori, Š vero? Non, non, non voglio udire ! Lasciatemi morire! O padre mio! Dio!

TEACHER HARRIET Who scorn her word, beware to those.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to MANAGERS) You have reviled me!

TEACHER HARRIET The angel sees, the angel knows.

DAD TIGER Why did Daniel fly from my arms.?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You have rebuked me!

O/KATERINA Signora, pardon us.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You have replaced me!

O/KATERINA Please, Signora, we beseech you.

TEACHER HARRIET This hour shall see your darkest fears.

JODI/DAD TIGER I must see him.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Abbandonata! Deseredata! O, sventurata!

TEACHER HARRIET The angel knows, the angel hears.

DAD TIGER Where did he go.?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Abbandonata! Disgraziata!

O/KATERINA Signora, sing for us! Don't be a martyr.

DAD TIGER/TEACHER HARRIET/JODI PLATYPUS What new surprises lie in store.?

O/KATERINA Our star.!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Non vo' cantar!

(ALL look at QUEEN SARAH, as the MANAGERS approach her lovingly)

O THE OWL Your public needs you!

KATERINA KITTYCAT We need you, too!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (unassuaged) Would you not rather have your precious little ingenue?

O/KATERINA Signora, no! the neighborhood wants you!

(The MANAGERS adopt their most persuasive attitudes)

O/KATERINA Prima donna first lady of the stage! Your devotees are on their knees to implore you !

O THE OWL Can you bow out when they're shouting your name?

KATERINA KITTYCAT Think of how they all adore you!

BOTH Prima donna, enchant us once again!

O THE OWL Think of your muse.

KATERINA KITTYCAT And of the queues round the theater!

BOTH Can you deny us the triumph in store? Sing, prima donna, once more!

(QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY registers her acceptance as the MANAGERS continue to cajole and the OTHERS reflect variously on the situation)

DAD TIGER Daniel spoke of an angel.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to herself, in triumph) Prima donna your song shall live again!

O/KATERINA (to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) Think of your public!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You took a snub but there's a public who needs you!

TEACHER HARRIET (referring to DANIEL) He has heard the voice of the angel of music.

O/KATERINA (to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) Those who hear your voice liken you to an angel!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Think of their cry of undying support !

DAD TIGER Is this his angel of music.?

O THE OWL (to KATERINA) We get our opera.

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to O) She gets her limelight!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Follow where the limelight leads you!

JODI PLATYPUS Is this ghost an angel or a madgirl.?

DAD TIGER Angel or madgirl.?

O/KATERINA (aside) Leading ladies are a trial!

TEACHER HARRIET Heaven help you, those who doubt.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You'll sing again, and to unending ovation!

DAD TIGER Orders! Warnings! Lunatic demands!

TEACHER HARRIET This miscasting will invite damnation.

O/KATERINA Tears. oaths. Lunatic demands are regular occurrences!

JODI PLATYPUS Bliss or damnation? Which has claimed him.?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Think how you'll shine in that final encore! Sing, prima donna, once more!

TEACHER HARRIET Oh fools, to have flouted her warnings!

DAD TIGER Surely, for his sake.

JODI PLATYPUS Surely she'll strike back.

O/KATERINA Surely there'll be further scenes -worse than this!

TEACHER HARRIET Think, before these demands are rejected!

DAD TIGER .I must see these demands are rejected!

JODI PLATYPUS .if her threats and demands are rejected!

O/KATERINA Who'd believe a diva happy to relieve a chorus boy, who's gone and slept with the patron? Dad Tiger and the soubrette, entwined in love's duet! Although she may demur, she must have been with him!

JODI/DAD TIGER Daniel must be protected!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY O, fortunata! Non ancor abbandonata!

O/KATERINA 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!

DAD TIGER Her game is over!

TEACHER HARRIET This is a game you cannot hope to win!

DAD TIGER And in Box Five a new game will begin.

TEACHER HARRIET For, if her curse is on this opera.

JODI PLATYPUS But if her curse is on this opera.

O/KATERINA Prima donna the world is at your feet! A nation waits, and how it hates to be cheated!

QUEEN SATURDAY 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 perfect opera!

HARRIET/JODI .then I fear the outcome.

DAD TIGER Daniel plays the Pageboy, Queen Sarah plays the Countess.

TEACHER HARRIET .should you dare to.

JODI PLATYPUS .when you once again.

ALL Light up the stage with that age old rapport! Sing, prima donna, once more!

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE So, it is to be war between us! If these demands are not met, a disaster beyond your imagination will occur! ALL Once more!

Scene 9

A PERFORMANCE OF 'IL MUTO' BY ALBRIZZIO (During the overture DAD TIGER, O THE OWL and KATERINA take their respective seats-DAD TIGER in Box Five, the MANAGERS in a box opposite)

DAD TIGER Kids, if you would care to take your seats? I shall be sitting in Box Five.

O THE OWL Do you really think that's wise, monsieur?

DAD TIGER My dear O, there would appear to be no seats available, other than Box Five.

(The front cloth rises to reveal an 18th Century salon, a canopied bed center-stage. The COUNTESS is played by QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY. SERAFIMO, the page boy, is disguised as her butler and is played by DANIEL TIGER. At this point they are hidden behind the drapes of the bed, which are drawn.

In the room are TWO EPICENE MEN: one a HAIRDRESSER and one a JEWELER. The JEWELER is attended by JODI. There is also an OLDER WOMAN, the COUNTESS' confidante. All a part from JODI are gossiping with relish about he COUNTESS' current liaison with SERAFIMO)

CHRISSIE They say that this youth has set my Lady's heart aflame!

PRINCE WEDNESDAY His Lordship sure would die of shock!

DOCTOR ANNA His Lordship is a laughing-stock!

CHRISSIE Should he suspect her God protect her!

ALL THREE Shame! Shame! Shame!

This faithless lady's bound for Hades! Shame! Shame! Shame!

(The canopy drapes part and we see the COUNTESS kissing SERAFlMO passionately. As the recitative begins, the lights and music dim on stage, and our attention turns to the MANAGERS in their box)

IN THE BOX

O THE OWL Nothing like the old operas!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Or the old scenery.

