#phantom of the opera overture plays

[theplottdump]

With a charming wink and a promise to return drinks in hand, Kate had been left alone on the outskirts of the bar.

The watcher's annoying prose continued to hammer in her ears as the lingering scent of cheap tobacco lazily floated through the night air around her.

𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲. Though she would never admit it to the other Angels.

It was hard to believe it had been almost a year since the Britechester Museum Explosion. Since the last time she'd been deep undercover. And almost a year since-

𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳… a sharp sting hit her square in the chest at the thought, and as her perfect control began to slip- her mind took off running.

𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 008. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.

𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲. Kate was already in freefall. A fog of secondhand smoke enveloped her as she was pulled someplace altogether different.

As the smoke stung her eyes once again, the drawl of bar patrons and twang of steel guitar faded into the mist. Replaced by a velveteen quiet-

- the sound of ice hitting the inner wall of a monogrammed cocktail shaker, the absent shuffling of branded poker cards. The smell of expensive tomarangi cigar smoke wafting and snaking throughout the private room.

Against her own will, Kate found herself back again-

- 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙚. 🎲

It was almost a year ago now. Before the Love Day Heist, before the Museum Gala; and still deep undercover on the arm of 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗻, one of the League of Evil's senior members.

The night she had spent all this time trying to forget. (🎲)

[balimaria]

I watched Phantom of the Opera the other day and had a grand epiphany about precisely who would do a cosplay of a disfigured theater nerd

Part 2 Part 3

[ranminfan]

Why am I now only finding out that organists can play with their feet?

like holy shit as if playing the piano was hard enough

[yasministration]

april abyss m.list

✯ apr 1 ✯ creepy crawlers - neville longbottom

your usually calm and composed front breaks in herbology, but neville comes to the rescue

✯ apr 3 ✯ a motherly visit - harry potter

when harry sends you another owl claiming that professor snape has it out for him, you decide to pay them a short visit.

✯ apr 5 ✯ Phantom of the Opera: Chapter 3 - "Magical lasso" - Remus Lupin

you begin planning remus's opera house debut, and you don't only come out of it with a casting success, but something more too...

✯ apr 7 ✯ second time's the charm - harry potter

when you're bitten by greyback again during the battle of the astronomy tower, you find yourself with new company

✯ apr 8 ✯ sev's essay - harry potter -> wolfstar!daughter au

when you come to ask harry for help with snape's essay, you're both thrilled and frustrated to find out he's also struggling on the summer homework

✯ apr 9 ✯ subtle diamond rings - aaron hotchner

when your coworkers discover the ring on your finger, they are immediately driven to ssa hotchner's office to ask him who your husband is.

✯ apr 11 ✯ Phantom of the Opera: Chapter 4 - "Overture" - Remus Lupin

you make your appearance at remus's 'Into the Woods' debut — something that doesn't go unnoticed by the press.

✯ apr 13 ✯ always the prefects bathroom - harry potter

despite harry potter's presence in the prefects bathroom, you aren't stopped from taking a soothing bath

✯ apr 15 ✯ she's my piercer - marlene mckinnon

when sirius asks you were you get your piercings from, he's surprised that you tell him his friend, marlene, is your 'amateur piercer'. what he expects even less, is to find your brewing romance with her.

✯ apr 16 ✯ do a flip! - harry potter -> wolfstar!daughter au

your family friends, the potters, come over for a friendly barbecue, and feelings between you and your best friend are revealed after a mysterious letter comes addressed to you.

✯ apr 17 ✯ not fine - mattheo riddle

when your mother breaks out of azkaban, mattheo is quick to spot your shaky hands and follows you down the hallways to offer you some comfort

✯ apr 19 ✯ Phantom of the Opera: Chapter 5 - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Remus Lupin

you bring remus home to meet your parents, introducing him as your finacé. luckily for you, your parents approve of him, and you take remus out on a stroll in the vast gardens whilst your parents deliberate the wedding details.

✯ apr 21 ✯ stop singing, start (s)creaming- poly!marauders (james potter focus) -> 1 bf 3 perv au

james hasn't stopped thinking about you since he watched you fuck sirius and peter in one night. but he finally gets his turn whilst you're getting ready to hit the pubs.

✯ apr 23 ✯ reasonless hatred - george weasley

severus snape's daughter causes him nothing but chaos, hatred where love should be in their relationship. but she is finally given a real reason to hate her father, and she decides to give him one to hate her too.

✯ apr 25 ✯ the red box - platonic!marauders

when your friends are helping you clean out the belongings you'd gathered from your last relationship, marlene seems to forget the only rule. do not open the red box.

✯ apr 27 ✯ it's a date - harry potter -> concussions and interruptions au

when harry and his parents see you in diagon alley, they are surprised to see the sudden change in behaviour you have at your parents' presence. but that won't stop harry from getting his kiss.

✯ apr 28 ✯ come play mermaids - harry potter -> wolfstar!daughter au

it's summer and you're just trying to tan and read your book. but harry potter is a menace who won't leave you alone until you take a dip with him in the lake. luckily for harry, he's hot, and you'll do anything for him.

✯ apr 29 ✯ ripped tights in tight cupboards - sirius black

Sirius can't resist the sight of you in tights... what a shame he has to ruin them for you.

[eliza-forget]

I just gotta ask man...

Do you want to share with us on why you make shamura so fine??? Like I'll gladly hear you out cuz that man is haunting me now - 💀 🌹

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A "JOKE", BUT I'LL BE HONEST

I like characters that have a “gothic music is about to start playing” feel to them

And so yes, it is noticeable that for Shamura I was inspired by The Phantom of the Opera ↓

[knuxadowmumbles]

The Phantom of the Opera was the first musical I ever saw, both on screen and in the theater:]

My mom introduced me to it and I genuinely never recovered

I drew all my characters as the Phantom, downloaded every song, and listened to the overture on repeat. I learned it on the piano and was always just thinking about it.

Playing the Phantom even ended up as a dream role of mine— I think it still is

The story always stood out to me, and the setting was astonishing... I loved the dark aura contrasted with the gorgeous glowing lights. Not to mention the Cherry ontop; The organ.

