Now That the Phantom Sings No More

I attended the farewell performance of “The Phantom of the Opera.” I have seen the performance on a few other occasions and still find it so enjoyable that I could see it again and again. I am deeply saddened to see “The Phantom” end. I was driven from one extreme of emotion to the other, torn between the happiness of seeing the show again and the sadness that it was the last time.

Davis Gaines (the Phantom): I truly enjoyed your presentation. I hope you see fit to sing his music of the night alongside Dale Kristien at your upcoming concert.

Dale Kristien (Christine): Never in my life have I ever heard a voice as beautiful as yours. I hope there are more opportunities for me to hear you sing.

The rest of the cast and crew: Tell me it isn’t over and that you’ll all come together later on.

During the last performance, the saddest scene shifts. It used to be the rooftop scene after the Phantom overhears the exchange between Raoul and Christine. During the last performance, I was dreading the last scene beyond the lake.

As the Phantom watches Christine and Raoul sail away and he turns and sings his closing words, “It’s over now, the music of the night,” I felt my heart sink so low, like a friend was going away for a very long time. The final blow was when the Phantom sat in his chair for the last time and disappeared. I couldn’t stop the tears.

If someone can tell me how to get a videotape of the last performance, I really would appreciate it.

THEODORE NG

Moreno Valley

In the wake of all the hair-tearing and eye-mopping at the closing of “The Phantom of the Opera,” may this naysayer say her nay?

I didn’t like it.

As in all Andrew Lloyd Webber productions I have seen, he writes about three songs and uses them over and over and over throughout the show. Granted, “The Phantom” had spectacular sets and costumes, but a major component was missing: a story line. Will he get the girl or won’t he? That’s no story. My husband and I left the theater humming the sets.

JUDITH R. BIRNBERG

Sherman Oaks