O THE OWL The old singers.

KATERINA KITTYCAT The old audience.

O THE OWL And every seat sold!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Hardly a disaster beyond all imagination!

(They chuckle and nod to DAD TIGER in the opposite box. He acknowledges them)

ON STAGE

COUNTESS Serafimo -your disguise is perfect.

(A knock at the door)

Who can this be?

DON ATTILIO Gentle wife, admit your loving husband.

ATTENTION BACK ON STAGE (The COUNTESS admits DON ATTILIO. He is an old fool)

DON ATTILIO My love -I am called to England on affairs of State, and must leave you with your new maid. (Aside) Though I'd happily take the maid with me.

COUNTESS (aside) The old fool's leaving!

DON ATTILIO (aside) I suspect my young bride is untrue to me. I shall not leave, but shall hide over there to observe her!

DON ATTILIO (to COUNTESS) Addio!

COUNTESS Addio!

BOTH (to each other) Addio!

(He goes, pretending to leave, then hides and watches the action)

COUNTESS (QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) Serafimo -away with this pretense!

(She rips off SERAFIMO'S skirt to reveal his manly breeches)

You cannot speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence!

Poor fool, he makes me laugh! Haha, Haha! etc. Time I tried to get a better better half !

COUNTESS AND CHORUS Poor fool, he doesn't know! Hoho, Hoho! etc. If he knew the truth, he'd never, ever go!

(Suddenly from nowhere, we hear the voice of MISS ELAINA)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE Did I not instruct that Box Five was to be kept empty?

JODI PLATYPUS (terrified) She's here: the Phantom of the Opera.

(General reaction of bewilderment. DANIEL looks fearfully at her)

DANIEL TIGER It's her. I know it. it's her.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (Finding a scapegoat in DANIEL, hisses at him) Your part is silent, little toad!

(But MISS ELAINA has heard her)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE A toad, madame? Perhaps it is you who are the toad.

(Again general unease. QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY and the CONDUCTOR confer and pick up from the opening of the scene)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (As the COUNTESS) Serafimo, away with this pretense! You cannot speak, but kiss me in my croak!

(Instead of singing she emits a great croak like a toad. A stunned silence. QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY is as amazed as anyone but regains herself and continues. More perturbing, however, is a new sound: MISS ELAINA is laughing -quietly at first, then more and more hysterically)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (as the COUNTESS) Poor fool, he makes me laugh -Hahahahaha! Croak, croak, croak, croak, croak, croak, etc.

(As before. MISS ELAINA'S laughter rises. The croaking continues as the chandelier's lights blink on and off. MISS ELAINA'S laughter, by this time overpowering, now crescendos into a great cry):

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE Behold! She is singing to bring down the chandelier!

(QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY looks tearfully up at the MANAGERS ' box and shakes her head)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Non posso pi—. I cannot. I cannot go on.

KING FRIDAY (rushing on) Sarah, Sarah. I'm here. is all right. Come. I'm here.

(O and KATERINA hurry out of the box onto the stage. FRIDAY ushers the now sobbing QUEEN SARAH offstage, while the MANAGERS tackle the audience)

KATERINA KITTYCAT Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes' time.

(She addresses Box Five, keeping one eye on the chandelier as it returns to normal)

.when the role of the Count will be sung by Mr. Daniel Tiger.

O THE OWL (improvising) In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen, we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera.

(to the CONDUCTOR)

Maestro -the ballet -now!

(The MANAGERS leave, the stage is cleared and music starts again. The BALLET GlRLS enter as a sylvan glade flies in. They begin the Dance of the Country Nymphs. Upstage, behind the drop, a series of threatening shadows of MISS ELAINA. JODI is aware of them and dances out of step. When this culminates in one gigantic, oppressive, bat-like shadow, the garrotted body of PRINCE TUESDAY falls onto the stage, causing the sylvan glade to fly out. Pandemonium.)

DANIEL TIGER (calling for help) Dad! Dad!

(DAD TIGER runs on stage and embraces him)

DAD TIGER (to DANIEL, leading her away) Daniel, come with me.

DANIEL TIGER No. to the roof. We'll be safe there.

(DANIEL and DAD TIGER hurry off)

KATERINA KITTYCAT (Attempting to placate the audience as STAGE-HANDS and POLICEMEN crowd onto the stage) Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats. Do not panic. It was an accident .simply an accident. Scene 10 THE ROOF OF THE OPERA HOUSE

(A statue of 'La Victoire Ailee' -the same as that which tops the proscenium. It is twilight. DANIEL and DAD TIGER rush on)

DAD TIGER Why have you brought us here?

DANIEL TIGER Don't take me back there!

DAD TIGER We must return!

DANIEL TIGER She'll kill me!

DAD TIGER Be still now.

DANIEL TIGER Her eyes will find me there!

DAD TIGER Daniel, don't say that.

DANIEL TIGER Those eyes that burn!

DAD TIGER Don't even think it.

DANIEL TIGER And if she has to kill a thousand men -

DAD TIGER Forget this waking nightmare.

DANIEL TIGER The Phantom of the Opera will kill.

DAD TIGER This phantom is a fable. Believe me.

DANIEL TIGER .and kill again!

DAD TIGER There is no Phantom of the Opera.

DANIEL TIGER My God, who is this girl.

DAD TIGER My God, who is this girl.

DANIEL TIGER .who hunts to kill.?

DAD TIGER .this mask of death.?

DANIEL TIGER I can't escape from her.

DAD TIGER Whose is this voice you hear.

DANIEL TIGER .I never will!

DAD TIGER .with every breath.?

BOTH And in this labyrinth, where night is blind the Phantom of the Opera is here: inside your/my mind.

DAD TIGER There is no Phantom of the Opera.

DANIEL TIGER Dad, I've been there -to her world of unending night. To a world where the daylight dissolves into darkness. darkness.

Dad, I've seen her! 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.

(trance like, then becoming more and more ecstatic)

But her 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.

DAD TIGER What you heard was a dream and nothing more.