I love organs DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED I think they’re memorizing 😭

Anyways enough yap. I’ll likely be using another ship for my next musical theatre art piece thing

[cynda-queer]

Watching 25th anniversary phantom of the opera for the 36374th time

I just realized that they're showing Erik on the screen while the overture is playing and I don't??? like that??? Put that man away! He is intrigue and mystery until Christine sees him

[lemongrasstea1677]

Do you guys think that MC pretends to be the phantom of the opera with the organ in her cathedral? LIKE IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER IF SHE KNOWS HOW TO PLAY IT AND ITS HER JUST PRESSING RANDOM KEYS AND PRETENDING TO BE A VILLAIN PLAYING THE ORGAN MENACINGLY XD

bonus of her trying to imitate Overture from phantom of the opera

[dissociativewriter]

Once Upon Another Time

Love and Deepspace x Phantom of the Opera

Pairing: Sylus x Christine (OC) x Caleb

wc: 1.9k

cw: implied murder, nothing bad really happens in this part, maybe actual murder eventually, consensual kidnapping (?) eventually, probably angst eventually; not proofread; no beta we die like Josephine

Synopsis: A singer at the opera house, Christine is faced with a Colonel from a childhood she barely remembers and a mysterious figure, called the Opera Ghost, who seems to know all the secrets of the opera house and beyond. Stuck between life above and below the opera house, Christine attempts to balance her care for the two men with her budding career in opera. Unfortunately, it seems neither man will settle for half of Christine’s love.

author’s note: I’ve had this idea in my head for a while and finally decided to write it! I’m currently planning on this having about 15 parts, but that’s not definite. I hope someone likes this idea as much as I do.

art found on Pinterest (springstorm art & sesame fruit)

Series Masterlist

1- Overture

The chatter of the crowd echoed in the concert hall as Christine peeked out from behind the curtain. She twisted the rings on her fingers, glancing around at the hundreds of people waiting expectantly. The corset to her elaborate costume gown suddenly felt too tight, leaving Christine gasping as if a weight were on her chest. Two warm hands on her shoulders helped to steady her.

“Careful there, cutie. Wouldn’t want you to pass out right before your big performance.” The playful tone of her coworker helped to ease her breathing, but she couldn’t escape the worry when she looked in his eyes.

“Rafayel… what if I can’t do it? All these people are waiting to hear me.” She pointed to herself in disbelief. “Me? I can’t help but feel like they’ll be disappointed.”

Rafayel’s brows drew together, the gaze in his deep sunrise-like eyes hardening as he turned her around to face him. “Hey, hey, none of that. You wouldn’t be here, about to go on stage if you weren’t talented. Do you hear me?” He leaned down a little, making sure he was eye level so she couldn’t look away. Seeing a smile tug at the corners of her lips, he eased his grip a bit. “Besides, if you’re panicking, who’s going to comfort me? I have to go on after you, how am I supposed to match that?”

Christine rolled her eyes, the comfort of their bantering lessening her panic. “Please, Raf, you sound like a siren.” She crossed her arms, raising a brow. “Sometimes I think you might actually be one.”

“Who knows, cutie, maybe I am. I’m just waiting to lure you in so you’ll fall in love with me.” A grin played in his lips as his hands dropped to his sides. He stepped closer, nudging her with his shoulder. “Is it working?”

Christine laughed, nudging him back. “Not quite. You’ll have to work harder than that.” She reached a hand out, smoothing out a resilient strand in Rafayel’s hair.

“You know, I think it’s working more than you’d like to admit. Just look at you, dying to touch me.” He dramatically held the back of his hand to his forehead, dropping his head back and sighing. “Although I don’t blame you, I am so charming and handsome. Admit it, you’re in love with me!”

“As if!” Christine shoved his back, moving to step past him before he could catch her. He stumbled with a loud yelp.

“Ouch! I’ve fallen, won’t someone help me? I didn’t realize you were so heartless, Christine! How could you just leave me like this after ruthlessly throwing me to the ground?” The sounds of Rafayel’s monologue faded as Christine stepped back into the dressing room, the door softly clicking shut behind her. She walked to the mirror, faced with a reflection she hardly recognized. Stage makeup and detailed costuming made her seem like an entirely different person. She searched for something in her appearance, anything to assure her that she was still Christine, that that wouldn’t go away even if she made her way onto the stage. She finally settled on her eyes. Yes, her eyes. Something distinctly hers, something they couldn’t take away, something they couldn’t hide no matter how many layers of blush.

Christine let out a shaky breath as she smoothed a wrinkle in her white ball gown. It was a beautiful dress, far better than Christine felt deserving to wear. She straightened her back, taking one final look before turning to exist the dressing room.

She was met with mutterings around the corner, hushed whispers of something too concerning to discuss in normal tones. She glanced over, taking note of the silver, starlight-like hair of the tall man she recognized as Xavier. Christine carefully crept behind him, making sure to be as quiet as possible so she could find out why security had to report to the one of the opera house’s most important patrons the night of her big performance.

“…Monsieur Andre, I really don’t think it will be an issue. The Opera Ghost may be a frightening figure, but there shouldn’t be any real issue. If that’s all he is, a ghost, then there’s not much he can do to the audience or performers, and even less we can do to him.” Xavier attempted a reassuring smile as he continued on. “Rest assured, if any issues arise, I’ll be quick to take care of it.”

“I trust you, Xavier, I do. But the Phantom of the Opera has reaches far beyond your own, and I’m afraid he may strike tonight with so many important guests!” Andre took out his handkerchief, wiping the sweat from his brow before imploring the guard, “Please, Xavier, at least stay close by Box 5. You don’t have to go in, I wouldn’t want you to anger the Phantom, but keep an eye on it?” To this, Xavier nodded grimly.

How odd, Christine noted, that Xavier is brushing off the Opera Ghost so easily. He, if anyone, believes the legend most fervently; it’s the entire reason he began to work as a guard for the opera house. He wanted to investigate, see if the tales of terrified party-goers and aristocrats were true. Looking at his face, though, Christine realized: that wasn’t a man unworried, but a man hiding something.

“Christine! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” The strong voice of Talia cut through Christine’s thoughts, simultaneously striking anxiety into her heart. There was nothing more alarming than the older woman seeking her out personally. “Rafayel keeps whining about something or other about you, we need to make final preparations before your song, and I wanted to make sure your costume was alright.” Before she could protest, Christine was pulled along behind Talia, a firm hand gripping her wrist as she stumbled through the preparations on stage right. Nearing backstage, Christine heard a bit of Rafayel, leaning against a stage prop, holding his makeup artist hostage as he moaned and groaned about how no one respected him anymore.

Ducking her head, she increased her pace with Talia, hoping to dodge the impassioned singer. He caught sight of her, however, and quickly rushed off to catch up with her, leaving his makeup artist scrambling after him, brush in hand.

“Christine! Hold on,” He panted behind them, struggling to catch up as Talia sped up. “A little fishie like me can’t handle this! All this stress you’re putting on me is too much. And some of the chorus girls said they heard something up in the rafters! You don’t think it’s the opera ghost, do you?”

“Rafayel, I’ve told you before, there’s no such thing as the opera ghost! You need to stop encouraging the chorus girls,” Talia grumbled, shaking her head. She abruptly stopped in her tracks, dropping Christine’s hand. “Both of you, behave!” she whispered over her shoulder. She took a proud step forward opening her arms welcomingly. “Colonel! What a wonderful surprise! What brings you to our humble opera house?” She smiled politely, her hands dropping to clasp over her abdomen.

