The Music of Friends

Dancing with the Phantom ~

2011-03-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hello all!!

It's been absolutely ages since we've posted on here, and I finally got an idea for a post, so I pounced!!

If you'll remember, Christine was a part of the dance corps when it all began. So, I looked up Phantom of the Opera dancing, thinking that of course at least one of the numerous movies or plays made would have a good dance corps.

Apparently, not.

Maybe it's because I'm personally a dancer, a ballerina actually, but the pictures I was able to pull up were terrible! From what Google has been able to show me, none of the movies made so far have had an even descent dance corps!!! I was so surprised! I mean, honestly. If it was that big in the book, why not in the movie? I don't remember it being a part of the Emmy Rossum movie at all!!!

But anyway, once again it might be because I'm a dancer. How does it effect you? Does it really effect you at all? Is it because it was something you really wanted to see, or is it just because they didn't keep to the book? Or did you even notice?

And here's a little extra, because this is one good picture that I did find on my scavenger hunt.

Be blessed in your endeavors,
Nahla

"Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation..."

A few Quizzes...

2010-06-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

I was browsing around quizzes today, and I came across this one: Which Phantom of the Opera character are You?
I came up as Madame Giry. I can't really tell whether to be happy about this or not...

Madame Giry: You're biggest quality is your compassion. You are a mother-like figure to many. People are drawn to you for your wisdom and advise. You do not turn people away, and could never abandon anyone.

Go HERE to find your results!

Let me know who you come up as!!! I love these things. :D

be blessed in your endeavors,
Nahla

"No more talk of darkness,
Forget these wide eyed fears.
I'm here, with you beside you
To guard you and to guide you..."

Look at the Desktop Background on my Laptop...

2010-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

So, what do you all think? There was also a really pretty option of a picture of Christine and Raoul dancing at the Masquerade Ball, but since Erik is so amazing, I had to go for this picture of him with Christine. I'm really happy with it!!!

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

Phantom Ice Dancing at the Olymipics

2010-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

I was reading some old comments and I came across this one in particular:

Clare said...: hey everyone, I posted her a while perhaps you remember... anyway, I was completely glued to the olympics in vancouver, and i thought of this blog while watching the ice dancing portion. Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White danced to the Phantom of the Opera and the Music of the Night. If you didn't see it, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK0UTdvSP78 I was really blown away by their performance, but they came in second.
March 2, 2010 9:02 AM

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

Cassie's Thoughts on 'Love Never Dies'

2010-04-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Even though it is slightly overdue, here are my thoughts on the new Love Never Dies musical.

Of course, I was naturally excited when it came out. It's the sequel to one of the best musicals/books, etc. ever! Andrew Lloyd Webber is a genius and I could only expect spectacular music from him... It had to be wonderful!

Unfortunately, after reading the plot summary from Wikipedia that I posted HERE, I have decided that I will most likely never see the Love Never Dies musical on stage. I hate the fact that they changed Meg's and Madame Giry's characters and that (even though Raoul was never my favorite character) that he was turned into a drunk and a selfish, weak man. Even though he was never the best of characters (he was whiny and jealous) he was always brave and self-less and he truly loved Christine with his whole heart. I also am not fond of the relationship implied between Christine and Erik... just too much going on there with Gustave, etc.

Anyway, with that being said, I must admit that I have heard some of the music already and I think that it is stunning. I'll probably purchase my favorite songs from iTunes, but I will not be listening to the musical as a whole like I do with 'Phantom'. Sorry, 'Love Never Dies' just isn't the same...

Oh! There is a poll on the sidebar asking what you think of 'Love Never Dies' I'd love to see everyone's thoughts, so VOTE! =D

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

Love Never Dies Plot (Contains Spoilers!!!)

2010-04-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to watch Love Never Dies and don't want the ending ruined for you, then read no further. If you are like me, anyhow, who is not planning on traveling to the West End to see it, or to go to New York when it opens in the USA next year, and yet you are dying to know the story, then this post is for you.

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The following is from the Love Never Dies musical page on Wikipedia:

Act I

In a brief prelude, Madame Giry walks along an abandoned pier recalling Phantasma, Coney Island's 'City of Wonders' ("Prologue"). She is then confronted by Fleck, a freak who once worked with her there, who reminds her of 'the good old days' and blames her for 'what happened.' The audience is transported back in time through "The Coney Island Waltz."

It is now ten years after the events at the Paris Opera House, and the setting is at Phantasma on Coney Island in New York. An excited group of vacationers arrive overwhelmed at everything that Phantasma has to offer, and speculate about its reclusive, masked owner - known only as Mr. Y ("Heaven by the Sea"). Meg Giry, Christine Daae's friend from the Opera, is now a headlining performer at Phantasma with Madame Giry, her mother and the Opera's ballet mistress, at her side.

As Meg prepares for her performance, she wonders what the boss will think and states she will be performing "Only for Him." She wins the crowd over with her performance of "Only for You," and learns afterward that Madame Giry has arranged for her to "meet" an important client.

