THE OPERA HOUSE ON THE NIGHT OF THE PREMIERE OF "DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT''

(The orchestra is tuning. A whistle sounds the 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!