“Madame Talia, so nice to see you!” The Colonel turned, a small smile on his face as he greeted her. He was impossibly tall, imposing, his uniform as crisp and clean as his conversation. “I decided to stop by after I heard such wonderful things of this upcoming performance.” He leaned forward conspiratorially, as if he were going to share a great secret with Talia. “And who knows, maybe I’ll catch a glimpse of this ‘Opera Ghost’ I’ve heard so much about.” He straightened up, noticing the two singers behind Talia, and offered a nod in greeting. His eyes stopped briefly upon seeing Christine, a flicker of some almost-familiar emotion passing through his violet eyes before disappearing as he turned his focus back to Talia.

Christine shifted on her feet uncomfortably, feeling seen in a way she hadn’t in a long time, as if this strange colonel knew something about her that even she didn’t. She leaned over to Rafayel, whispering as Talia and the Colonel talked, “Who is that?”

Rafayel blinked at her for a moment, hesitating as he searched for something in her eyes. “He’s the Farspace Fleet Colonel, and the youngest one they’ve had.” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “You don’t have a crush on him, do you?”

Christine’s cheeks flushed slightly. “What? No, he just—” she sighed wistfully. “He seems familiar, somehow.” She gave him one final glance before turning around to make her way to the stage. Her feet moved quickly, trying to shake off the feeling of eyes on her back as something from a past long gone nipped at her heels. She found her usual spot, the corner of the stage where the heavy velvet curtain met aged brick. Christine sighed, observing the hundreds of faces before her.

From the seats close to the orchestra pit, to the seats high in the boxes along the walls, it seemed every seat was filled. Every seat, that was, except for Box 5. The Opera Ghost’s box. That was something Talia was adamant about: Box 5 belonged to the opera ghost, so no one should be sat there. Of course, there had been a few eager, inexperienced stage hands or entitled, high-ranking members of society who thought that was ridiculous. Why should the best seat in the house be left empty for a ghost?

Those people were never found.

Christine never believed in the legend of the opera ghost. She’d always assumed it was something the tired organizers of events at the opera house told newcomers so they wouldn’t meddle. Whatever the chorus girls would hear in the rafters, well, it may have well been mice.

But now, as Christine observed the audience before her, she couldn’t help but notice Box 5. The seats were empty, of course, the box kept impeccably clean. Not a single seat or cobweb out of place. There was something off tonight, though. Maybe it was just because it was her first night performing, maybe it was just jitters, or maybe she was right and there was someone in Box 5! The privacy curtains were blowing slightly, and Christine knew for a fact that there was no draft in any of the boxes. She couldn’t see much else, courtesy of dim lighting and the distance, but Christine’s eyes were drawn to a glowing crimson. What she saw, she didn’t know, and it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

She stayed for a moment longer, waiting to see something, anything. The lights dimmed even more then, though, a cue for Christine to get into place and the audience to quiet down. She heard the scurrying footsteps of last-minute additions and changes, the pressured voices of costume designers and singers alike. Christine took a final breath before moving onto the main stage, taking her spot at the very center.

When the curtains rose, Christine tried to keep her cool through the blinding lights and loud applause of the audience. It was different, she realized, to be in front of an audience instead of just observing one. She stood proudly, back straight as Talia had told her, waiting for the orchestra to begin her song. She looked at the boxes again, something deep in her gut drawing her to them again and again. Christine felt her mouth go dry as her eyes moved through the opera house, catching on a curiously familiar flash of violet, and a much more unnervingly familiar flash of crimson.

comments and reblogs appreciated! <3

masterlist

[nerdanel01]

Emmrook at the Opera

In honor of Sylvia confirming Emmrich’s occasionally into a “bold Orlesian opera” (one of the most exciting things to ever happen to me), I wanted to put together this little post on resources for anyone who might be curious about the genre, or want to incorporate it into their fic writing.

It’s going to be a little USA-heavy because I do, unfortunately, live in the land of hamburgers and assault rifles, but the silver lining is that I also live in the country that created this:

The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC has to be one of the largest opera houses in the world, at least partially because of the fact that it was built much more recently than many of the old ones. When it’s full, it fits over four thousand people in it. I once took a tour of the backstage with one of my best friends who told me, partially in jest, “Wow, I’ve never seen you look at your boyfriend the way you’re looking at this building.” I broke up with that boyfriend like a year later, but the Met is my love for life. I love the red velvet on the walls and the seats. I love the giant Marc Chagall paintings. I love the sputnik chandelier. I love the peeling gilt gold on the ceilings, which I often have a perfect view of from my seats in the nosebleeds. The Met is my boo. 

Onto the resources!

If you just want to watch a movie that FEATURES opera but is not specifically an opera:

Moonstruck - Cher tries to invite her fiance’s brother (Nicholas Cage) to her wedding. Can you imagine what happens to Cher and Nicholas Cage next. Features the both of them on a date at the Met Opera (my beloved!) and excerpts from La Boheme. One of my all time fave movies, I identify deeply with Cher’s grandfather in the film. 

Falling for Figaro is a pretty cute romcom about a finance chick who quits her job to pursue her dream of becoming a soprano. 

And listen like the singing in Phantom of the Opera (2004) is. Not great. (I’m sorry Gerard Butler, I loved you when I was twelve.) But the opening sequence of the rolling camera pulls through the opera house as the overture plays will haunt me for the rest of my life. 

If you’ve never seen an opera before, and want to watch one (either online or in person), I recommend starting with one of these:

La Boheme - One of the most popular operas, period. Also, it’s literally RENT. Beat for beat, from ‘will you light my candle’ to ‘la vie boheme,’ it’s RENT, just sung in Italian and set in Paris. (Spoilers, the ending in the opera is more tragic.)

L’Elisir D’Amore - If you like Agnes and Emmrich because you enjoy watching two idiots who are obviously in love with each other pine for each other, this is a good one. Very sweet. One of my faves.

The Barber of Seville - I think this one is very approachable if you think of it as a comic version of Sweeney Todd, if Sweeney had no tragic backstory and Jamie was a young noble. It’s a romance, shenanigans are had, and Largo al Factotum is one of the biggest bops of all time. 

My personal favorites also include Akhaten, La Fille Du Regiment, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Turandot, but your mileage may vary with these—Akhnaten is very contemporary, productions of Turandot sometimes feature some pretty heckin’ yikes orientalism. 

If you want to listen to opera music:

WQXR is NYC’s Classical Music Station. In addition to their regular classical music stream (which is also very good) they have a separate stream of just opera music called Operavore. (I also love New Sounds, but the streams vary wildly and its definitely an acquired taste.)

The Met broadcasts a series of live Sunday radio transmissions every year starting in the spring, available online and also via WQXR.

The Chicago Lyric Opera has a bunch of their live streams archived online.

I have also made a playlist where I’ll be adding all the songs featured in my Emmrook fics. :)

If you want to watch an opera stream online:

OperaVision

There’s this incredible list from OperaWire

But there’s also this site, where you can find pretty much anything

The Met also has it’s own paid streaming service, which is SPENSIVE on the subscription model, but if there’s something you really want to see and can’t find elsewhere, they allow you to rent single titles for $4.99 each.