In "The Aerie," it is confirmed that the Phantom is Mr. Y, the mysterious creator and owner of Phantasma. In a dark, private lair in a tower high above the park, he interacts with an automaton that resembles Christine. In spite of the ten years that have passed and his many successes, he still longs to be reunited with her ("Til I Hear You Sing"). Meg intrudes and presses the Phantom to give feedback on her performance, but he dismisses her as an annoyance.

Madame Giry is irritated that the Phantom is still longing to be with Christine after all the help she has given him over the years ("Giry Confronts the Phantom/Til I Hear You Sing - Reprise"). She reveals that she and Meg helped smuggle him out of Paris and to a ship departing from Calais, where he made his escape to America. Ignoring Giry, the Phantom summons Fleck, who appears with two other freaks, Squelch and Gangle. The Phantom has them send a letter to Christine inviting her to come and perform at Phantasma.

Three months later, Christine, Raoul and their son, Gustave, arrive in New York to crowds of paparazzi ("Christine Disembarks"). It is revealed that Christine is no longer performing and that Raoul has spent much of their fortune on drinking and gambling. They are greeted by the freaks who arrive by a strange mechanical horse and carriage and take them to Coney Island ("Arrival of the Trio/Are You Ready to Begin?").

Raoul is angry at the way they have been greeted by the freaks and upsets Gustave by not playing with him ("What a Dreadful Town!"). In spite of Christine's pleas, Raoul leaves to go drinking as Christine tells Gustave to "Look With Your Heart" to try and help him understand his father’s behavior.

After Gustave leaves to go to bed, the Phantom enters and reveals that it was he who summoned her to sing at Phantasma. In "Beneath a Moonless Sky," the Phantom and Christine recall the night of passion they shared the day before her wedding. Early the next morning, Christine awoke prepared to abandon Raoul for the Phantom, but found that the Phantom had left her. He admits that he left because he was too afraid of being rejected by her again.

They recall that "Once Upon Another Time," they thought their love had a chance of succeeding, although current situations prevent that from happening. Gustave wakes up screaming from a nightmare and meets the Phantom for the first time as Mr. Y ("Mother Please, I'm Scared!"). The Phantom promises to show Gustave more of Phantasma the next day.

In the rehearsal studio for Phantasma, Meg unexpectedly reunites with Christine, and is surprised and jealous to learn she will be singing there. Raoul runs into Madame Giry and discovers it is the Phantom who has invited Christine to sing there ("Dear Old Friend"). Christine becomes concerned when Gustave goes missing. The freaks bring Gustave to the Aerie where he is greeted by the Phantom.

Gustave plays a haunting melody on the piano, which leads the Phantom to have a revelation that he could be Gustave's father ("Beautiful"). The Phantom questions Gustave about his feelings and musical abilities, finding that they are kindred spirits. He unmasks himself, believing Gustave will accept him ("The Beauty Underneath"). Gustave is horrified and screams.

Christine enters to comfort a terrified Gustave. When the Phantom presses her about Gustave, Christine confesses to the Phantom that Gustave is his son ("The Phantom Confronts Christine"). The Phantom declares that everything he owns will go to him. A furious Madame Giry overhears this and fears all of her work over the years for the Phantom has been for nothing.
[edit] Act II

Following the ("Entr'acte") we see Raoul sitting alone in a bar contemplating his relationship with Christine ("Why Does She Love Me?"). He is joined by Meg who suggests that he should leave that night with Christine and Gustave.

Raoul refuses, saying he is not afraid of the Phantom, who has since appeared behind the bar. The Phantom makes a bet with a drunken Raoul: if Christine sings Raoul must leave alone; if she doesn't then all their debts will be wiped away. He also makes Raoul question his paternity of Gustave ("Devil Take The Hindmost").

At the beach, it is the last day of the season and the holiday makers are enjoying the experience ("Heaven By The Sea - Reprise"). A balloon then lands on the beach and the freaks advertise that night's performance ("Ladies...Gents!/The Coney Island Waltz - Reprise"). That night, they present Meg, who performs a strip-tease routine about her choice of swimming costume ("Bathing Beauty").

Backstage, Madame Giry tells Meg that the Phantom had not been there to watch the performance, and it had all been for nothing ("Mother, Did You Watch?").

("Before the Performance"), Raoul asks Christine to reconsider her decision to sing, asks her to leave at once if she loves him. As Raoul leaves, the Phantom enters and tells Christine that Raoul knows his love is not enough and that she must sing for him once more.

Alone in her dressing room, Christine recalls the Paris Opera House where she had to make the difficult decision between Raoul and the Phantom. Backstage, Madame Giry, Raoul and the Phantom are wondering whether or not Christine will sing and who will win the bet.

As Christine prepares to perform, Meg makes a hurried exit ("Devil Take The Hindmost - Reprise"). Christine then walks on stage and performs an aria for the crowd ("Love Never Dies") while Raoul and the Phantom watch from the wings.

