The Phantom

Thirty three years ago I went with a friend to see, ”The Phantom of the Opera,” on Broadway.

The details are a bit fuzzy, but I do know that we didn’t make our ticket date due to a snowstorm in Denver, and the box office informed my friend that the following evening would be just fine for arrival due to the circumstances. Thus, we arrived a day late without confirmation of that agreement.

We wrangled our way to the upper echelon of the ticket takers to present our case. When we were informed that they would honor their promise, but it would require us to stand in the back for the performance, I had to raise a stink. My friend was pregnant and obviously, that would be unacceptable. We were seated mid-theatre, end row, on padded chairs giving us more room than those little theatre seats allowed.

The performance was spectacular and that organ still resounds in my brain. Unfortunately, after 35 years, I read that ”Phantom” will be closing in February of 2023, a pandemic victim. Luckily, I have the score and can recreate the masterpiece on my piano, playing all the parts!

I’ll be prepared for the inevitable return-to-Broadway production.