I do strongly recommend, if you have any interest at all and have the opportunity, to go see an opera in person. For me it makes such a difference to be there in person, and it’s not as expensive as you might think! Plus, since opera is a dying art and opera houses are desperate for new audiences (at least, in America) there are usually a number of discounted ticket programs. (Again, the list below is super USA centric, I’m so sorry—and of those below, I’ve only been to the Met myself.)

The Metropolitan Opera is the biggest opera company in the US in terms of literally the number of operas they put on a year. Other than a brief break in February, the opera is pretty much in session 5 nights a week, from October through the end of May. 

Family Circle. I love the family circle. I’ve spent so much time in the Family Circle. The acoustics ARE genuinely better up here than they are in other parts of the house, and depending on the opera, tickets in the Family Circle typically go between $26-45 dollars each.

Rush Tickets are available every day online—these are usually seats in the orchestra. I can’t remember exactly but I think these are always $25. 

If you’re feeling ~opulent and looking for a very special date night, the Met also runs a program called Fridays Under 40. It’s a special priced Orchestra ticket for people under 40. Many of the dates also include little parties where they usually have photo booths, charcuterie, etc., and opportunities to meet some of the cast.

The Detroit Opera offers student rush tickets, although it looks like you have to be at the box office in person to get them. 

The Chicago Lyric Opera has discounts for students and 50% off rush tickets.

The San Francisco Opera has a great offer for first-time opera attendees who live in the Bay Area - $20 for two great seats

The L.A. Opera also offers student rush discount tickets, and $30 tickets for attendees under 30 years of age.

I am not aware of any discounts for the Santa Fe Opera but it looks so cool and it’s on my bucket list to go one day <3

Dallas Opera offers student discounts and discounts for attendees 21-45 (although it looks like they’re aksing for a membership fee for the 21-45 program—boooo Dallas Opera)

Not super clear on the specifics, but Houston Grand Opera also offers some kind of Under 40 discount on select performances

Opera Philadelphia, which recently appointed my all-time-favorite opera singer Anthony Roth Constanzo as their director, offers $10 rush tickets and student discounts

Tips for your first time at the opera, if you do go:

A thing I did not know before I started going to the opera is that even though they are sung in foreign languages, there are almost always subtitles. At the Met, these are transmitted to the chair back in front of you and available in a variety of other languages. Other houses often project the titles above or at the side of the stage.

If you don’t want to read and listen at the same time, synopses are almost always available in your program or ahead of time.

The food and drink is expensive and almost always not worth it. When I go to the Met with my friends, I regularly bring in alcohol minis as well as little cheese/meat/fruit plates in tupperware in my purse. We eat these outside the theater at intermission. No one has every batted an eye at me. (Mileage may vary at other theaters.)

I know opera has a Reputation, and I definitely was a little worried at first that I would look out of place and people would be snide to me. I have never found this to be the case. The only reason someone will be an asshole to you is if you have your phone out or are talking during the performance—don’t do that. Keep it in your pocket until intermission and silence your notifications. 

Crawl into my dms to talk to me about opera at any time, I will happily yap your ear off

[greenstripedcat]

The meowing and cackling stream notes

musicals discussion before the stream - Kiss Me Kate, Little shop of horrors, Fiddler on the roof (and a consideration of the fiddler/phantom crossover); also, German metal! also, Monty Python references throughout the stream!

@warpweight "think to the other people in the opera house whatever is going on with christine and her angel in the walls is like. that old vine of the girl and boy sitting really close in a dramatic teen way and the filmer is like Is that allowed?"

List of the 'sluttiest brow besides Panaro': John Cudia, TJ O'Leary, Josh Piterman

Wow, Laird has a beautifully imposing voice! he's great, I really liked his Phantom; commanding and soppy in good proportions; and as someone mentioned, wet deformity really drives it home

@mirrorbride-blog "she gives me early 1290s movie star vibes" @wismoth "1290 had the best movies" @heyitszev "they don't make em like they did in the 1290s"

@wismouth and @nokturnal-me moshing to overture

Apparently, Laird Mackintosh is a former ballet dancer, and is married to Polly Baird, a ballerina who played Meg:

@brainrot-flowerpot motn --> moth --> crawling --> worm - reverse metamorphis

@mirrorbride a boot where Erik looks in the broken mirror and scares himself - it was Gary Mauer, gif from @glassprism

the majestic cape swirl and the first unmasking gifs from @wheel-of-fish

Also, really nice enunciating bitchy Giri in this one

discussion on whether Carlotta's furs are real - opinions are generally no, since they're hard to take care of, but the Broadway production may be using the ones they had since the 80s; @operafantomet's post on furs

@warpweight "christine is on the edge and raoul is like trying to persuade her back and then finally she's like "....ok say u love me and stuff" and hes like I love you a million. I promise extremely. I love you alive christine"

Hugh Panaro cackling like a gremlin

Birds mentioned! tawny owl

screech owl

red tailed hawk

and nesting falcons from someone in the chat!

@nokturnal-me - 'Maskenbag' when the filmer hid us in the bag; also, Rope burn fic mentioned again!

@warpweight's naturalist's journal: "hes doing bird shit hes doing his mating display here. again. after he fucked up in the basement earlier. stop doing your horny call i'm gonna buy the shitty birdseed full of millet for your ass" "no more dried worms and safflower for you erik you never fuckin eat it anyway. maybe with some NUTRIENTS in your HEAD you could pull a HOT GIRL BIRD HUH"

Jeremy Stolle is Passarino!

I liked Laird Mackintosh and Sara Jean Ford so much, he's scary and sensual without being too creepy, more on the pathetic dog side, and she's so lovely and sweet and still resolute and true to herself; and Jeremy Hays as Raoul was really sweet as well, especially in AIAOY I was really rooting for them for once. a very harmonious cast

Fish's favourite moment after the kiss when Erik smiles in disbelief and bliss! and then moves his gaze to Raoul and r e m e m b e r s

@wismoth oh my god you can see the whole thought process @GlassPrism "I have tasted all the happiness of the world" etc. @flora-gray He looks over at Raoul like Can you believe I just got kiss--- Oh. Right. I'm murdering you

the little 'I'm tired' Laird says in the end of his Broadway cares speech - he's just so lovely

[psyfi]

top 10 on repeat!

tagged by @cottagecori mwah

Polly by Dora Jar (cori sent this one to me and it changed my brain chemistry :/ how dare they)

reckless driving by Lizzy McAlpine (first heard this while driving, was a fun time)

Melt in the Sun by Small Fools (irl friend played this in the car when i was with them :3)

We Have It All by Pim Stones (Idk what to say on this one tbh. it just started playing while i was scanning stuff at work and it slapped)

Overture from Phantom of the Opera (not taking questions at this time thank you)

Hold Them Down from EPIC (again, no questions please.)