The Phantom greets an overwhelmed Christine following her triumphant performance. Christine finds a letter from Raoul stating that he has left for good. Christine realizes that Gustave is missing and becomes worried. Fleck reveals she had discovered Meg's dressing room smashed up and seen her with a small figure. Madame Giry believes she knows where she has taken him.

On a pier, a distraught Meg is preparing to drown Gustave when she is confronted by the others. She holds up a gun to them so that the Phantom will listen as she reveals the truth: the resources that Madame Giry has afforded him all these years have mainly come from Meg being forced to work secretly as a prostitute to supporters of Phantasma. The Phantom tries to get the gun from her but in the confusion Meg accidentally shoots Christine.

The Phantom rushes to a mortally wounded Christine as Meg watches, horrified by what she has done. Christine reveals to Gustave that the Phantom is his father. Her final words tell the Phantom that her love for him will never die. They have one final kiss, and she dies in his arms. The Phantom hands the body of Christine to Meg and he comforts Gustave who unmasks him as the curtain falls.

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So, for those of you who have actually scrolled all of the way down and are reading this, this is my assignment for you:

If you are a follower and fellow Phan: Comment and tell us your thoughts? What about the show are you excited about, what bothers you or are you disappointed about?

If you are one of this blog's authors: Make a post telling us your impressions! I'm anxious to what you all like and dislike about the Love Never Dies idea. Over the next few days you can expect my post. I just need the time to write it up and assemble my musings... =D

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

Love Never Dies Trailer/Music Video

2010-04-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

Love Never Dies!!!

2010-04-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

For all of you Phantom Phans:

How excited are you all about the world premiere of 'Love Never Dies'!?!?!?!

I remember how, in February 2009, when I went to see 'Phantom' on stage, I got excited when I read in my programme that Andrew Lloyd Webber was creating the musical's sequel!

Little did I know then, that it would be over a year before it came out, and even then I would have to wait even longer to hear the music or even hope to see it one day.

Well, on March 9, the show 'Love Never Dies' made it's debut on the world stage.

I don't know too much about the show itself yet, nor have I heard much of the music, but it is to my understanding that the basic premise of the story is that the main characters from the original 'Phantom' return in the sequel. The events of this new show occur ten years hence from the mysteries of the prequel. Christine Daae (or "de Chagny", as she has since become) accepts an offer to preform on Coney Island. Unbeknownst to her, however, is that the Phantom is determined to prove that Love Never Dies...
(Cited from the official Love Never Dies website)
(Please also note that I used these pictures from the site above. They are from the acutall show and I do not own them.)

Anyway, I've checked out the album, but, much to my dismay, it is out of my budget for now (Saving for my trip to China and all... and a $20- $30 CD is too much) but I do hope to be able to purchase it sometime in the near future!

So, what do you all think of this new sequel? Are you excited? Doubtful? Giddy? Skeptical? I think that I am a pretty healthy mix of it all!!!

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

First you gotta check this out.... second....

2010-03-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

Okay... here....

You all must check this out.... http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/london/

Go look at the store, facts, and behind the scenes stuff...

(it is fully awesome)

Second................whoops.

Second... (there we go)

pictures of possible somethings you all might enjoy....

personally... I liketh the third one :)

Some Questions about the device by which we can listen to the Phantom's voice

2010-03-09T15:30:00.001-08:00

Here's some picture up for debate for the background of our playlist. I'm getting a bit bored of the plain old red, I don't really think it works in the style of this blog. So until we've decided, we have no playlist... sorry. Unless you just post here and say PUT THE PLAYLIST BACK, YOU STUPID PERSON! WE DON'T EVEN SEE IT AND I WANT TO LISTEN TO SOMETHING!!!

Which you can certainly do if you want. Just those exact words, keep it clean please. That's all I ask.

And if you find another picture you think might work better, please let us know! We'll need the URL for the picture. It would be much appreciated.

be blessed in your endeavors,

Nahla

"You alone can make my song take flight.

Help me make the music of the night.

Some Cool Phantom Facts Every Phantom Phanatic Sould Know...

2010-02-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

I found this on the Phantom's official website..... I thought I should share it ^^

~Ivorydancer

Fireflower and watered candle

2010-02-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Phantom has so often been affiliated with fire and strength and anger that sometimes, we forget his softer side, though when I think about it, I am blown away that I can actually think (or not think) such a thing.

Of course, we all know his Down Once More side, where he lets all his anger go in yelling with all his might and dragging Christine along (though I dare say she deserves it), and at that time we are a bit overwhelmed by that image of him. And the overwhelming images seem to stick with us, no matter how hard we try.

What's some of the first things that come to mind when we go to describe the Phantom? "He's a murderer, he went insane, he writes dark music, he yells." I mean, really? But we can't forget his Music of the Night side, can we? Are we really capable of forgetting his sad past and his longing and love for a girl who turns him down?