DANIEL TIGER Yet in her eyes all the sadness of the world. Those pleading eyes, that both threaten and adore.

DAD TIGER (comforting) Daniel. Daniel.

MISS ELAINA (unseen, a ghostly echo of DAD TIGER'S words) Daniel.

DANIEL TIGER What was that?

(A moment, as their eyes meet. The mood changes.)

DAD TIGER 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.

DANIEL TIGER 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.

DAD TIGER Let me be your shelter, let me be your light. You're safe: No-one will find you your fears are far behind you.

DANIEL TIGER All I want is freedom, a world with no more night. and you always beside me to hold me and to hide me.

DAD TIGER 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 -Daniel, that's all I ask of you.

DANIEL TIGER 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.

DANIEL TIGER Say you love me.

DAD TIGER You know I do.

BOTH Love me -that's all I ask of you.

(They kiss)

Anywhere you go let me go too. Love me -that's all I ask of you.

(DANIEL starts from his reverie)

DANIEL TIGER I must go -they'll wonder where I am. wait for me, Dad!

DAD TIGER Daniel, I love you!

DANIEL TIGER; Order your fine horses! Be with them at the door!

DAD TIGER And soon you'll be beside me!

DANIEL TIGER You'll guard me, and you'll guide me.

(They hurry off. MISS ELAINA emerges from behind the statue)

MISS ELAINA I gave you my music. made your song take wing. and now, how you've repaid me: denied me and betrayed me. She was bound to love you when she heard you sing.

Daniel. Daniel.

DAD TIGER/DANIEL (offstage) 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.

MISS ELAINA You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you.!

(As the roof of the opera house disappears, the opera curtain closes and the PRINCIPALS in 'Il Muto' appear through it for their bows, DANIEL conspicuously dressed in QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY'S costume. simultaneously, we hear the maniacal laughter of MISS ELAINA and see her high above the stage, perilously rocking the chandelier. The lights of the chandelier begin flickering and, at a great cry from her, it descends, swinging more and more madly over the orchestra pit)

MISS ELAINA Go! !

(The chandelier falls to the stage at DANIEL'S feet) END OF ACT 1

ACT 2 Scene 1 THE STAIRCASE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD THEATER

(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. O THE OWL enters. He is dressed as a skeleton in an opera cape. Almost immediately KATERINA KITTYCAT arrives. She is also dressed as a skeleton in an opera cape. The two skeletons see each other and approach nervously)

O THE OWL Katerina Kittycat?

KATERINA KITTYCAT O?

(Each raises his mask to the other. They recognize each other.)

KATERINA KITTYCAT Dear O what a splendid party!

O THE OWL The prologue to a bright new year!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Quite a night! I'm impressed!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Well, one does one's best.

O/KATERINA (raising their glasses) Here's to us!

KATERINA KITTYCAT I must say, all the same, that it's a shame that 'Miss Elaina' fellow isn't here!

(The gauze lifts fully to reveal the staircase of the theater. The opera ball begins. Among the GUESTS are four carrying strange percussion instruments: a monkey with cymbals, a toy soldier with a drum, a triangle, bells. Together they play weirdly throughout)

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.

DAD TIGER/DANIEL TIGER 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 activity becomes background, as O, KATERINA, JODI, TEACHER HARRIET, KING FRIDAY and QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY come to the fore, glasses in hand)

TEACHER HARRIET What a night

JODI PLATYPUS What a crowd!

O THE OWL Makes you glad!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Makes you proud! All the creme de la creme!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Watching us watching them!

JODI/TEACHER HARRIET And all our fears are in the past!

O THE OWL Six months.

KING FRIDAY Of relief!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Of delight!

O/KATERINA Of Elysian peace!

JODI/TEACHER HARRIET And we can breathe at last!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY No more notes!

KING FRIDAY No more ghost!

TEACHER HARRIET Here's a health!

O THE OWL Here's a toast: to a prosperous year!

KATERINA To the new chandelier!

KING FRIDAY/QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY And may its splendour never fade!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Six months!

TEACHER HARRIET What a joy!

JODI PLATYPUS What a change!

KATERINA/O What a blessed release!

O THE OWL And what a masquerade!

(They clink glasses and move off DAD and DANIEL emerge. He is admiring a new acquisition: an engagement ring from DAD TIGER, which he has attached to a gold chain around his neck.)

DANIEL TIGER Think of it! A secret engagement! Look -your current son! Just think of it!

DAD TIGER But why is it secret? What have we to hide?

DANIEL TIGER Please, let's not fight.

DAD TIGER Daniel, you're free!

DANIEL TIGER Wait till the time is right.

DAD TIGER When will that be? It's an engagement, not a crime! Daniel, What are you afraid of?

DANIEL TIGER Let's not argue.

DAD TIGER Let's not argue.

DANIEL TIGER Please pretend.

DAD TIGER I can only hope I'll.

DANIEL TIGER You will.

BOTH

.understand in time.

(Dance section, in which DANIEL, almost coquettish almost jittery, goes from girl to girl. But too many of his partners seem to be replicas of MISS ELAINA, and each spins him with increasing force. Eventually DAD TIGER rescues him and holds him tightly. He whirls him back into the dance, as the music heads towards its climax.)

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!

(At the height of the activity a small figure suddenly appears at the lop of the staircase. Dressed all in crimson, with a death's head visible inside the hood of her robe, MISS ELAINA has come to the party. With dreadful wooden steps she descends the stairs and takes the centre of the stage)

MISS ELAINA 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!

(She takes from under her robe an enormous bound manuscript)

Here I bring the finished score -"Don Juan Triumphant" !

(She throws it to O)

I advise you to comply -my instructions should be clear -Remember there are worse things than a shattered chandelier.

(DANIEL TIGER, mesmerized, approaches as MISS ELAINA beckons him. She reaches out, grasps the chain that holds the secret engagement ring, and rips it from his throat)

Your chains are still mine -you will sing for me! (ALL cower in suspense as the music crescendos, until suddenly, her figure evaporates)

Scene 2 BACKSTAGE

(TEACHER HARRIET is hurrying across. DAD TIGER appears and calls after her)

DAD TIGER Teacher Harriet. Teacher Harriet.