Faking My Own Death by Allison Ponthier (cori's fault again)

River Flows in You - Orchestral Version by Yiruma (this song fucks. no further explanation needed)

Little Things by Brye (brye could stab me in the gut and i'd thank her, her songs are genuinely such a huge comfort for me)

her by JVKE (i'm a slut for string instruments idk what to tell you.)

tagging uh. @daisy--sorbet @w0rmie @deedis and anyone else i suppose :3c

[thebugthatruinsyourpicnic]

Lock me in a completely dark room with only the Phantom of the Opera Overture playing on loop for the rest of time please

[yasministration]

Think of me - Remus Lupin

ˋ°•*⁀➷ Phantom of the Opera

summary: Sirius has to bring moral support with to come watch your debut as Christine in the Phantom of the Opera. Despite the judgemental pureblooded families around the pair, they are both serenaded by your enchanting singing a/n: this is more of an introductory chapter, the real story begins in the next one!

Sirius had not exercised his skills on being the ‘perfect pureblood’ in just about, well, since he was taught them. However tonight, he hadn’t only gone to the extent of putting them into practise, but he even taught Remus the few rules he could remember, and everything about theatre etiquette.

All to impress you.

His favourite family member, and the only pureblood with perfect reputation he could stand being around.

Walking into the theatre, Sirius knew that he and Remus never looked better: in old, untouched suits Sirius had specifically tailored to fit them perfectly, all to put every other snobby, rich pureblood coming to watch you to shame. He didn’t hide his smirk as he and his best friend walked into the theatre, aware of the heads turning to look at him, long haired, pierced, tattooed, and his best friend, scarred, freckled, a half-blood. Remus nervously fiddled with the end of his blazer, playing with the metal cuff-link, but to outsiders, his scary resting face gave them the impression he was confidently fixing his appearance, judging all those around him.

Sirius patted Remus’s shoulder as they finally reached the front row of seats, and Remus walked in first, though he didn’t have to move far because their seats were front and centre: the best seats in the house.

Courtesy of you, of course, though the wealthy families around the two men didn’t need to know that. “I could get used to this.” Sirius whispered to Remus, spreading his legs slightly and looking around him. He gaze caught on a curly-haired boy to his right. His younger brother, who nodded curtly to him when their eyes met. Regulus was sat with your parents a couple rows back; clearly you hadn't offered them any free tickets. The older couple was engaged in an enthusiastically fake conversation with another couple, but their rich laughs reached Sirius’s ears, and he shuddered, turning to face the front again.

The last bell rang in the theatre, signalling any wanderers to finally make their way to their seats. Remus’s gaze was drawn down to the orchestra below them, hidden by a railing above the pit. As the lights died down and the orchestra began playing the overture, Remus turned his line of sight to the empty stage. Remus wasn’t a theatre connoisseur. Unlike these wealthy pureblooded families surrounding him, he had only been to a community theatre once when he snuck out of the orphanage with the few friends he had to watch a local production of Matilda. But now, as the live music flooded his veins and the actors started appearing on stage, he decided he liked the rich culture of theatres in the wizarding world.

Remus barely understood the start of the show, but the second he spotted you across the stage — with unmistakable features that belonged to an entire bloodline of Blacks, but so undeniably you — he was taken.

From everything Remus had learned from your parents, he always hated them, but he couldn’t help but agree with them on the fact that you had more than just links to the most powerful wizards in the industry. You had talent. No wonder they had sent you to beauxbatons, where your full potential as a performer could be reached. Your voice was melodic, angelic, serenading even.

So when the show ended and you smiled so widely through your first bows in your run as the lead in the Phantom of The Opera, Remus silently promised you that he would think of you, think of you fondly when you’ll part ways tonight. He’ll remember you once in a while, or perhaps even more than that, because it will be impossible to get your enchanting cadence out of his mind.

taglist: @rory-cakes, @boromoony, @stta-princess, @arielthee-potterhead, @lettertovera

@ravisinghs-wife, @amatoanima, @starry-remus, @pain-in-the-ashe, @hiireadstuff, @superlegend216, @treefairy-28, @superlegend216, @kitkatkl, @juliet-017,

[sophswritingthings]

(MASSIVE LAST EPISODE SPOILERS AHEAD BE WARNED!!!!)

.

Ok so, I feel like there’s so much opportunity for mizu x reader content since mizu goes to London with Fowler at the end of the series. Imagine mizu x !violinist! Reader. Mizu goes to an orchestra performance and reader has a lead part (I imagine either overture from phantom of the opera, winter by Antonio Vivaldi because I’m biased) but yeah do with that what you will!

OR, alternatively

Reader is a talented street performer, and their playing for tips and drawing up a big crowd, until the police come in and everyone scatters. But later mizu follows them and introduces herself to them! (I also imagine reader could be disguising herself as a boy in this one but either way works!)

pairing: mizu x fem!street performer!reader

warning(s): spoilers for the end of s1 guys so be warned! swearing, blood

a/n: IM DOING A PROJECT ON ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND (the time period the show will be set in!) SO WHEN I GOT THIS ASK I TELL YOU I HOPPED ON THIS SHIT SOOOO FAST

summary: after mizu arrives in england, she begins exploring when she has the time. she stumbles upon a street performance; seeing men and women of all types dancing. when the police arrive and everyone scatters; she decides to follow you, and introduce herself. 

word count: 712 words / 3,892 characters

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

mizu tapped her foot against the ground, glancing around. the streets of england were rather… serene, unlike the streets of japan. they were always bustling, lit up and full of people.

it was rather a nice change of pace; even if she was here to assassinante a man.

than a bustle of people fluttered by her; her eyes trained on one rather pretty woman. a woman wearing a bustling dress; draped with frills. it was unlike anything she’d ever seen; she’d gotten used to the flower painted kimono’s of japan.

you gazed back at her for a moment, giving her a smile. than you turned forward again, getting on with your performance. you seemed to be acting out some play.. a play about two lovers, it seemed. she had no clue about english culture, so she watched you with interest. 

you looked to have the leading role of of someone named “juliet”. peculiar name, but she kept any and all thoughts about this show to herself. usually it was puppet shows back in japan; so seeing real people acting out the play was interesting. 

galloping was coming closer. mizu whipped her head to the side, seeing three large, white horses galloping down the street. they were carrying english guns in their hands, and large hats atop of their heads.

and as they were coming closer, the performers began to scatter.

her eyes widened, being pushed and prodded through all the clatter. she watched as you scampered off into an alleyway.

her instinct was to follow you.

and she was taught to trust her instinct.

so, she steadily walked down the alleyway after you, seeing that you were bleeding through your cheek. maybe she could help you—she carried some herbs with her.

“w-who—“ you stammered through your accent—which, she found rather cute—gazing up at her. you didn’t seem to realize that she wasn’t from around here. “—are you?”