Listen to me, I'm pleading. With a group of people who all love him, too. Resonating in his love for Christine and imagining I was in her place is one of my favorite pass-times. ^^

Oh well, I just thought that these two pictures, these two complete opposite things (both in and of themselves and contrasted) somehow fit this subject.

I was also wondering if you thought that the Fireflower (as I named it) would be good as a header, if we worked with it a little.

Well, I suppose I shall take my leave of you for now.

Be blessed in your endeavors,

Nahla.

"You alone can make my song take flight...

Help me make the Music of the Night."

Sorry Everyone!

2010-01-31T14:06:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry I hadn't fixed the background.... I completely forgot about it in all the Christmas chaos...

This one looks much better (personally), so let me know what you think!

More Poll Results

2010-01-23T03:21:00.000-08:00

This poll was not very successful, but I suppose it was quite a dumb poll :P

The Question:
Which is your favourite musical?

The Options and Answers:
Grease - 0 (0%)
Les Miserables - 1 (20%)
The Phantom of the Opera (!) - 4 (80%)
Strictly Ball-Room - 0 (0%)
Hair-Spray - 0 (0%)

As I said it was a dumb poll, but the results were so obvious that it was fun!

~rach~

Polls

2010-01-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I'm meant to be doing a post or not..... if I'm not, very sorry!
I made two polls the other week and I thought I would just post the results.

Poll One:

Which is your favourite song?
Angel of Music - 6 (66%)
Wishing you were somehow here again - 5 (55%)
Prima Donna - O (0%)
All I ask of you - 2(22%)
Masquerade - 2 (22%)
The Phantom of the Opera - 7 (77%)

With the obvious result that 'The Phantom of the Opera' won, followed by 'Angel of Music'.
Poll Two:

Which is one your favourite character?
Phantom (Erik) - 7 (87%)
Christine - 4 (50%)
Rauol - 2 (25%)
Meg - 2 (37%)
Carlotta (the Diva) - 0 (0%)
Andre and Firmin - 0 (0%)
Madame Giri - 1 (12%)

Again, with the obvious result that Phantom (Erik) won, followed by Christine.

~rach

New Headers!

2009-12-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

My friend, Earwen made these for me and I'd like to know which one everybody likes the best!

(Personally, I like the first one... :D)

You can vote on the poll at the bottom of this post.

NEW BACKGROUND!

2009-12-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, first I want to say this is NOT permanent. I kept the code for the other background if you would prefer it....... It may need some edits, so let me know what you think about it! Remember, this is a test drive. I wanted you to see it up...... comment and let me know if you like this one or the previous one XD

The Red Death

2009-12-11T07:13:00.001-08:00

Which do you like better? The original, or the one from the movie?

I must say I personally love the one from the movie. :)

-tinydancer

"Why so silent, good monsieurs?

Did you think that I had left you for good?

Did you miss me, good monsieurs?

I have written you an opera!"

Cassie's Crafts- Phantom Puppets!

2009-12-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Over the summer I made these two puppets, one of Erik and one of Christine.

I hope that you enjoy the pictures!

Pitiful creature of darkness,

What kind of life have you known?

God give me courage to show you,

You are not alone...

Photos from The Philm

2009-12-06T20:21:00.001-08:00

I looked up on the Internet, google images from "The Phantom of the Opera". I liked these two immensely :)

Masquerade columns!

The Poster.

~Rach~

Phantom Craft

2009-12-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

This is my first post on "The Music of Friends"... finally feeling like a member :)
I am the fifth child in our family and my sister Bek (older than me by two years) draws a picture for us when we turn eighteen (I'm not quite there yet!). Matt had a painting of clowns, Karli had a drawing of Beethoven, and Jess had two drawings of Phantom. The first picture was a led pencil drawing, just to say "the main one will be late, so this is for you to console yourself with" and the second one was a charcoal drawing of Jess's favourite picture from the movie. Now, to stop rambling and get to the point, here are the photos:

The first, consoling picture. Hope you can see it okay?

The black things in the background are the bottom of music notes.

The main, charcoal drawing. Haven't I got a talented sister? (even though they look better in real life :)

All the best from your Phantom Phan,
~Rach~

Cassie's Phantom Crafts- Mask Card

2009-12-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

Medium: Watercolors

I made this for my grandma on her birthday and I must say that I'm pleased with the way that it turned out!
To the rest of the authors, feel free to post pictures of Phantom-themed crafts that you have made... I'd love to see everyone else's creations!

Note: It is decided: If you are an author on this blog and have the time to participate, a Phan Phic based on how you would imagine Erik and Meg's relation ship is due early February, around Valentine's Day. See this post for more details.

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

An Assignment for all aspiring authors who are also Phantom Phans...

2009-12-04T12:42:00.000-08:00

I know everyone is recovering from NaNoWriMo and at least my brain is fried, but I had to write this in response to the last post/poll.