TEACHER HARRIET Monsieur, don't ask me -I know no more than anyone else.

(She moves off again. He stops her)

DAD TIGER That's not true. You've seen something, haven't you ?

TEACHER HARRIET (uneasily) I don't know what I've seen. Please don't ask me, monsieur.

DAD TIGER (desperately) Madame, for all our sakes.

TEACHER HARRIET (She has glanced nervously about her and suddenly deciding to trust him, cuts in): Very well. It was years ago. There was a travelling fair in the neighborhood. Tumblers, conjurors, human oddities.

DAD TIGER Go on.

TEACHER HARRIET (trance-like, as she retraces the past) And there was. I shall never forget her: a girl. Locked in a cage.

DAD TIGER In a cage.?

TEACHER HARRIET A prodigy, monsieur! Scholar, architect, musician.

DAD TIGER (piecing together the jigsaw) A composer.

TEACHER HARRIET And an inventor too, monsieur. They boasted she had once built for the Shah of Persia, a maze of mirrors.

DAD TIGER (mystified and impatient, cuts in) Who was this girl.?

TEACHER HARRIET (with a shudder) A freak of nature. more monster than girl.

DAD TIGER (a murmur) Deformed.?

TEACHER HARRIET From birth, it seemed.

DAD TIGER My God.

TEACHER HARRIET And then. she went missing. She escaped.

DAD TIGER Go on.

TEACHER HARRIET They never found her it was said she had died.

DAD TIGER (darkly) But she didn't die, did she?

TEACHER HARRIET The world forgot her, but I never can. For in this darkness I have seen her again.

DAD TIGER And so our Miss Elaina's this girl.

TEACHER HARRIET (starts from her daze and turns to go) I have said too much, monsieur.

(She moves off into the surrounding blackness)

And there have been too many accidents.

DAD TIGER (ironical) Accidents?!

TEACHER HARRIET Too many.

(And, before he can question her further, she has disappeared) DAD TIGER (running after her) Teacher Harriet.!

Scene 3 THE MANAGERS ' OFFICE

(MISS ELAINA'S score lies open on the desk. O is impatiently flicking through it)

O THE OWL Ludicrous! Have you seen the score?

KATERINA KITTYCAT (entering) Simply ludicrous!

O THE OWL It's the final straw!

KATERINA KITTYCAT This is lunacy! Well, you know my views.

O THE OWL Utter lunacy!

KATERINA KITTYCAT But we daren't refuse.

O THE OWL (groans) Not another chandelier.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Look, my friend, what we have here.

(She has two notes from MISS ELAINA, one of which she hands to O, who opens it and reads):

O THE OWL "Dear O, 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!"

KATERINA KITTYCAT (reading her letter) "Dear Katerina, 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! "

(They are interrupted by the arrival of QUEEN SARAH and KING FRIDAY both furiously brandishing similar notes)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Outrage!

KATERINA KITTYCAT What is it now?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY This whole affair is an outrage!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Signora, please.

O THE OWL Now what's the matter?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Have you seen the size of my part?

O THE OWL Signora, listen.

KING FRIDAY It's an insult!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Not you as well!

KING FRIDAY Just look at this -it's an insult!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Please, understand.

O THE OWL Signor! Signora!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY The things I have to do for my art!

KING FRIDAY (stabbing a finger at the open score) If you can call this gibberish "art" !

(DAD TIGER and DANIEL enter: QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY bristles)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (dryly) Ah! Here's our little flower!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Ah Daniel meow meow quite the tiger of the hour!

O THE OWL (explaining) You have secured the largest role in this "Don Juan".

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (half to herself) Daniel Tiger? He doesn't have the voice!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (hearing this, to QUEEN SARAH) Signora, please!

DAD TIGER (to the MANAGERS) Then I take it you're agreeing.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (aside) He's behind this.

O THE OWL It appears we have no choice.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (unable to contain herself any longer, points accusingly) He's the one behind this! Daniel Tiger!

DANIEL TIGER (who has been silent till now, incensed at this) How dare you!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY I'm not a fool!

DANIEL TIGER You evil woman! How dare you!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY You think I'm blind?

DANIEL TIGER This isn't my fault! I don't want any part in this plot!

KATERINA KITTYCAT Daniel, surely.

O THE OWL But why not?

KING FRIDAY (baffled, to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) What does he say?

KATERINA KITTYCAT (reasonably) It's your decision -

(Suddenly rounding on him)

But why not?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to FRIDAY) He's backing out!

O THE OWL You have a duty!

DANIEL TIGER I cannot sing it, duty or not!

DAD TIGER (comforting) Daniel. Daniel. You don't have to. they can't make you.

(JODI and TEACHER HARRIET arrive, the latter bearing another note from MISS ELAINA)

TEACHER HARRIET Please, monsieur: another note.

(The MANAGERS gesture: "read it". As she reads, ALL react variously, as they are singled out)

TEACHER HARRIET "Fondest greetings to you all! A few instructions just before rehearsal starts: Queen Sarah must be taught to act.,"

(MISS ELAINA'S voice gradually takes over from her)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE .not her normal trick of strutting round the stage. Our Don Juan must lose some weight -it's not healthy in a man of King Friday's age. And my managers must learn that their place is in an office, not the arts.

As for Daniel Tiger. No doubt he'll do his best it's true his voice is good. He knows, though, should he wish to excel he has much still to learn, if pride will let him return to me, his teacher, his teacher.

Your obedient friend. (MISS ELAINA'S voice fades out and TEACHER HARRIET takes over)

TEACHER HARRIET "and Angel."

(Attention now focuses on DAD TIGER whose eyes are suddenly bright with a new thought)

DAD TIGER 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.

O THE OWL We're listening.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Go on.

DAD TIGER We shall play her game -perform her work -but remember we hold the ace. For, if Daniel sings, she is certain to attend.

O THE OWL (carried along by the idea) We make certain the doors are barred.

KATERINA KITTYCAT (likewise) We make certain our men are there.

DAD TIGER We make certain they're armed.