“.. mizu,” she introduced, offering her hand to help you from the ground.

you glanced at her again. you didn’t look like you wanted to trust her.

but you did, placing that delicate hand of yours in hers.

she tugged you to your feet. you seemed to be waiting for something, twitching your hand. she looked at you, raising an eyebrow.

“.. kiss my hand?” you cocked your head. that seemed to be when you realize she wasn’t from here. “it’s custom, here in england. It’s how men greet a lady.”

right. right, she was a guy, to everyone else.

she lifted your hand, kissing your knuckles. she didn’t want you to think she disrespected you, or your culture. so she did as asked.

“and where are you from, hm?” you pull your hand back.

“.. japan,” she whispered the word as if it were a bad one.

“I see,” you nod your head. “yet your eyes—they are blue, such as ours.”

“my—father, he was a white man,” she explained.

you nod again, “understood.” you give her a small little smile.

“and why were they after you?” she cocks her head, it was something she didn’t quite understand. had you done something wrong that these officers were after you? It didn’t look like it, you were just performing.

“ah.. women, such as myself, are not allowed to perform—plus, it is not legal for us to perform unlicensed plays,” you explained yourself, rubbing the cut on your cheek. “If I hadn’t ran I’d be in a jail cell by now.”

“.. hm,” she hums, “in japan women can perform as they please.”

you hum as well, “I’ve read about japan before—you have a very interesting culture, there,” you smile. “are you perhaps a samurai?”

she nods her head, “I am,” she seems proud of the idea. to be a samurai.

“so… are you an assassin of some sort?” you giggle at your words.

yeah. she wasn’t telling you that.

“no, I just do my work and move on with it,” she replied.

“maybe.. we could get to know one another.. not in a dark alleyway?” you cock your head, “perhaps you could come back to the theatre with me, and we could talk more there?”

she nods, looking to be excited about the idea of getting to know such a beautiful woman better.

“I’d love to.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

a/n: my project is on elizabethan theater I am such a nerd for this please for the love of god help me. also, for reference, reader does not have to disguise as a boy! yes, in the time it was illegal for women to act—but there is evidence that women acted in street performances in the role of women! hajsaispwkzushzk sorry sorry rambles rambles

[angel-with-paper-wings]

Seeing POTO Live: Part 2 (Show Review)

This is my personal review of my first time seeing a live production of The Phantom of the Opera, on the West End on May 20th 2024 (see Part 1 of this post for that crazy story). The main trio cast was: Lily Kerhoas as Christine, Jon Robyns as The Phantom, and Joe Griffiths-Brown (I will list the rest of the cast as I mention their characters).

Act 1:

Auction/Overture:

JAMES GANT HIMSELF WAS THE AUCTIONEER 🤩🤩 TWO PHANTOMS IN ONE NIGHT, I CANT BELIEVE MY LUCK 

He was totally channeling the Phantom when it got to the “Lot 666…” part, I got chills

I was watching Raoul (Joe Griffiths-Brown) like a hawk during the auction scene because I wanted to study his acting, and he did not disappoint. When the music box came out, he leaned forward and touched it longingly with his fingertips 🥺 And he spoke in this hushed, gravelly old man voice that was so accurate. No notes.

THE OVERTURE

SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP

ITS JUST AS MAGICAL AS I ALWAYS DREAMED 😍😍😍

I totally got flashbanged by the chandelier 😂😂 (the sparks and pyro effects in this musical are BRIGHT)

Hannibal/Think of Me:

Both Carlotta (Lily de-la-Haye) and Piangi (David Kristopher-Brown) SLAYED, not only with their singing but their comedy bits were perfectly timed

Guys these costumes are SPARKLY 😍😍✨✨ like I didn’t realize until seeing it live but almost EVERY costume has sparkles and it makes everything look gorgeous under the stage lights

This Andre (Adam Linstead) and Firmin (Matt Harrop) were SO FUNNY OMG

Andre was such a little fanboy over Carlotta, and Firmin was like a grumpy old man

Lily’s “Think of Me” was DELIGHTFUL, her voice is so smooth and sweet! When she started her “audition” her voice was VERY quiet (barely audible), but once she got going she had such a beautiful crystal-clear tone.

Again, I was watching Joe Griffiths-Brown a lot during “Think of Me” because I wanted to watch his reactions. For a while, Raoul didn’t really look at the stage to see Christine playing Elissa, he was too busy looking at his programme and greeting the managers when they joined his box. But eventually he saw her, and then he looked back down at his programme to search for her name and check if it was really her! I loved it and thought it was such a neat acting detail!!!

Angel of Music/Little Lotte:

While Madame Giry is scolding the ballerinas for being “a disgrace”, Christine was talking with… some dude?? I couldn’t really tell who it was, but I’m almost certain it wasn’t Raoul or either of the managers. It looked like a stagehand. Does anyone know who this is and why she was talking to him? I’ve never noticed this detail before in other productions.

OMG BRUNETTE MEG NATION RISE UP

Meg (Maiya Hikasa) has a few extra lines during the show that I haven’t heard before, and the one I remember best was a little frustrated remark after Madame Giry told her to go off and practice: it was something like “There’s always more practice.” I thought it was cool that they gave her a bit more character!

Okay idk if this was intentional, but during the beginning of “Angel of Music”, Christine’s dressing room set was covered by a curtain but illuminated from the inside by a lamp, and the wardrobe mistress was in there arranging her dressing gown. But since Christine was singing about her father at the time, I thought that part of the stage was like a “flashback” scene to show us what Christine was remembering in her mind. Idk if that makes sense, but that was what crossed my mind. 

Idk if this was intentional either (or maybe it was just the angle from where I was sitting) but you could see the actual conductor of the show reflected in the mirror from the orchestra pit, which I thought was cool and tied things together thematically

Lily’s Christine was quite hesitant and timid when Raoul came to see her in her dressing room. I liked this choice because to me, it showed that even though she is happy to see him, Christine is aware that the Phantom is listening and she is afraid for Raoul’s safety.

And Joe was just so sweet and charming the whole time!! He didn’t seem too demanding when he said they’ll go to supper, which is a plus for me.

HEEHEE JON ROBYNS HAS A PERFECT PHANTOM VOICE AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME OTHERWISE

He has a very mixed range which I like in a Phantom, going from a higher goblin-y voice to a really low seductive growl on “I am your Angel of Music…”

Title Song:

God I just love the scenery changes that happen during this song, they are nothing short of STUNNING

Lily’s and Jon’s voices sound SO GREAT together

When the candles started raising out of the stage, Christine leaned forward in the boat and looked so enraptured (same), and I don’t think the Phantom took his eyes off of her once during the whole song (again, same)

Unfortunately, there was no cape swirl because poor Jon dropped the cape 😭😭 I felt so bad for him but he recovered very well (let’s just say he was so awed by Christine’s singing that his hands stopped working)

Lily’s high notes at the very end had almost no vibrato and were very choral-sounding, if that makes sense. They kinda reminded me of Emmy Rossum’s high notes in the 2004 movie. Overall very nice.

