The Phantom of the Opera [ishimondo]

ACT 1 SCENE 8

Hajime Hinata:
"Mystery after gala night," if says, "Mystery of soprano's flight!"
"Mystified baffeled Surete say, we are mystified - we suspect foul play!"
Bad news on soprano scene - first Junko, now Kiyotaka! Still atleast 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!

(Makoto bursts in with a temper)

Makoto Naegi:
No you're wrong! They will all walk out!

Hajime Hinata:
Makoto, please don't shout. It's publicity! And take the most! Free publicity!

Makoto Naegi:
We haven't got a cast!

Hajime Hinata:
Have you seen the queue??

(Hajime sorts through letters and discovers one for Makoto)

Hey, you have a letter.

Makoto Naegi:
"Dear Makoto,
What a charming gala! Kiyotaka enjoyed great success! We were hardly bereft when Junko left - otherwise the chorus was entrancing.
But the dance was a mess!"

Hajime Hinata (opening his letter):
"Hajime, a quick reminder. My salary has mot been paid! Send it care of the ghost by return of post.
M. O.
No one likes a debtor, so it's better if my orders are obeyed."

Both:
Who would have the balls to send this? Someone with a small brain.

Hajime Hinata:
They're both signed O. G.

Makoto Naegi:
Who the hell is he?

Both:
Opera Ghost?

Hajime Hinata:
It really isn't funny.

Makoto Naegi:
He's abusing our position!

Hajime Hinata:
In addition he wants money!

Makoto Naegi:
He's a funny sort of ghost.

Both:
To expect a big salary? He's clearly insane.

(They are both interrupted by Byakuya entering)

Byakuya Togami:
Where is he?

Makoto Naegi:
You mean Junko?

Byakuya Togami:
I mean Mr Ishimaru - where is he?

Hajime Hinata:
How would we know?

Byakuya Togami:
I want an answer - I take it that you sent me this note?

Hajime Hinata:
Of course not!

Makoto Naegi:
Don't look at us!

Byakuya Togami:
So he's not with you then?

Hajime Hinata:
Of course not!

Makoto Naegi:
We're in the dark.

Byakuya Togami:
Sirs don't argue - Isn't this the letter you wrote?

Hajime Hinata:
And what is it we wrote?

Makoto Naegi:
"Do not fear for Mr Ishimaru. The Angel of Music has him under his wing. Make no attempt to see him again."

Byakuya Togami:
If you didn't write it who did?

(Junko bursts in, letter in hand.)

Junko Enoshima:
Where is he?!

Makoto Naegi:
Ah welcome back!

Junko Enoshima:
Your precious patron, where is he?!

Byakuya Togami:
What is it now?

Junko Enoshima:
I have your letter! How dare you say that about me!

Hajime Hinata:
And did you send it?

Byakuya Togami:
Of course not!

Makoto Naegi:
As if he would!

Junko Enoshima:
You didn't send it??

Byakuya Togami:
Of course not!

Hajime Hinata:
What's going on..?

Junko Enoshima:
You tell me this isn't the letter you sent?

Byakuya Togami:
And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?

(Junko hands the letter to Byakuya)

"Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered. Kiyotaka Ishimaru will be singing on your behalf tonight. Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take his place."

Makoto and Hajime:
Too many notes in our opinion. And most of them about Kiyotaka. All we've heard today is Sir Ishimaru's name-

(Kirumi and Kaede enter, interrupting)

Kirumi Tojo:
Mr Ishimaru has returned.

Makoto Naegi:
Where is he now?

Kirumi Tojo:
I thought it was best that he went home...

Kaede Akamatsu:
He needed rest.

Byakuya Togami:
May I see him?

Kirumi Tojo:
No sir, he will see no-one.

Junko Enoshima:
Will he sing?

Kirumi Tojo:
Here, I have a note.

Byakuya/Junko/Makoto:
Let me see it!

Hajime Hinata (snatching it):
Please!
"Gentlemen, I have now sent you several note of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theatre is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you one last chance."

Makoto Naegi:
"Kiyotaka Ishimaru has returned to you, I am anxious his career should progress. In the new production of "II Muto", you will therefore cast Junko as the page boy, and put Mr Ishimaru in the role of countess. The role which Mr Ishimaru plays calls for charm and appeal. The role of pageboy is silent - which makes my casting ideal.

Hajime Hinata:
"I remain, gentlemen, your obedient servent, O.G."

Junko Enoshima:
Kiyotaka!

Makoto Naegi:
Whatever next?

Junko Enoshima:
It is all a plan to help Kiyotaka!

Hajime Hinata:
This is insane...

Junko Enoshima:
I know who sent this: Mr Togami, his lover!

Byakuya Togami:
Can you believe this??

Makoto Naegi:
You are our star!

Hajime Hinata:
Mr Ishimaru will be playing the pageboy - the silent role. Junko will be playing the lead!

Junko Enoshima:
Wouldn't you rather have your precious little gay boy?!

Makoto/Hajime:
Junko, no!
Prima donna, first lady of the stage!
Your fans are on their knees to see you!

Byakuya Togami:
Kiyotaka once spoke of an angel...

(Hajime, Makoto and Junko leave)

Kirumi Tojo:
Oh fools, to have ignored his warnings...

Byakuya Togami:
Surely, for her sake.

Kaede Akamatsu:
Surely he'll strike again.