<-- Previous

SCENE TWO
AFTER THE GALA

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

GIRY (to CHRISTINE)
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 emphasises this with her cane. The BALLET GIRLS settle into rehearsal upstage, GIRY keeping time with her stick. Variations of this continue throughout the scene)

(CHRISTINE moves slowly downstage, away from the DANCERS, as her dressing room becomes visible. Unseen by her, MEG also moves away and follows her. As CHRISTINE is about to open the dressing room door, she hears the PHANTOM's voice out of nowhere)

PHANTOM'S VOICE
Bravi, bravi, bravissimi...

(CHRISTINE is bewildered be the voice. MEG, following, has not heard it. CHRISTINE turns in surprise, and is relieved to see her)

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 (abstracted, entering the dressing room)
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
(Trance-like)
Here in this room he calls me softly...
somewhere inside...
hiding...

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

MEG (uneasily)
Christine, you must have been dreaming...
stories like this can't come true...

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

CHRISTINE (not hearing her, ecstatic)
Angel of Music!
Guide and gaurdian!
Grant to me you glory!

MEG (to herself)
Who is this angel?
This...

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

CHRISTINE (darkly)
He's with me even now...

MEG (bewildered)
Your hands are cold...

CHRISTINE
All around me...

MEG
Your face, Christine,
it's white...

CHRISTINE
It frightens me...

MEG
Don't be frightened...

(They look at each. The moment is broken by the arrival of GIRY)

GIRY
Meg Giry. Are you a dancer? Then come and practise.
(MEG leaves and joins the DANCERS)
My dear, I was asked to give you this.
(She hands CHRISTINE a note and leaves. CHRISTINE opens it and reads)

CHRISTINE
A red scarf... the attic... Little Lotte...

<-- Previous