The Strange Affair...

"Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera."

Indeed, my affair with the Phantom of the Opera has been a strange one. Ever since 2005, my life has never really been the same. It was the first time I watched The Phantom of the Opera, and it only escalated from there. I have watched it so many times that every line and gesture is ingrained in my mind. I am captivated by the story- so dark, so complex, and so beautiful. And the music is simply masterpiece. Since then I have moved beyond Joel Schumacher's film, and entered into the literary side of Phantom, reading the original Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. I have tried to tunnel myself into every aspect of Phantom- the psychological, the musical, etc. It was only before too long that I became best friends with a girl named Jennifer Perry, who in so many aspects is so much like me- particularly the Phantom aspect. We had known each other for two years, but it was not until that day in the ninth grade that we both discovered our shared passion of Phantom that we pretty much became besties. We soon started to pay more attention the the original Phantom of the Opera musical production with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, and then we really became goners. There was no going back...ever.

Together, Jennie and I probably hold more knowledge about Phantom than is probably healthy for anyone. We know the names of the lyricist, the choreographer, the director...we basically know everyone that has ever been involved with our beloved Phantom. We can literally talk for hours about Phantom, and we in fact have done just that. The other day in my Creative Arts course the professor began to talk about the choreographer, Gillian Lynne, and needless to say I got excited and had to text Jennie. That is how we are. Anything Phantom related and we get excited and text each other.

Not only has Phantom given me a love for the musical itself, but it has helped me to branch out and discover so many other things that I love. Because of Phantom, I have acquired an enormous love of musicals, dark romance movies and novels, and recently opera. Phantom has broadened my cultural horizons. Now, after six years of Phantom loving, I get to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my beloved musical. Jennie and I will be attending the live broadcast of the 25th Anniversary concert! Needless to say, it may just be one of the greatest days of our lives. It may be odd that I love a musical so much, but I do not think I would have it any other way. I have been captivated by the music of the night, and I am simply past the point of no return.