Cinematic Adventures: The Phantom of the Opera

The Opera Populare

The blinding green light of the portal slowly fades to oblivion, as the Mane Six and Spike slowly step onto the other side. As the vortex disappears behind them, they all took a moment to look about their surroundings, trying to figure out where they ended up this time. They seemed to be in the backstage area of what they could only assume to be a theatre. There were riggings and railings all lined throughout the ceiling and a number of different styled backdrops they could find.

"Alright, so just where in the name of Celestia's flowing mane did we wind up now?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure exactly," Twilight shook her head. "Whenever we punch in the information, the television just transports us to wherever it can find what we want. We request an opera, and I assume we must be backstage at an opera house by my guess."

Thankfully, for the moment, there didn't seem to be anyone around at this time, so they had no fear of being spotted. Feeling brave, they slowly move their way from behind the backstage area and onto the giant stage of the opera house. They couldn't believe their eyes at just how glorious the entire place looked, especially Rarity. The entire performance hall was adorned with beautiful golden statues that sparkled brightly. There were rows upon rows of velvet red seats with golden frames and trimmings. What really seemed to catch all of their eyes, their mouths dropping, was the centerpiece of it all hung high over their heads. An amazing diamond chandelier lit up the entire hall, twinkling and sparkling like a thousand stars. Rarity had to wipe away a tear that began to from in her blue eyes. Never before had she seen such a beautiful opera house, not even the most famous on in Canterlot measures to the beauty of this room alone.

"Oh my!" Rarity gasped, starstruck. "I've never seen such a beautiful sight!"

"I couldn't agree more, Rarity," Twilight nodded.

"This sure is one hum-dinger of a setup here," Applejack commented.

"Wowie-wow-wow!" Pinkie said, bouncing excitedly. "You could have a huge party in here every single day of the week... No, for a year!"

Just then, footsteps and voices are heard, drawing closer and closer.

"Someone's coming!" Rainbow said, urgently.

"Quick, back here!" Twilight points.

They all jump behind a large curtain, as a sock company of players piles onto the stage area, as a thriving world comes to life. The group peek their heads out just enough to see the people at work. A bevy of ballet girls run through and pass the ponies' hiding spot, climbing the stairs. The carpenters and painters are preparing sections of the set in the scenery docks. A piece of the set is rolled past on castors, as two tumblers practice their tricks. The whole population of the opera house is in movement, as musicians, singers, dancers, and stagehands assume their positions.

The musicians are grumbling into the Orchestra pit, as a musical composer made his way to his perch over the orchestra pit. The one that seems to stick out the most was a woman with too much armor, fabric, glitz, and a giant headdress. All over-designed.

"What is going on here?" Spike asked.

"Looks like they must be rehearsing," Fluttershy answered.

"I'm guessing that lady must be the lead singer," Twilight pointed out.

"Oh yes, in the opera they refer to her as the diva," Rarity explains. "A title usually given to lead actress of these events."

"Heh, and here I thought it was just another way to call out when some pony is overdramatic," Rainbow teased.

"Wut in tarnation is with the weird getup?" Applejack asked.

"Applejack, don't be rude!" Rarity scolds. "She is an artist; it matters not what she wears so long as she makes wonderful music."