As everyone knows, those who voted pretty much agreed that Meg and the Phantom would make a good couple, too. So, as you can see from my and Cassie's conversation, we decided to write a phan phic depicting what we thought their story would be... so I'm saying that everyone should write one, and (for those authors of this blog) post -at most- the first chapter of it on here, or you can post it on your blog and link it to us in a comment so we can read it or something. :)

have fun!

-tinydancer

"Think of autumn when the trees are green.

Don't think about the things which could have been....."

Matches and Heroes and Poll Results

2009-12-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Here are the results of our latest poll:

Your Favorite Matches?

... and Christine/Erik is the clear winner with Erik/Meg close behind. Looks like no one is too keen on Christine and Raoul together, myself included. Hmmm...

Also, if I can direct your attention to the sidebar, there is a new poll for you to vote on and the question is:
As a Girl- Do You Prefer Erik or Raoul?
This should prove itself to be interesting, though I am already pretty sure that I know what the results will be. =D

I have been thinking a lot about the two heroes of Phantom and the contrast between them and pretty soon I am going to write a character comparison between the two of them after the poll, so you have that to look forward to!

Oh, and there was a great discussing going on in the comments of the below post, so check it out and don't forget to take part just because I've posted on top of it!

Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone...

A favorite excerpt of the Book~

2009-11-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

From Chapter 4, Box Five.

He recognized the clumsy childish hand. He opened the letter and read:

DEAR MR. MANAGER:

I am sorry to have troubled you at a time when you must be so very busy, renewing important engagements, signing fresh ones and generally displaying your excellent taste. I know what you have done for Carlotta, Sorelli and little Jammes and for a few others whose admirable qualities of talent or genius you have suspected. Of course, when I use these words, I do not mean to apply them to La Carlotta, who sings like a squirt and who ought never to have been allowed to leave the Ambassadeurs and the Cafe Jacpuin; nor to La Sorrelli, who owes her success mainly to the couch builders; nor to little Jammes, who dances like a calf in a field. And I am not speaking of Christine Daae either, though her genius is certain, whereas your jealousy prevents her from creating any important part. When all is said, you are free to conduct your little business as you think best, are you not?

All the same, I should like to take advantage of the fact that you have not turned Christine Daae out of doors by hearing her this evening in the part of Siebel, as that of Margarita has been forbidden her since her triumph of the other evening; and I will ask you not to dispose of my box today nor on the following days, for I can not end this letter without telling you how disagreeably surprised I have been once or twice, to hear, on arriving at the Opera, that my box had been sold, at the box office, by your orders.

I did not protest, first, because I dislike scandal, and, second, because I thought that your predecessors, MM. Debienne and Poligny, who were always charming to me, had neglected, before leaving, to mention my little fads to you. I have now received a reply from those gentlemen to my letter asking for an explanation, and this reply proves that you know all about my memorandum-book and, consequently, that you are treating me with outrageous contempt. If you wish to live in peace, you must not begin by taking away my private box.

Believe me to be, dear Mr. Manager, without prejudice to these little observations.

Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,

Opera Ghost.

I love that part. :) and to finish this post up, I think I'll quote a completely different book which seems, in some way, to contribute to this letter. It is from The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, and reads as follows:

"His ability to portray a world of threat in so few words was amazing."

- Gen.

anyway, I think my work here is done for the present!

-tinydancer

"No more talk of darkness.

Forget these wide eyed fears!

I'm here, with you beside you,

To guard you and to guide you..."

Cassie's 'Phantom' Movie Critique

2009-11-21T16:19:00.001-08:00

For writing class last year I was assigned to write a critique on a favorite movie and I chose 'the Phantom of the Opera' (big surprise, huh? :D)

Here is the finished 5 paragraph "critique":

The Timeless Phantom

by Cassie (age 14)

“The Phantom of the Opera” is a movie released in December of 2004 which was based off of the highly-acclaimed musical and novel by the same name. It's rating in PG13 because of brief violent images. Warner Bros. Is the movie's USA distributor. Its soundtrack is enchanting. Andrew Lloyd Webber, who previously wrote and composed the musical, produced the movie as well. Superb special effects were created by John Mathieson. Interestingly, the movie's tag line is “Her voice became his passion. Her love became his obsession. Her refusal became his rage.” and it truly describes the movie and successfully draws a person in.

This dramatic film enticingly opens in black and white in the year 1919 as an auction is underway at the dilapidated shell of the once lively and beautiful Paris Opera House. Raoul appears as an old man in a wheelchair and he purchases a music box, which once belonged to the Phantom of the Opera, from the auction. Continuing the auction, the auctioneer reveals the next item, an exquisitely massive chandelier, which had been restored from what the auctioneer calls a “disaster” of “the Phantom of the Opera”. Gloriously, the chandelier is raised as the theme music plays and the movie switches from black and white into color and the old, destroyed opera house melts away, revealing it in its past glory, almost thirty years previously. As a rehearsal is going on for a new opera, attention in drawn to a young chorus girl named Christine Daaé. Raoul is reintroduced, now a dashing young man as the Opera's new patron. Noticing Raoul, Christine confides in her best friend, Meg, that she and Raoul knew each other when they were young and were childhood sweethearts.

