I’ve mentioned once or twice (or thereabouts!) that I’m a fan of The Phantom of the Opera. I may have also mentioned that I’m a member of the Michael Crawford International Fan Association. Mr. Crawford, of course, was the original Phantom in London and Broadway. The MCIFA had a special sale recently of memorabilia…and I bought the most splendid of souvenirs!
This is a prop letter from the Phantom to Carlotta, actually used in the Webber production, and signed by Michael Crawford and Leigh Munro, who played Carlotta. I couldn’t resist a signed letter…or a matching set of Andre’s and Firmin’s notes!
The Phantom’s letters feel far more personal than almost any other souvenir…and they’re particularly meaningful to me, because of one of my favorite moments in the play. During the song “Prima Donna,” seven characters run about the stage, mostly waving letters and trying to placate Carlotta. One of those characters is Meg Giry. While others sing at the front of the stage, often (not in every production, but often) Meg slips to the back of the stage to examine all the Phantom’s letters.
It’s a tiny moment that probably 99% of the audience never notices. I always watch for it, and it helped inspire my belief that Meg has a very special interest in the Phantom…and have I mentioned that I’m writing a novel from her point of view?
Visit West Metro Mommy for more Saturday Snapshots, and have a wonderful weekend!
What fabulous things to buy! I can see why you’re so thrilled.
Thats fantastic!
Those are certainly unique souvenirs from the play, plus they are very easy to store or display. Interesting to hear they actually have writing on them, even though most of the audience can’t see it.