DAD TIGER/O/KATERINA (savoring their victory) The curtain falls -her reign will end!

(ALL have been listening intently. TEACHER HARRIET is the first to express a reaction. DANIEL TIGER remains silent and withdrawn)

TEACHER HARRIET Madness!

O THE OWL I'm not so sure.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Not if it works.

TEACHER HARRIET This is madness!

O THE OWL The tide will turn!

TEACHER HARRIET Monsieur, believe me -there is no way of turning the tide!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to TEACHER HARRIET) You stick to ballet!

DAD TIGER (rounding on TEACHER HARRIET) Then help us!

TEACHER HARRIET Monsieur, I can't.

DAD TIGER Instead of warning us.

DAD TIGER/O/KATERINA Help us!

TEACHER HARRIET I wish I could.

DAD TIGER/O/KATERINA Don't make excuses!

DAD TIGER Or could it be that you're on her side?

TEACHER HARRIET (to DAD TIGER) Monsieur, believe me, I intend no ill.

(to O and KATERINA)

But kids, be careful -we have seen her kill.

O/KATERINA (to TEACHER HARRIET) We say she'll fall and fall she will!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY He's the one behind this! Daniel! This is all his doing!

KING FRIDAY This is the truth! Daniel Tiger!

DAD TIGER This is her undoing!

O/KATERINA (to DAD TIGER) If you succeed you free us all this so called "angel" has to fall!

DAD TIGER Angel of music, fear my fury -Here is where you fall!

TEACHER HARRIET (to DAD TIGER) Hear my warning! Fear her fury!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY What glory can he hope to gain? It's clear to all the boy's insane!

O THE OWL (to KATERINA) Daniel sings We'll get our girl.

KING FRIDAY He is crazy! He is raving!

KATERINA KITTYCAT (to O) If Daniel helps us in this plan.

DAD TIGER Say your prayers, black angel of death!

DANIEL TIGER (vainly pleading amidst the tumult) Please don't.

O THE OWL (to KATERINA) If Daniel won't, then no-one can.

TEACHER HARRIET (to DAD TIGER) Monsieur, I beg you, do not do this.

FRIDAY/QUEEN SARAH Gran Dio! Che imbroglio!

O/KATERINA This will seal her fate!

DANIEL TIGER (bursting through the hubbub with a great cry) If you don't stop, I'll go mad!!!

(to DAD TIGER, pleading)

Dad, I'm frightened -don't make me do this. Dad, it scares me -don't put me through this ordeal by fire. she'll take me, I know. we'll be parted for ever. she won't let me go.

What I once used to dream I now dread. if she finds me, it won't ever end. and she'll always be there, singing songs in my head. she'll always be there, singing songs in my head.

(ALL stare at him)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY He's mad.

DAD TIGER (to DANIEL) You said yourself she was nothing but a girl.

Yet while she lives, she will haunt us till we're dead.

(DANIEL turns away unhappily)

DANIEL TIGER Twisted every way, what answer can I give? Am I to risk my life, to win the chance to live? Can I betray the girl who once inspired my voice? Do I become her prey? Do I have any choice?

She kills without a thought, she 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 Phantom's opera.?

DAD TIGER (to DANIEL, very tenderly) Daniel, Daniel, don't think that I don't care -but every hope and every prayer rests on you now.

(DANIEL TIGER, overcome by his conflicting emotions turns away and hurries out. DAD TIGER strides forward and addresses an imaginary MISS ELAINA)

DAD TIGER So, it is to be war between us! But this time, clever friend, the disaster will be yours! (As lights fade, ATTENDANTS stretch a red, velvet rope across the downstage area. OTHERS bring on gilt chairs. QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY KING FRIDAY and TEACHER HARRIET move downstage to take their places for the next scene)

Scene 4 A REHEARSAL FOR DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT

(BAKER AKER supervises the learning of the new piece from the piano. Present are KING FRIDAY, DANIEL TIGER, QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY, TEACHER HARRIET and CHORUS)

CHORUS Hide our sword now wounded knight! Your vainglorious asconnade brought you to your final fight for your ride, high price you've paid!

DANIEL TIGER Silken couch and hay-filled barn both have been his battlefield.

KING FRIDAY (wrong) Those who tangle with Don Juan.

BAKER AKER (stopping him) No, no, no! Chorus rest, please.

Don Juan, Signor Friday -here is the phrase.

(He demonstrates it)

"Those who tangle with Don Juan." If you please?

KING FRIDAY (still wrong) Those who tangle with Don Juan.

BAKER AKER No, no. Nearly -but no. "Those who tan, tan, tan."

KING FRIDAY (still wrong) Those who tangle with Don Juan.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (to the OTHERS) His way is better. At least he make it sound like music!

TEACHER HARRIET (to QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY) Signora -would you speak that way in the presence of the composer?

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (deaf to the implications of this remark) The composer is not here. And if he were here, I would.

TEACHER HARRIET (cutting in, ominous) Are you certain of that, Signora.?

BAKER AKER So, once again -after seven.

(He gives the note and counts in) Five, six, seven.

KING FRIDAY (wrong again) Those who tangle with Don Juan.

(Gradually EVERYONE starts either to talk or to practice the phrase simultaneously)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY Ah, pi— non posso! What does it matter what notes we sing?

TEACHER HARRIET Have patience, Signora.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY 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.

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (mocking) Those who tangle with Don Juan!

KING FRIDAY (trying again) Those who tan. tan.

(to DANIEL) Is right?

DANIEL TIGER (to KING FRIDAY) Not quite, Signor: Those who tan. tan.

BAKER AKER (attempting to restore order) Ladies. Signor Friday. if you please.

(BAKER AKER thumps the piano keys, then leaves the piano, and attempts to attract attention using signals. All the height of the mayhem, the piano suddenly begins to demonstrate the music unaided. It plays with great force and rhythm. ALL fall silent and freeze then suddenly start to sing the piece robotically and accurately. As they continue to sing, DANIEL moves away from the group.)

ALL EXCEPT DANIEL TIGER Poor young maiden! For the thrill on your tongue of stolen sweets you will have to pay the bill -tangled in the winding sheets!