Continuing the rehearsal, Carlotta, who is the Opera's spoiled and self-centered diva, has an accident and the two opera managers are distressed because, as far as they know, no one can take her place on center stage at an important gala that evening. Surprising them all, Meg's mother, who is the ballet mistress and Christine's “mother figure” recommends Christine to understudy for Carlotta. Reluctantly, the opera managers give Christine a chance and are joyously surprised when Christine begins to sing with incredible skill and beauty. Christine was the shining star of the gala. After her astonishing success, Christine shared the secret of her voice with Meg. Ever since her father died and Christine began to live at the Opera House, a man's voice, which Christine earnestly believed was the “Angel of Music” that her father had promised to send to her, had been coaching her and giving her lessons. Raoul, who had recognized Christine while she was singing, met with her, but refused to believe her story about the Angel of Music until he later returns to find her missing. The “angel”, who was a mysterious man wearing a mask, had taken Christine down to his lair, far beneath the Paris Opera House. Unaware of drastic and horrible consequences, Christine allows her curiosity to get the better of her and she inconsiderately tears the mask from the Phantom's face. She is horrified! Filled with rage, the Phantom hurried to reacquire his mask as he exclaims that, now that Christine has glimpsed his horrifically disfigured face, she will never be free again. Back above ground, the opera manager, Raoul and Carlotta have all received letters from the Phantom or “Opera Ghost” demanding that Raoul never be with Christine again and that Christine replace Carlotta determinately as the Opera's star. Defiantly, all four of them decided to ignore the letters and the Phantom's orders. Christine returned and she shared her story and professed her love for Raoul and the two of them decided to become married. Seeing the two of them together enrages the already bitter Phantom as he ruthlessly decides to stop at nothing until Christine is his.

Presently, the Phantom composes and presents a new opera to the two managers. They agree to preform it, with Christine playing the largest role. Christine feels extremely timid because, in order to ensnare the Phantom, Raoul and the managers have decided to use Christine singing as bait to lure him in. Raoul attempts to assure Christine that her fear are not necessary, but all it does is convince her that, no matter what, if she sings, the Phantom will take her and never let her go. The important night arrives. Waiting and ready to strike, the police are there. The Phantom, unbeknown to all, has murdered the male lead in the play and had secretly taken his place. Part way through a duet, Christine is horrified to realize that her singing partner is the man she dreaded and feared so much. Thinking through her limited options to save herself, Christine decides to become very close to the Phantom so she could have the chance to unmask him in front of the crowded audience. As she does so, the Phantom acts quickly, grabbing Christine and taking her down to his lair and, in the process, in order to create a diversion, causes the chandelier to crash down, Thus setting fire to the Opera house. Thoroughly invested in saving Christine's life, Raoul pursues them and discovers where the Phantom has been hiding. Cunningly, the Phantom catches Raoul with a lasso and tightens it into a noose. In a fit of rage, the Phantom then forces Christine to chose to either spend the rest of her days living with him in order to save Raoul's life, or chose to leave, but killing Raoul in the process. Raoul urges Christine not to think of him, but it doesn't do much while Christine, after showing Raoul her devoted and pure love for him by mouthing, “I love you.”, turns and passionately embraces and the kisses the Phantom, showing her deep care for him. Christine earnestly loves both Raoul and the Phantom, but both in different ways. Finally, relenting of his past cruelty, the Phantom releases Raoul and urges Christine to leave along with him. As a mob of angry people close in on the Phantom's lair, hunting him down for murder, the Phantom smashes all of his mirrors and shuts himself away declaring with despair, “It's over now, the music of the night!” All that is visibly left of the Phantom as the mob enters his house is his lone white mask, resting on a chair, empty. The movie then switches color again and becomes black and white once more as we see Raoul place the music box that he purchased on Christine's grave. Glancing over, Raoul notices something else left there. It is a red rose tied with a black ribbon, the Phantom's trademark, a sign that the Phantom is still alive and still remembers and loves Christine. Attached to the black ribbon is a plain engagement ring, which was offered and refused so many years ago.

All in all, “The Phantom of the Opera” is an enchanting film, full of intense action, complicated mysteries, horror and twisted romance. This movie would be thoroughly enjoyed, of course, by “phans” of the original musical and a mature audience who enjoys drama and music. Even without the music, the stunning visual effects were nominated for many awards and are a pleasure to watch and a delight to the eyes. The movie was nominated for over 30 awards and won 5 of them. The majority of those wins were bestowed upon Emmy Rossum for superb acting by a younger actress, since she was only 16 years old at the time of the shooting. Emmy did an incredible job at portraying Christine's innocence and longing and she successfully captured the very essence of Christine's emotions and character. The other actors were fantastic as well, especially Patrick Wilson's (Raoul) voice was very well trained and his acting was flawless, especially during the end scenes of the movie. Gerard Butler (the Phantom) was very passionate and emotional and he became better and better in the part as the movie progressed. Phantom is a timeless film that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Apparently, according to Aunt Becky, my teacher, I had too many details and it was more of a summary than a critique.

