Prologue

The 'Prologue' from 'Phantom of the Opera' sets the stage for a haunting tale of love, obsession, and mystery. The scene unfolds at an auction, where relics from the past are being sold, each item carrying a piece of the theater's storied history. The auctioneer's rhythmic chant and the detailed descriptions of the items create an atmosphere thick with nostalgia and intrigue. The musical box, with its monkey figurine, and the shattered chandelier are not just objects; they are symbols of a bygone era, hinting at the deeper, darker stories that lie beneath the surface.

Raoul, the Viscount de Chagny, purchases the musical box, and his words reveal a personal connection to the past. His reflection on the box, 'Will you still play, when all the rest of us are dead?' underscores the theme of memory and the passage of time. It suggests a longing for the past and a recognition of the inevitable march of time, which spares no one. This moment is poignant, as it connects the present to the past, bridging the gap between what was and what is.

The auctioneer's introduction of the chandelier, 'Lot 666,' brings the mysterious and tragic story of the Phantom to the forefront. The chandelier, a central element in the 'strange affair of the phantom of the opera,' symbolizes the chaos and destruction that the Phantom brought to the theater. The mention of the chandelier being restored and fitted with electric light serves as a metaphor for shedding light on the dark mysteries of the past. It hints at the possibility of uncovering the truth and dispelling the ghostly presence that has haunted the theater for so long.