Music of the Night:

Jon Robyns made this song look EASY. His vocals and acting choices were top notch, it was a treat to watch.

In the pause after “abandon their defenses…” when Christine looks away from the Phantom and towards the audience, he gasped and touched his mask as if ensuring it was still there. SUCH a great detail 🥺

He WHIMPERED when Christine touched him during the portcullis sprawl (after that, I wasn’t sure I would survive PONR, the horniness was too strong)

Lily’s Christine seemed quite unsure about the Phantom’s sensual touches at first, especially when he went in for the iconic pose, but then she relaxed and just fell against his arm

His “touch me” was the lowest sensual whisper I— 😩🥵

Christine touched his mask for a good couple of seconds during “savor each sensation”, but then it looked like her thumb went underneath the edge and was about to take it off, and that was when the Phantom pulled her hand away. Great stuff 👍

I know why they don’t do it anymore, but I miss the catch 😭 Christine fell to the floor and Jon’s Phantom reached out for her, before grabbing the cloak and covering her up. Then he knelt down next to her with his hands on his knees (like a lil kid) to say “you alone can make…” it was adorable and so sad 🥹

Stranger Than You Dreamt It:

When Christine first lays eyes on Erik’s deformity, she doesn’t flinch until he lunges at her. But then later, after she returned his mask, she flinched right away as if expecting him to lunge at her again 🥺

She even pushed herself as far away from him as she could when he began STYDI

He dragged—and I mean DRAGGED— himself across the door on his belly

Also he gave this like angry grunt before “repulsive carcass”

Jon’s voice sounded so scary, but his “dreams of beauty” and “oh, Christine” were WHIMPERS 😭😭😭

PATHETIC LITTLE MEOW MEOW ENERGY

After “oh, Christine”, he covered his face with both hands and sat on his knees with his back to the audience. When Christine handed him the mask, he ripped it out of her hand and put it back on.

Notes I/Prima Donna:

Excellent chemistry between Adam Linstead and Matt Harrop as the managers, I couldn’t get enough of their antics

This scene was where Joe Griffiths-Brown began to show his colors as a more aggressive Raoul, akin to Hadley Fraser in the 25th anniversary. Whether you prefer this portrayal of Raoul or not, I think it worked well here.

While the managers are busy singing “Prima Donna” with Carlotta and Piangi, Raoul was seen chatting with Madame Giry (Francesca Ellis). There were a couple more moments in the show where they are seen talking together or sharing a knowing look, which I’ve never really noticed before when watching recordings/bootlegs. It makes their little one-on-one discussion after “Masquerade” seem less random because we know they are already familiar with each other.

Also, Joe Griffiths-Brown’s voice is STRONG, like it cut through all the rest of the voices and could be clearly heard at the end of “Prima Donna”

Il Muto:

Lily de-la-Haye’s croaks were kind of strange… like I know it’s a strange part of the musical, but they sounded less like croaks and more like big yells. Idk

Guys. Jon’s Phantom laugh. 😳😩 Deeper than the Mariana Trench. Sent chills up my spine.

After hearing the Phantom’s voice, Raoul starts searching for him around Box Five

Guys, Adam Linstead is HILARIOUS as Andre. He was shaking like a leaf when he had to go out and announce the change in plan, flipping through his programme nervously. And his antics with the ballet dancers seemed so naturally clumsy!

“the ~BALLET~” 😂😂😂

When the scary silhouettes of the Phantom were showing up during the ballet, they were spotted by the shepherd dancer (Jacob Hughes), and he looked SO SCARED. He had on this huge nervous smile, you could tell he was thinking “oh shit god please no”, it was just a good piece of acting

All I Ask of You:

Lily’s Christine was very up-front about what she wants from Raoul in this song. During “say you love me every waking moment…”, she had her hand out to him as if saying “these are the terms, you can either agree to them or be done.” This, along with some other moments later in the show, made Lily’s interpretation refreshingly strong and assertive.

Joe Griffiths-Brown was BORN to sing Raoul. His voice suits AIAOY so well

He did a lil twirl with his arms out during AIAOY as he said “then say you’ll share with me…” and it was the sweetest thing ever 🥹

THE KISS!!! 😍😍 Raoul kissed Christine first (it was a little earlier than I was expecting), but after he pulled away Christine leaned in and gave him a bigger kiss back!

AIAOY Reprise:

Behind me, a girl went *gasp* “SHIT” when the Pegasus turned and revealed the Phantom, and that alone was worth the price of admission. (Btw, that moment of shock is exactly why you wait to reveal that the Phantom is eavesdropping until AFTER Christine and Raoul leave the rooftop… unlike SOME versions *glares at 2004 movie 😒)

Jon made me cry with his “I gave you my music…”

HIS WHIMPERS WHEN HE HEARS RAOUL AND CHRISTINE SINGING, Y’ALL I AM UNWELL

The horse statue is center-stage during this part, and the Phantom is perched right on top (VERY high up, holy shit). As he sang “you will curse…” he looked down at the audience and istg STRAIGHT AT ME 😳 (I was sitting dead center). Even though he definitely wasn’t staring at me in particular, I felt like we had a moment.

Act 2:

Masquerade/Why So Silent:

THE COSTUMES

SO SPARKLY ✨✨✨✨✨

AND SO DETAILED

AAAAAAAAAA MY EYES CANNOT HANDLE SUCH MAJESTY

If you’re like me and have only ever seen photos/video of the Masquerade scene, let me tell you that it does NOT do them justice

Speaking of which… I would like to formally apologize for hating on Christine’s “Star Princess” dress. It is a LOT prettier in person. I understand the hype now.

There was another moment where Raoul was seen chatting with Madame Giry about something. Again, this makes their convo at the end of this song make more sense since they already know each other.

Omg the Phantom’s entrance was STUNNING

Y’all how does he balance his big ol’ hat??? It’s just a big red puffball on top of his head lmao

Some people in the audience laughed in shock when the skull mask’s jaw started moving

Got flashbanged so I didn’t see the Phantom go down the trap door (which I guess is the whole point of the flashbang lol)

The convo between Raoul and Madame Giry was kinda rushed. Madame Giry reveals some important information about the Phantom’s backstory here, but Raoul was talking over her at some points and it was hard to hear.

Notes II:

I kinda wanted more acting-wise from Lily (Christine) during this scene… I was hoping she would get more angry at Carlotta and the managers, but she seemed oddly quiet. I think she was trying to convey how Christine is tired of all the bullshit happening around her during this scene. She was just done with everything.

Her “I cannot sing it, duty or not” and “I can’t. I won’t do it.” were certain and final.

Again, Joe’s Raoul was rather aggressive during this scene when he was coming up with the plan to trap the Phantom. Of course he was still gentle with her physically, but he was not hearing any arguments against the plan.

Having both a stubborn Christine and a stubborn Raoul seems like a difficult thing to make work, but I think it did in this show! Their clash during this scene makes Christine’s storming out more realistic—she has lost all her patience and just needs to be alone.

Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again:

Lily really shone here. This was her moment, and she did not disappoint.

“Little Lotte thought of everything and nothing…” sounded so defeated and sad 😔

Her voice is just very nice to listen to. It’s not as classically operatic as some other Christines, it has more of a modern musical theater flair, but it suits the role very well imo.

When it got to “too many years…”, she let out all of her repressed anger and frustration in a powerful final chorus. It was very satisfying.

Wandering Child:

“Far-reaching gaze”

Damn these three sound SO GOOD together!!! Their vocals blend perfectly with each other

The sparks from the staff were cool! I’m always worried that they will look cheesy (and yeah, they kinda do), but Jon Robyns was selling it

GOD that fire effect at the end is HOTTT 🔥🔥🔥

Point of No Return:

Oh boy, this one was fun

His “preeeeeeey” was so long and creepy 😳

Maybe I’m just a simp, but I kinda wanted their acting to be a bit more sexy… like I don’t think Lily’s Christine was into it as much as I’ve seen some other Christines get into it, but it was spicy enough

You could tell the moment Christine realized it was the Phantom under the cloak, a look of understanding passed over her face. In the pause before she starts singing her verse, she was thinking for a bit… and then her “decided…” was so long and sultry.

Based on how she acted during this song from that point on, my theory is that she put together her own plan to trap the Phantom by using his lust for her against him. She went along with the seductive choreo in order to expose him to the audience… her hand touched his mask, and it looked like she was going to pull of the hood then and there before he flinched away.

Once they were singing the final chorus, they were straight up arguing with each other. Christine was already letting out her spite and frustration ahead of the Final Lair, and sje was letting the Phantom have it.

After the hood is off, it is Christine who calls off the guards by holding out her hands. This didn't seem like a protective move to me, it seemed like she was just saying “not yet, it’s not the right time”.

When he said “Say you want me”, he patted his chest (like calling a cat lol)

OMG Raoul’s jump into the lake is HIGH like how is that even safe??? Massive props to all the Raouls, that looks scary as shit

Final Lair:

Holy. Shit.

No notes whatsoever.

It was perfection.

CHRISTINE LET ERIK HAVE IT

SHE WAS DONE PLAYING GAMES, SHE WAS SCOLDING HIM WITH ALL OF HER ANGER

And Erik was done too. He had so much disdain in his voice when he talked about his backstory, his bitterness felt so real and justified

When Raoul came in, Erik’s mood switched COMPLETELY to being a cocky lil shit 😂 He was having way too much fun teasing Raoul and mock-bowing to him and being a lil goblin

He also said a line I haven’t heard before! Instead of “I had rather hoped that you would come”, he said “I did not think we would be so blessed” or something like that. Idk if that’s a recent change or what, but it was hilarious because he said it dripping with sarcasm

After “tears of hate” when Christine ran back over to Raoul, she held both her hands out, one to protect Raoul and one to hold back Erik

Lily’s “You deceived me, I gave my mind blindly” was so angry and accusatory (as it should be, because it’s true)

“Make. Your. Choice.” Chills 😳🥶

THE KISS 😱😱😱💀💀💀 (I’m dead)

The first kiss surprised Erik…he held his arms out to the side, unsure what to do with them. Then during the hug he wrapped them around Christine’s waist (with his hands still splayed out). Then the second kiss he kept his arms where they were and ACTUALLY KISSED HER BACK, HE LEANED IN AND EVERYTHING

GOD I AM DECEASED 😭😭😭😭

He pulled away first, looking SO SHOCKED. He stumbled over to the other side of the stage, touching his lips with his fingers 🥺🥺

After he let Raoul go, he had to chase them out of the lair. His “go now and leave me” was the DEFINITION of heartbreaking 😭😭😭 I still haven’t recovered.

When he saw Christine had come back he looked SO HAPPY, but then he looked down and saw the ring, and you could see him just deflate 🥺🥺 she handed him the ring, and he just held her hand for a minute.

His “Christine, I love you” was LONGGG and it just ripped my heart apart further

Lily did NOT want to leave him. She lingered there for several seconds, before turning and running away, leaving Erik’s arm still outstretched 😭

GOD the little sobs he let out as he watched Raoul and Christine leave on the boat 😫 and he covered his ears again like in AIAOY reprise

Overall reflection:

It was SO GOOD. Like I cannot describe how perfect it was in so many different ways. The cast and crew were nothing short of PHENOMENAL and I already cannot wait for a chance to see it again, however long that takes!!

I am an unapologetic RAH 25th anniversary stan, and the Ramin/Sierra/Hadley trio will always hold a special place in my heart (it’s more like a chokehold but I digress). I bring this up because I was SHOOK with how similar the current West End cast sounded to the 25th anniversary cast. Some of the acting choices were also quite similar, especially Joe’s Raoul and Jon’s Phantom. Overall, the three complimented each other very well vocally and the directions in which they took their characters worked together very nicely to tell a cohesive story.

I didn’t really know what to make of Lily Kerhoas’s Christine at first. I kinda felt like I wanted a bit more from her acting-wise, but as the show went on and the more I thought about it, I started to understand the journey she was taking with her Christine throughout the show. She starts out very shy during the Hannibal audition scene and “Little Lotte”, and only during MOTN do we start to see her come out of her shell a bit. Over the course of the show, she learns to become more confident and to stand up for herself and her needs against Joe’s very assertive Raoul and Jon’s very needy Phantom. I really liked this, because too often Christine is written off as another sweet innocent ingenue who is seduced by the Phantom, but Lily’s Christine was nothing like that. She had her own goals in mind and held onto them stubbornly, which led to her having the upper hand  in a lot of scenes. Perhaps not my favorite portrayal of Christine, but it was a refreshing change!

Joe Griffiths-Brown plays a very serious and determined Raoul that reminded me a lot of Hadley Fraser’s “out for blood” portrayal in the 25th anniversary production. He has his moments of sweetness of course, and he is very protective of Christine during AIAOY and the Final Lair. He definitely wasn't the sweet, golden-boi Raoul from the original novel, but alongside Lily’s very courageous Christine and Jon’s emotional Phantom I thought he was a great fit. Plus, he was pretty to look at. 🤭🫠

Jon Robyns NAILED IT. He mastered the balance between a terrifying force of nature and an emotionally broken man. His emotions felt real in the way that he said/sang each line… he meant every word he was saying. I think I would have liked a bit more physical sensuality from him (his Phantom Hands™️ were not as special as others I’ve seen), but other than that I cannot fault his portrayal. He ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped on it, and I said thank you.

Bonus:

My parents were waiting to meet me outside of the theatre after the show ended. According to them, the first person to leave the theatre was a teenage girl—she exited the doors with her hands stretched to the dark London sky, tears in her eyes, and said “OH MY GOD, I FEEL LIKE MY SOUL HAS BEEN RAPTURED!!!”

Same, girl. That pretty much sums it up.