My Phantom of the Opera

The Masquerade ball

Three months of no sign of the Phantom

December 31, 1880 

There are fireworks going off as everyone coming to the Opera house for the annual Masquerade ball. The opera ball begins.

"Monsieur Andre!" "Monsieur Firmin!" 

"Dear Andre, what a splendid party. The prelude to a bright new year" said Firmin. "Quite a night, I'm impressed" responded Andre. "Well, one does one's best" said Firmin. "Here's to us" responded Andre. They click their drinks. "The toast for the city" responded Firmin. "What a pity that the Phantom can't be here" responded Andre. 

Everyone in their suits, dresses, and masks started dancing. Everyone in black and white. Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you. Look around, there's another mask behind you. 

Flash of mauve, splash of puce. Fool and king, ghoul and goose. Take your turn, take a ride on the merry-go-round in an inhuman race. Who is who? In the light, in the sound but who can name the face? Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads. Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you. Run and hide, but a face will still pursue you. 

"What a night," said Carlotta. "What a crowd," said her date. "Makes you glad. Makes you proud. All the creme, de la creme" said Firmin. "Watching us and watching them," said Coletta. "All our fears are in the past," said Rachel. "Three months of relief" responded both managers. "Of delight" added Carlotta. "Of Elysian peace! And we can breathe at last" responded the managers. 

"No more notes" responded Carlotta. "No more ghosts" responded Andre. "Here's a health" responded Madame Lesch. "Here's a toast to a prosperous year" responded Firmin. "To our friends who are here" added Andre. "May the splendour never fade!" "And what a blessed release!" said both managers. "And what a masquerade" added Madame Lesch. 

Jasmine and Raoul walked in. Jasmine wearing his ring on a chang around her neck. "Think of it" she started. "Our secret engagement. Look, your future bride. Just think of it." "Why is it secret? What have we to hide? You promised me" he responded. 

"I know I did but it has to be secret. For our protection. He will not be happy about this" she told him. He kissed her. "No, Raoul. Please don't, they'll see." 

"Well then let them see. I'm not afraid. It's an engagement, not a crime" he told her. "Jasmine, what are you afraid of?" "Let's not argue" Jasmine decided. Raoul agrees. "Please pretend you will understand in time." "I can only hope" he told her. 

Jasmine and Raoul started dancing.