Here's take 2...

The Timeless Phantom

by Cassie (age 14)

How the different actors portray the Phantom...

2009-11-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

I think I'm truly writing this in response to the last post by ivorydancer, so I'll be using the same pictures (which also saves me the time that I would have to spend looking up pics).

And yes, it pains me to say it, but... the Phantom is ("Phantom, forgive me")... hideous. That's why the original Phantom looks like this:

*sniff*.

I mean, according to Joseph Buquet, he isn't supposed to have a nose! He's supposed to look like walking Death.

That's why, in the last song "Down Once More," he says, "This face, which earned, a mother's fear and loathing, a mask, my first unfeeling scrap of clothing..."

Now what kind of a mother would "loathe" this, I ask you?

So, while I agree with everyone on the matter of Gerard Butler's looks, I don't think he plays the sort of Phantom he could play. The Phantom is supposed to be hideous. That is not hideous!

Everyone share their thoughts!!! tell me what you think and who you think the better Phantom is... :)

tinydancer

"Turn your face away

From the garish light of day,

Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light

And listen to the Music of the Night..."

The 'Evolution' of the Phantom...

2009-11-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's funny to see how drastically the phantom's physical appearance has changed over time. The first time Phantom was made into a motion picture was 1925. Here is what the phantom looked like then:

Yeah, pretty scary! The mask is missing I know, but in the book, the mask wasn't what we picture today. It was a full, life like, wax mask that he would wear when he went out, or didn't feel like giving Christine a heart attack :) lol

Now, the first Musical was the Ken Hill version in 1976. The phantom was played by Todd Alan Johnson:

Cweepy...

The second version of the musical that we are all much more familiar with was by Andrew Loyd Weber in 1986. The Phantom was played my Michael Crawford:

Vonderful...

The musical Haley (tinydancer) and I went to see was AWESOME! The Phantom was played by Jason Mills who did a magnificent job:

He he he...

The movie that is featured in most of the pictures on our sidebar are from the 2004 motion picture. The phantom was played by Gerard Butler:

Notice that they get less scary with each picture and the mask gets smaller... My personal favorite is Jason Mills. His voice was almost exactly like Michael Crawford! Michael Crawford has one of those voices that could make me cry if he wanted me to... Anyway, I will enjoy hearing your thoughts!

~Ivorydancer

New Background!!!

2009-11-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

How do you like it (compared or not to the last one)???

I do like this one... I am not sure which one I like better...

And be sure to continue the debates going on below!

Also, I would like to give a big welcome to our newest members: Earwen (even though I think everyone knows her, anyway) and Nathanael Moss!!! Welcome, and thanks for joining!

I think we'll do this for every two people who follow. :) Anyway... that and the fact that NaNoWriMo has started (which means that I will probably not be able to post as much) is all that I wanted to say. So I suppose I'll shut up now.

-tinydancer

"You alone can make my song take flight;

Help me make the music of the night.

Cassie's Thoughts on the Emmy vs. Sarah Poll...

2009-10-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of time, so I'll be brief:

When I first heard the Phantom CD, it was Sarah Brightman and I loved her voice!

Then, when I saw the show on stage, I thought that out actress was even better than Sarah.

Next, I saw the movie and I was blow away by Emmy's perfectness for the part!!! I still think that Sarah has a gorgeous voice, but Emmy's is divine!

I think that Sarah was very mature sounding and Emmy has the sweetness and innocence that is implied in the novel.

If you read the comments going back and forth on the post below, I can predict a Michael vs. Gerard poll coming next...

The results of one of the polls on our sidebar.

2009-10-30T12:23:00.001-07:00

I set up a poll addressing Sarah Brightman and Emmy Rossum. I asked you who you liked better, and Emmy Rossum won. So now, I want to ask why you think that. Why do you think Emmy Rossum deserves the part of Christine and why you think she deserves it more than Sarah.

I think that Emmy Rossum plays the part better because she more resembles the 17 year old girl whose original occupation in the opera house was ballet and chorus. What are your thoughts?

(ps: if you're an author, please post your thoughts as an actual post, not a comment. thanks!)

-tinydancer

"You alone can make my song take flight.

It's over now, the Music of the Night."

ooooooh.....

2009-10-27T13:15:00.001-07:00

the new background is up for this week! I absolutely love it. :) I put a poll up in the sidebar, so go vote!!! :D

-tinydancer

"You alone can make my song take flight.

Help me make the music of the night."

