Think of me, think of me fondly...

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When I was a child, my parents introduced me to the making of the Phantom of the Opera. It was taped off the television, on an old VHS. I loved that tape. Loved those songs. Loved discovering how Andrew Lloyd Webber pieced together this masterpiece. 

Years passed, and my parents treated themselves to the live play in Ottawa. I was devastated at the time; I wanted to go too! I knew the songs! And the play! Heck, I could even BE Christine, if they needed a double! I vowed I would one day see it as well. 

Fast-forward to 6th grade, where the end-of-year play was - you guessed it: The Phantom of the Opera. Me and another girl were chosen as Christine. A grand honor, I was sure. Except... our only advantage was that we spoke English in our French-speaking class. Still! A dream come true!

And then I came of age. I could see the show. Only to discover it was no longer playing in Canada. I promised myself I would not forget my dream. I would see my Phantom and Christine on stage!

In 2004, the Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum movie came out and I LOVED it. The perfect way to tide me over until I could see the play. 

Then, fast-forward 13 years. My love for this story has spurred me forward. I want to see it. My parents and I make plans; we will go see it in New York. My heart speeds up, this is going to happen! Right then, my boss bursts into my work place screaming, "have you listened to the radio?! The Phantom is coming to Montreal!"

It happened last night. After months of buildup, after weeks of telling people how this was a dream come true, last night, it finally happened. I thought I was ready. Thought I knew what to expect. I hadn't expected the tears and the emotion as the Phantom came on stage, and a voice inside me saying, "this is finally happening! We're here and he's right THERE!"

The show.. the lights, the music and the emotion. I alternated between singing and laughing and crying and simply... feeling. 

I will never forget this experience. Ever. 








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