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Point of No Return - When Does Christine Realize it's the Phantom?

posted 10 years ago by kjguhl
5 replies | jump to latest

During "The Point of No Return" in the Royal Albert Hall performance, I don't think it's clear as to when Christine realizes it's the Phantom under the hood. Early on she backs away in fear, but then goes right back to singing her part like she thinks it's just part of the show with Piangi on stage with her. She tries to run away at another point, but then seems like she's unsure again.

I much prefer the way it was staged in the 2004 film, where Christine knew it was the Phantom immediately and the whole scene became this tense dance of seduction where she seemed torn between the Phantom and Raoul. I know this differed from the traditional stage production, but I thought even in that Christine typically realized the Phantom was there earlier and the song took on more meaning because it was about her sexual awakening, not just the performance as part of Raoul's trap.

The version of "Point of No Return" at Royal Albert Hall just seemed kind of awkward and confused.

[–] jakerocks-543-217424 10 years ago

She feels his mask in this particular version. Sometimes he holds her the way he does in the "touch me, trust me" part of MOTN and she remembers it, though she still usually feels his mask at the end of his verse.

[–] Sanpaco13 9 years ago

If I remember there is a moment where the phantom fondles her and I think that's when she realizes its not Piangi.

"Is that your IQ or the number of dipwads your mother had?" - Car Pool Man

[–] nillindeiel 9 years ago

If I remember there is a moment where the phantom fondles her and I think that's when she realizes its not Piangi.

The following is just my take, but I didn't think she knew (or, at least, didn't know for certain) that it wasn't Piangi at that point. I took her shock (and backing away) more due to it being something that she wasn't prepared for (i.e. they hadn't rehearsed it that way) and so being fondled took her off guard. Maybe she had suspicions, but given how she goes back into the song I think she put any misgivings aside (i.e. she thought she was silly to think it not Piangi/surely the Phantom wouldn't come on stage during a performance).

When she knew for certain was when she goes to put her cheek against his and she ends up feeling the mask beneath his cloak.

Again, that's just my personal take on it.

Nillindeiel

Agent Hill: ...Then aliens invaded New York and were beaten back, by among others, a giant green monster, a costumed hero from the 40's.... and a god.

Agent Ward: I don't think Thor is technically a god.

Hill: Well...you haven't been near his arms.

~Agents of SHIELD; Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot"

[–] Sanpaco13 9 years ago

but given how she goes back into the song I think she put any misgivings aside

If it weren't a musical I'd think you had a better point 😜
"Is that your IQ or the number of dipwads your mother had?" - Car Pool Man

[–] nillindeiel 9 years ago

If it weren't a musical I'd think you had a better point

True, but also consider that at this point in the musical they're performing a musical (er... opera) within the musical. So the actors are playing characters that are also having to act as if they were actually performing for an audience.

and now I'm making my brain hurt 

Nillindeiel

Agent Hill: ...Then aliens invaded New York and were beaten back, by among others, a giant green monster, a costumed hero from the 40's.... and a god.

Agent Ward: I don't think Thor is technically a god.

Hill: Well...you haven't been near his arms.

~Agents of SHIELD; Season 1 Episode 1 "Pilot"