(As the ENSEMBLE becomes background, DANIEL, transfixed, sings independently):

DANIEL TIGER In sleep she sang to me, in dreams she came. that voice which calls to me and speaks my name.

(The scene begins to change. Trance-like, DANIEL TIGER moves slowly upstage. We hear the distant sound of bells) Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing. His Grandpere promised him that he would send him the Angel of Music. His grandpere promised him. His grandpere promised him.

Scene 5

A GRAVEYARD (A mausoleum with hanging moss. In the centre a pyramid of skulls in front of a cross.)

DANIEL TIGER You were once my one companion. you were all that mattered. You were once a friend and grandfather -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.

(MISS ELAINA emerges from behind the cross)

MISS ELAINA (very soft and enticing) Wandering child. so lost. so helpless. yearning for my guidance.

(Bewildered, DANIEL looks up, and murmurs breathlessly):

DANIEL TIGER Angel. or grandfather. friend. or Phantom.? Who is it there, staring.?

MISS ELAINA (more and more hypnotic) Have you forgotten your Angel.?

DANIEL TIGER Angel. oh, speak. What endless longings echo in this whisper.!

(DAD TIGER appears in the shadows and watches for a moment transfixed)

MISS ELAINA (now drawing DANIEL towards her) Too long you've wandered in winter.

DAD TIGER (to himself a murmur) Once again he is hers.

MISS ELAINA Far from my far-reaching gaze.

DAD TIGER Once again he returns.

DANIEL TIGER (increasingly mesmerized) Wildly my mind beats against you.

MISS ELAINA You resist.

MISS ELAINA/DANIEL TIGER Yet your/the soul obeys.

DAD TIGER .to the arms of his angel. angel or demon. still she calls him. luring him back, from the grave. angel or dark seducer.? Who are you, strange angel.?

MISS ELAINA Angel of Music! You denied me, turning from true beauty. Angel of Music! Do not shun me. Come to your strange Angel.

DANIEL TIGER Angel of Music! I denied you, turning from true beauty. Angel of Music! My protector. Come to me, strange Angel.

(DANIEL moves towards the figure of MISS ELAINA)

MISS ELAINA (beckoning her) I am your Angel of Music. Come to me: Angel of Music.

DAD TIGER (suddenly calling out) Angel of darkness! Cease this torment!

(Inexorably MISS ELAINA continues to beckon DANIEL)

MISS ELAINA I am your Angel of Music. Come to me: Angel of Music.

DAD TIGER (in desperation) Daniel! Daniel listen to me! Whatever you may believe, this girl. this thing. is not your sister!

(to MISS ELAINA)

Let him go! For God's sake, let him go! Daniel !

(Coming out of his trance DANIEL turns and mouths the words):

DANIEL TIGER Dad.

(He turns to DAD TIGER who embraces him protectively. MISS ELAINA freezes for a moment and then suddenly seizes a pike upon which is impaled upon a skull. At a movement from her a flash of fire streaks from the gaping mouth of the skull and lands at DAD TIGER'S feet)

MISS ELAINA Bravo, monsieur! Such spirited words!

(Another fireball)

DAD TIGER More tricks, madame?

MISS ELAINA Let's see, monsieur how far you dare go!

(Another fireball)

DAD TIGER More deception? More violence?

DANIEL TIGER (to DAD TIGER) Dad, no.

(DAD TIGER has begun to walk slowly and resolutely towards MISS ELAINA the fireballs always landing just ahead of him)

MISS ELAINA That's right, that's right, monsieur keep walking this way!

(Two more fireballs)

DAD TIGER You can't win his love by making him your prisoner.

DANIEL TIGER Dad, don't.

DAD TIGER (to DANIEL) Stay back!

MISS ELAINA I'm here, I'm here, monsieur: the angel of death! Come on, come on, monsieur Don't stop, don't stop!

(Three more fireballs. DAD TIGER. is almost at MISS ELAINA's feet. A confrontation is imminent when DANIEL suddenly rushes across to DAD TIGER)

DANIEL TIGER Dad! Come back.

(He pulls him away)

MISS ELAINA Don't go!

(As they are exiting, MISS ELAINA declaims in fury):

So be it! Now let it be war upon you both! (At a gesture from MISS ELAINA, there is a flash of lighting and the stage erupts into flame)

Scene 6 BEFORE THE PREMIERE

THE THEATER ON THE NIGHT OF THE PREMIERE OF "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT '' (The orchestra is tuning. A whistle sounds the CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ANNA is reviewing two FIRE MARSHALLS in tin helmets. A work light on a stand illuminates them. Also present are DAD TIGER, O and KATERINA, supervising the proceedings, and a MARKSMAN, at present hidden in the pit)

CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ANNA You understand your instructions?

FIREMEN (severally) Ma'am!

CHIEF ANNA 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.

KATERINA KITTYCAT' Are we doing the right thing, O?

O THE OWL Have you got a better idea?

CHIEF ANNA Monsieur Tiger, am I to give the order?

DAD TIGER Give the order.

(The CHIEF blows her whistle. The FIREMEN fan out, leaving DAD TIGER, the CHIEF and the MANAGERS on stage)

DAD TIGER (to the MARKSMAN) You in the pit -do you have a clear view of this box?

MARKSMAN (appearing from the pit) Yes, sir.

DAD TIGER Remember, when the time comes, shoot. Only if you have to -but shoot. To kill.

MARKSMAN How will I know, sir?

DAD TIGER You'll know.

KATERINA KITTYCAT Monsieur Tiger, are you confident that this will work? Will Daniel sing?

DAD TIGER Don't worry, Katerina. O?

O THE OWL We're in your hands, sir.

CHIEF ANNA My men are now in position, sir.

DAD TIGER Go ahead, then.

(Sounding her whistle again, the CHIEF shouts into the auditorium):

CHIEF ANNA Are the doors secure?

(Exit doors are slammed all over the building, The FIREMEN answering one by one: "Secure." The orchestra falls silent. Very quietly from nowhere, we hear the VOICE of MISS ELAINA)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera.