My fan-fic for the Phantom. Or... my phan-phic for the Phantom. :)

2009-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

I was extremely disappointed (depressed in the extreme, you know) when the Phantom died at the end of the book.

Therefore, I am going to say that he didn't die. And this is what happened after he didn't die.

Time held no value - living no weight. There was pain in every step, longing in every thought, despair in every feeling. He did not know how long it had been since she had left him, how many years it had been since she was gone. Neither, truly, did he care any more. Being the Angel of Music had long since lost its value to him: he had given up singing and inventing. He took up collecting all sorts of things. The compartment on the edge of the opera house was full in the extreme. He had perfected his most prized possession (the mask which made him look like any other man) only so that he could walk among the other people unnoticed.

I know it's not much, but I haven't really had time to perfect it so that it flows right. :)

Tell me what you think!

-tinydancer

"Think of autumn when the trees are green.

Don't think about the way things might have been.

Think of me,

Think of me fondly

When we say goodbye....."

Cassie's Introduction

2009-10-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Phantom Phans!

Some of you already know me, but for those of you who don't, my blog is called Inside My Mind, the title I actually took from a 'Phantom' lyric.

I first heard the Phantom music two years ago and have loved it ever since! I've written fan fiction and done Phantom-themed art work. The novel is my favorite book and I've read it at least four times over again all of the way through. I cry at the end every time.

My brother plays all of the songs on the piano and I sing along. Sometimes I sing through the entire song book, but usually we just do our three or four favorites.

In February I saw the musical on stage and it was breathtaking! At the beginning when the overture plays and the chandelier is raised I felt chills going up and down my spine. It is, without a doubt, one of those moments that I won't ever forget. At the end of the musical, when Erik disappears and Meg finds his mask I felt tears running down my face. It was so beautiful and sad.

I've taken quite a few Phantom quizzes. They always say that the character I am most like is Christine and my result to the quiz to figure out which lyric I was is at the bottom of my post.

The reason I am so thrilled to have met tinydancer and to be a part of this blog is that I only knew of one other Christian who liked Phantom before this. It is wonderful now to be able to talk about such an incredible musical with other young people who share my religious and world views!

I must admit: I am a Christine/Erik fan! Raoul, to me, though admirable in some aspects, is somewhat of a baby. I believe that Christine should have married Erik and eased his sorrow and made his life full of joy.

I hope to be able to get to know all of you better and to see this blog become a wonderful place for fellow Phans to help Erik "make the music of the night..."

"Pitiful creature of darkness,
What kind of life have you known?
God give me courage to show you,
You are not alone..."

A background worthy of Erik's awesomeness.

2009-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

I do not believe that this background gives any credit to Erik, or the whole opera for that matter. And I'm having a hard time choosing. So, I'm putting it to a vote: here's some pics of a few cool backgrounds I found.

I'm not exactly sure if I like any of them, but tell me what you think!!!

-tinydancer

"You alone can make my song take flight;

Help me make the music of the night."

Welcome!

2009-10-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

This is tinydancer.

This blog, if you haven't been able to tell, is devoted to the Phantom of the Opera. My friends and I will post things like our favorite scenes from the movie and the actual Opera, favorite characters and interesting facts about the characters themselves. Clips of the books, things that strike us about lyrics, so on and so forth. Also, everyone who joins as an author must choose a line from one of the songs to put at the end of each of their posts. It doesn't have to be the same line each post, but I thought it would be a cool way to sign them. :)

So, enjoy!

-tinydancer

Anywhere you go,

Let me go too;

Love me,

That's all I ask of you...

The Music of Friends

Dancing with the Phantom ~

A few Quizzes...

Look at the Desktop Background on my Laptop...

Phantom Ice Dancing at the Olymipics

Cassie's Thoughts on 'Love Never Dies'

Love Never Dies Plot (Contains Spoilers!!!)

Love Never Dies Trailer/Music Video

Love Never Dies!!!

First you gotta check this out.... second....

Some Questions about the device by which we can listen to the Phantom's voice

Some Cool Phantom Facts Every Phantom Phanatic Sould Know...

Fireflower and watered candle

Sorry Everyone!

More Poll Results

Polls

New Headers!

Which Header Do You Prefer?

NEW BACKGROUND!

The Red Death

Cassie's Crafts- Phantom Puppets!

Photos from The Philm

Phantom Craft

Cassie's Phantom Crafts- Mask Card

An Assignment for all aspiring authors who are also Phantom Phans...

Matches and Heroes and Poll Results

Your Favorite Matches?

A favorite excerpt of the Book~

Cassie's 'Phantom' Movie Critique

How the different actors portray the Phantom...

The 'Evolution' of the Phantom...

New Background!!!

Cassie's Thoughts on the Emmy vs. Sarah Poll...

The results of one of the polls on our sidebar.

ooooooh.....

My fan-fic for the Phantom. Or... my phan-phic for the Phantom. :)

Cassie's Introduction

A background worthy of Erik's awesomeness.

Welcome!