AN EVENING OUT

by Tunnel Writer

“Hey, Radcliffe, do you have any use for these?” Joe held up four tickets to that evening’s performance to the newly premiered Broadway show Phantom of the Opera.

“Sure, Joe. I’m sure I can find a couple of friends to go with me. Thank you!” She smiled as he handed her the tickets.

I wonder if any of the children would like to go? I’ll ask Father.

* * *

The children had finished reading The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux in class just the month prior. They were all excited when Father told them about the show. Catherine wasn’t sure how she’d narrow it down to three, but Father made it easy for her.

“The children who get the chance to go must write a three-page essay on the difference between the book and the play,” he announced.

All the children groaned, and all but two backed out. Samantha and Ellie were the only ones that didn’t mind the extra work.

Mary approached Catherine shyly. “May I join you? I’ve always wanted to see a Broadway show.”

“Of course you may.” Catherine smiled brightly at the older woman.

Later that night…

Catherine and Mary walked behind the girls as Catherine walked them all home. She smiled at the conversation that drifted back to them.

“Raoul is so handsome.” Ellie giggled.

“I like the Phantom better. I wish I had a lasso like his,” Samantha replied. She then pretended to throw a lasso around Ellie’s neck. Ellie pretended to try to release the lasso. She then pretended to be strangled, and fell to the ground. Samantha laughed heartily as she helped her friend up.

Catherine watched in horror. “Girls, please don’t ever let Father see you do that. He would say I’m a bad influence and never let me take you kids anywhere ever again,” Catherine told them quietly, hoping Mary wouldn’t hear.

“We have your back, Catherine,” Samantha whispered back.

Samantha took Ellie’s hand, and together they skipped home singing.

He’s there, the phantom of the opera!
Beware the phantom of the opera!

____________

Song: Phantom of the Opera
Performed by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman
(First performance at Majestic Theater 1988)
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.