(ALL look around apprehensively. FIREMEN start to run in the direction of the VOICE)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE (from somewhere else) I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera.

(Again, they follow the VOICE. This happens several times, MISS ELAINA'S VOICE darting more and more bewilderingly from place to place. Finally it is heard from Box Five, and in confusion the MARKSMAN fires a shot. DAD TIGER rounds on the MARKSMAN furiously)

DAD TIGER Idiot! You'll kill someone. I said: only when the times comes!

MARKSMAN But, Monsieur Tiger.

(MISS ELAINA'S VOICE cuts in, filling the building. All look up)

MISS ELAINA'S VOICE No "buts"! For once, Monsieur Tiger 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!

Scene 7 "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT" (The set of the final scene of "Don Juan TRIUMPHANT" A huge hall with an arch. Behind the arch, which has curtains, is a bed. A fine table, laid for two. PASSARINO played by MOM TIGER, DON JUAN'S servant, is directing the STAFF as they make the room ready. They are a crowd of sixteenth century ruffians and hoydens, proud of their master's reputation as a libertine)

CHORUS Here the sire may serve the dam, here the master takes his meat! Here the sacrificial lamb utters one despairing bleat!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY AND 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!

Serve the meal and serve the maid! Serve the master so that, when tables, plans and maids are laid, Don Juan triumphs once again!

(KING FRIDAY, as Don Juan, emerges from behind the arch. JODI, a gypsy dancer pirouettes coquettishly for him. He throws her a purse. She catches it and leaves)

DON JUAN Passarino, faithful friend, once again recite the plan.

PASSARINO (MOM TIGER) Your young guest believes I'm you -I, the mistress, you, the man.

DON JUAN 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.

(DON JUAN puts on PASSARINO's cloak and goes into the curtained alcove where the bed awaits. Although we do not yet know it, the Punjab Lasso has done its work, and KING FRIDAY is no more. When next we see DON JUAN, it will be MISS ELAINA. Meanwhile, we hear AMINTO (DANIEL) singing happily in the distance)

AMINTO (DANIEL -offstage, entering) "no thoughts within his head, but thoughts of joy! No dreams within his heart but dreams of love!"

PASSARINO (onstage) Mistress?

DON JUAN (MISS ELAINA -behind the curtain) Passarino -go away! For the trap is set and waits for its prey.

(PASSARINO leaves. DANIEL (AMINTO) enters. He takes off his cloak and sits down. Looks about him. No-one. He starts on an apple. MISS ELAINA, disguised as DON JUAN pretending to be PASSARINO, emerges. She now wears PASSARINO's robe, the cowl of which hides her face. Her first words startle him)

DON JUAN (MISS ELAINA) 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 its door? What sweet seduction lies before us.?

Past the point of no return, the final threshold -what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn? Beyond the point of no return.

AMINTO (DANIEL) You have brought me to 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.

(By now the audience and the POLICE have realized that KING FRIDAY is dead behind the curtain, and it is MISS ELAINA who sings in his place. DANIEL knows it too. As final confirmation, MISS ELAINA sings):

MISS ELAINA Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Lead me, save me from my solitude.

(She takes from her finger a ring and holds it out to him. Slowly he takes it and puts it on his finger.)

Say you want me with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go let me go too -Daniel that's all I ask of.

(We never reach the word 'you', for DANIEL quite calmly reveals MISS ELAINA'S face to the audience. As the FORCES OF LAW close in on the horrifying skull, MISS ELAINA sweeps her cloak around him and vanishes. JODI pulls the curtain upstage, revealing KING FRIDAY'S body garrotted, propped against the bed, his head gruesomely tilted to one side. She screams.)

TRANSFORMATION TO:

REVERSE VIEW OF THE STAGE (POLICE, STAGEHANDS, etc. rush onto the stage in confusion. Also: O, KATERINA, DAD TIGER, TEACHER HARRIET, QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY and JODI)

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY What is it? What has happened? Friday!

O THE OWL Oh, my God. my God.

KATERINA KITTYCAT We're ruined, O -ruined!

TEACHER HARRIET (to DAD TIGER) Monsieur Tiger! Come with me!

QUEEN SARAH SATURDAY (rushing over to KING FRIDAY's body) Oh, my darling, my darling. who has done this.?

(hysterical, attacking O)

You! Why did you let this happen?

(She breaks down, as KING FRIDAY's body is carried off on a stretcher)

TEACHER HARRIET Monsieur Tiger, I know where they are.

DAD TIGER But can I trust you?

TEACHER HARRIET You must. But remember: your hand at the level of your eyes!

DAD TIGER But why.?

TEACHER HARRIET Why? The Punjab lasso, monsieur. First Prince Tuesday. Now King Friday.

JODI PLATYPUS (holding up her hand) Like this, monsieur. I'll come with you.

TEACHER HARRIET No, Jodi! No, you stay here!

(to DAD TIGER)

Come with me, monsieur. Hurry, or we shall be too late. Scene 8 THE LABYRINTH UNDERGROUND

(Meanwhile, down below, we see MISS ELAINA and DANIEL in the boat, crossing the underground lake)

MISS ELAINA (furiously propelling the boat onwards) Down once more to the dungeon of my black despair! Down we plunge to the prison of my mind! Down that path into darkness deep as hell!

(She rounds on him, bitterly)

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!

(She hears the offstage voices of the pursuing MOB)

MOB (offstage) Track down this murderer! She must be found!

MISS ELAINA (moving off again) Hounded out by everyone! Met with hatred everywhere! No kind words from anyone! No compassion anywhere! Daniel, Daniel. Why, why.?

(DAD TIGER and TEACHER HARRIET appear above. They make their way down, meeting a pack of rats. TEACHER HARRIET screams and lowers her guard. The rats and the RAT CATCHER pass them. TEACHER HARRIET raises her hand again)

TEACHER HARRIET Your hand at the level of your eyes!

DAD TIGER .at the level of your eyes.

MOB (offstage) Your hand at the level of your eyes!

TEACHER HARRIET She lives across the lake, monsieur. This is as far as I dare go.

