Gold Card Tickets

Here’s a thought about the American Express ad: As if “Phantom” masks, scarves, key chains, sweat shirts and coffee mugs haven’t already turned this Tony Award-winning musical into just another business venture, now the public is expected to somehow combine the worth of art and their finances.

No doubt both “Phantom” and American Express will profit. However, if I were the world-renowned composer of “Evita,” “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” I would require stipulations in the production and advertising contracts to protect my art from being exploited and tainted by modern business tactics and commercialism.

After all, “my managers must learn that their place is in an office, not the arts” (“The Phantom of the Opera,” Act II).

TRO KONIALIAN

Pasadena