BEFORE THE PREMIERE
THE OPERA HOUSE ON THE NIGHT OF THE
PREMIERE OF "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT''
(The orchestra is tuning. A whistle soundsQthe
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER is reviewing two FIRE
MARSHALLS in tin helmets. A worklight on a
stand illuminates them. Also present are RAOUL,
ANDRE and FIRMIN, supervising the proceedings, and a
MARKSMAN, at present hidden in the pit)
CHIEF
You understand your instructions?
FIREMEN (severally)
Sir!
CHIEF
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.
FIRMIN'
Are we doing the right thing, Andre?
ANDRE
Have you got a better idea?
CHIEF
Monsieur le Vicomte, am I to give the order?
RAOUL
Give the order.
(The CHIEF blows his whistle. The FIREMEN fan
out, leaving RAOUL, the CHIEF and the
MANAGERS on stage)
RAOUL (to the MARKSMAN)
You in the pit - do you have a clear view of this
box?
MARKSMAN (appearing from the pit)
Yes, sir.
RAOUL
Remember, when the time comes, shoot. Only if
you have to - but shoot. To kill.
MARKSMAN
How will I know, sir?
RAOUL
You'll know.
FIRMIN
Monsieur le Vicomte, are you confident that this
will work? Will Miss Daae sing?
RAOUL
Don't worry, Firmin. Andre?
ANDRE
We're in your hands, sir.
CHIEF
My men are now in position, sir.
RAOUL
Go ahead, then.
(Sounding his whistle again, the CHIEF shouts
into the auditorium):
CHIEF
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 the PHANTOM)
PHANTOM'S VOICE
I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera . . .
(ALL look around apprehensively. FIREMEN start to run
in the direction of the VOICE)
PHANTOM'S VOICE (from somewhere else)
I'm here: The Phantom of the Opera . . .
(Again, they follow the VOICE. This happens several
times, the PHANTOM'S VOICE darting more and more
bewilderingly from place to place. Finally it is heard
from Box Five, and in the confusion the
MARKSMAN fires a shot. RAOUL rounds on the
MARKSMAN furiously)
RAOUL
Idiot! You'll kill someone. I said: only when the
times comes!
MARKSMAN
But, Monsieur le Vicomte . . .
(The PHANTOM'S VOICE cuts in, filling the
building. All look up)
PHANTOM'S VOICE
No "buts"! For once, Monsieur le Vicomte 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!
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