DAD TIGER Teacher Harriet, thank you.

(She turns to go back up the slope. DAD TIGER looks at the water. He removes his coat and plunges in. The MOB appears at the top of the slope. They come down to the lake edge, their torches flickering.)

MOB Track down this murderer -She must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground! Too long she's preyed on us -but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below.

She's here: the Phantom of the Opera. (They turn back up the slope. Perhaps there is another way in. The gate to the lair descends, as the rest of the lair appears.)

Scene 9 BEYOND THE LAKE

(The dummy of DANIEL sits crumpled on a large throne. MISS ELAINA drags DANIEL roughly out of the boat. He frees himself and backs away as she stares blackly out front. Braving his terror, he addresses her fiercely).

DANIEL TIGER Have you gorged yourself at last, in your lust for blood?

(no reply)

Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh?

MISS ELAINA (Coldly) 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.

(She lakes the crown from the dummy, and moves slowly towards him)

This face, which earned a mother's fear and loathing. A mask, my first unfeeling scrap of clothing.

(She places the crown on his head)

Pity comes too late -turn around and face your fate: an eternity of this before your eyes!

(They are almost touching. He looks calmly and coldly into her face)

DANIEL TIGER This haunted face holds no horror for me now. It's in your soul that the true distortion lies.

(MISS ELAINA suddenly senses DAD TIGER'S presence. Behind the portcullis, DAD TIGER climbs out of the water)

MISS ELAINA Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest!

(to DAD TIGER)

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!

DAD TIGER (pleading, grasping the bars of the gate) Free him! Do what you like only free him! Have you no pity?

MISS ELAINA (to DANIEL, dryly) Your father makes a passionate plea!

DANIEL TIGER Please, Dad, it's useless.

DAD TIGER I love him! Does that mean nothing? I love him! Show some compassion.

MISS ELAINA (snarls furiously at DAD TIGER) The world showed no compassion to me!

DAD TIGER Daniel. Daniel.

(to MISS ELAINA)

Let me see him.

MISS ELAINA (drily) Be my guest, sir.

(She gestures, and the fence rises. DAD TIGER enters)

Monsieur, I bid you welcome! Did you think that I would harm him? Why should I make him pay for the sins which are yours?

(So saying, she takes the Punjab lasso and, before DAD TIGER has a chance to move, catches him by the neck. The end of the rope, of which MISS ELAINA has let go, remains magically suspended in mid-air)

(taunting) Order your fine horses now! Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes! Nothing can save you now -except perhaps Daniel.

(She turns to him)

Start a new life with me -Buy his freedom with your love! Refuse me, and you send your dad to his death! This is the choice -This is the point of no return!

DANIEL TIGER (to MISS ELAINA) The tears I might have shed for your dark fate grow cold, and turn to tears of hate.

DAD TIGER (despairing) Daniel, forgive me please forgive me. I did it all for you, and all for nothing.

DANIEL TIGER (looking at MISS ELAINA but to himself) Farewell my fallen idol and false friend. One by one I've watched illusions shattered.

MISS ELAINA Past all hope of cries for help: no point in fighting -

DAD TIGER Either way you choose, she has to win.

MISS ELAINA For either way you choose, you cannot win!

So, do you end your days with me, or do you send him to his grave?

DAD TIGER (to MISS ELAINA) Why make him lie to you, to save me?

DANIEL TIGER Angel of Music.

MISS ELAINA Past the point of no return -

DAD TIGER For pity's sake, Daniel, say no!

DANIEL TIGER .why this torment?

MISS ELAINA .the final threshold.

DAD TIGER Don't throw your life away for my sake.

DANIEL TIGER When will you see reason.?

MISS ELAINA His life is now the prize which you must earn!

DAD TIGER I fought so hard to free you.

DANIEL TIGER Angel of Music.

MISS ELAINA You've passed the point of no return.

DANIEL TIGER .you deceived me -I gave my mind blindly.

MISS ELAINA (to DANIEL) You try my patience -make your choice!

(He reflects for a moment, then with resolution moves slowly towards MISS ELAINA)

DANIEL TIGER (quietly at first, then with growing emotion) Pitiful creature of darkness. What kind of life have you known.?

God give me courage to show you you are not alone.

(Now calmly facing her, he kisses her long and full on the lips. The embrace lasts a long time. DAD TIGER watches in horror and wonder.

MISS ELAINA takes a lighted candle and holds it above DAD TIGER's head. A tense moment. But the suspended rope suddenly falls harmlessly -MISS ELAINA has burned the thread by which the noose was held. Resigned, she addresses DAD TIGER, as we hear the offstage voices of the approaching MOB)

MOB Some: Track down this murderer -she must be found! Hunt out this animal, who runs to ground!

Too long she's preyed on us -but now we know: the Phantom of the Opera is there deep down below.

Others: Who is this monster, this murdering beast? Revenge for Tuesday! Revenge for Friday! This creature must never go free.

MISS ELAINA Take him -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 him and go -before it's too late. Go. Go now -go now and leave me!

(DAD TIGER and DANIEL move off towards the boat. MISS ELAINA looks mockingly at her mask. The musical box starts up magically, and she listens to it)

Masquerade. Paper faces on parade. Masquerade. Hide your face so the world will never find you.

(DANIEL re-enters and walks slowly towards her. He takes off his ring and gives it to MISS ELAINA)

MISS ELAINA Daniel, I love you.

(He hurries off MISS ELAINA puts the ring on her finger)

DANIEL TIGER (In the distance, to DAD TIGER, as the boat pulls away in the shadow) Say you'll share with me, one love, one lifetime. say the word and I will follow you.

DAD TIGER Share each day with me.

DANIEL TIGER .each night.

BOTH .each morning.

MISS ELAINA (looking after him) You alone can make my song take flight -it's over now, the music of the night.

(MISS ELAINA walks slowly towards the throne. She takes her place on it, sitting on her cloak.

The MOB including JODI, appears above, climbing down the portcullis. As the MOB enters the lair, MISS ELAINA wraps her cloak around herself and disappears.

JODI crosses to the throne and picks up her mask in her small hand)

END OF ACT 2