#poto blindfold

[phantom-media]

Is it me or does the blindfold really, really bother anyone else? I find it absolutely terrifying. Not sexy, not sensual, but terrifying. 

Josh Piterman & Amy Manford, Australian restaged tour

[marleneoftheopera]

Photos from the POTO Vienna rehearsals.

[youhavebeentraceyd]

4B/9 - POTO AUS 16/02/23 - Music Of The Night

I enjoy Josh Piterman’s performance! I wish him all the best on the West End as Jean Valjean!

Ok so I don’t quite understand peoples dislike for the blindfold addition in this staging. I could be persuaded but idk, I’ve always interpreted the blindfold as a way to show christine to look past the physical and just focus on the phantom’s voice, on his music. Plus it gives Christine something to DO in the performances. I’ve always felt it was a bit awkward for christine to just be standing around looking entranced.

And also I’d take the blindfold over the random mannequin christine any day.

[eleancrvances]

just little notes about poto vienna's september 6th performance just so i don't risk forgetting

lisanne is wonderful and the greatest of the trio. sometimes i think she held back a bit, probably because it was the first performance after the summer break. but just wonderful

not a huge fan of anton's phantom unfortunately (those low notes were rough) but i do like his physicality when he's unmasked, expecially in STYDI. he doesn't fight against his youth (i know he's 38 but his stage age hasn't moved past 25 i fear) but embraces playing a confused young man who's just pretending to be all-knowing and sure of himself

(also he's sooo small expecially next to roy. and he uses that to look like a goblin when he's running around the theatre. he's not scary as in imposing but he's very quick and unpredictable)

speaking of STYDI, lisanne's christine was shocked when she saw him, but only screamed and grew scared when he reacted in anger :))))

milica is just. so good

rob pelzer was genuinely happy for christine when he told her "you have secured the largest role in this don juan" and was generally a very adorable andre, loved him

knew greg castiglioni was italian born the moment he side-eyed reyer and went "capito?" while drinking his tea during the don juan sitzprobe

as always not a fan of the blindfold but i loved how it's through that gesture and by touching his hands that christine recognises him in PONR, anton and lisanne acted that very well

roy's raoul tends to be one of the angry, confident raouls and though it's a common read of the character i just... don't like that. but in the final lair he ended up coming in so confused and scared, he said the first "ich lieb sie" very quickly and plainly, paused just an extra moment, then snapped and yelled "sagt dir das gar nichts, ich lieb sie!" so desperately that it felt like a facade finally dropping

loved how anton phrased "BLEIB bei mir, leb mit MIR"

lisanne kissed the ring before leaving it and anton repeated "ich liebe dich" three times winning extra tears from me

[tawneybel]

Imagine having a vigorous sex life with Erik, though you two rarely deviate from “standard” intercourse. So both of you decide to try out some new activities.

Spread eagle on the bed, you have Erik tie your ankles to the posts. He smiles and wordlessly secures your wrists as well while you rest your head on the pillow. Once he’s convinced the rope isn’t cutting off circulation, your husband gestures for you to tilt your neck up so he can blindfold you as well.

[glassprism]

Derrick Davis and Jenna Burns - ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Music of the Night’, and ‘I Remember’/’Stranger Than You Dreamt It’

Jenna Burns’s debut performance as Christine.

[textsfromthefifthbasement]

Potober Masterlist

Here’s a collection of all the oneshots written for @waistcoatntails Potober prompt list under the cut now that everything is published on AO3 as well.

Prompt List

On AO3

“Caged” -- Pre-canon compliant, hurt no comfort. Content warnings: mentions of drug use and suicide ideation. Tumblr  AO3

“The Punjab Lasso” -- Takes place between POTO and LND, R/C and implied E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Toad” -- Canon compliant. Tumblr  AO3

“Forest of Iron” -- Kay-inaccurate history, Erik and Nadir having Baggage. Tumblr  AO3

“Practice” -- Canon compliant, implied E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Touch Me” -- Unmasking but give it a happier ending, E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Blindfolded” -- E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“From a Distance” -- Pre-canon, Erik realizing he fell in love. Tumblr  AO3

“Closure” -- Takes place between POTO and LND, R/C and E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Mother” -- Pre-canon, poor baby Erik. Content warning: child abuse. Tumblr  AO3

“Leave the Past Behind” -- LND AU, E/M. This being reblogged and tagged by coatntails with “moisten the maestro” made my month. Content warning: implied suicide ideation. Tumblr  AO3

“Stay” -- Canon compliant, angst, one-sided E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Try Again” -- Unmasking do-over, E/C, semi-explicit. Tumblr  AO3

“Family Honor” -- Raoul and Philippe, canon compliant. Tumblr  AO3

“Nightmare” -- E/C, post-canon AU. Tumblr  AO3

“Aftermath” -- Canon compliant, post final lair, R/C but barely. Tumblr  AO3

“The Cage” -- Pre-canon, poor baby Erik. Content warning: child abuse. Tumblr  AO3

“No Longer Alone” -- Post-final lair AU, E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Dust to Dust” -- Takes place between POTO and LND, E/C and R/C. Tumblr  AO3

“A Carriage Ride” -- E/C, explicit. Tumblr (partial)  AO3

“Decisions” -- Christine’s thoughts before the graveyard scene. Tumblr  AO3

“Leave the Hurt Behind” -- LND AU, E/M. Tumblr  AO3

“Blame” -- Pre-LND. Content warning: implied alcohol abuse. Tumblr  AO3

“Control” -- pre-canon compliant, Erik, murder. Tumblr  AO3

“Confrontation” -- Post-Il Muto AU, E/C sorta. Tumblr  AO3

“Priorities” -- Madame Giry, Madame Giry being a good mother to Meg because fuck the LND characterization. Tumblr  AO3

“Unnatural” -- Madeleine, poor baby Erik. Content warning: child abuse, alcohol abuse. Tumblr  AO3

“Relinquish” -- E/C, the top Christine with bondage on the portcullis story, explicit. Content warning: mention of past child abuse. Tumblr  AO3

“Debut” -- Pre-canon, onesided? E/C. Tumblr  AO3

“Only Just a Man” -- Pre-canon, Christine POV. Tumblr  AO3

“All Hallow’s Eve” -- E/C, those crazy kids working things out, post-Il Muto AU, Halloween phic. Tumblr  AO3

[harrowscore]

I've just finished watching a Restaged Tour POTO bootleg (I'd already seen many clips, but not the whole thing), and... God. Other fans ranted about it at length, so I won't do that, but I want to specify what about the new, spectacular production bothered me the most. (Besides, you know... lots of things.)

1. There's not that sense of grandiosity which instead distinguishes the Original Brilliant. It's all Gritty and Realistic™, but the whole show's basis lies in the half-dream, half-reality quality of it. Stripping it of its sense of wonder does not make sense.

2. It has the subtlety of a bulldozer. As every Phan knows, the Original Brilliant contains lots of subtext; an excellent example of it is The Music of the Night scene. But now, the subtext becomes literal and repeatedly hits the audience on the head with a giant hammerhead - "turn your face away from the garish light of day"? The Phantom grabs a candlestick, brings it closer to Christine's face, and then turns it away from her, in case what he's singing about wasn't obvious. "Close your eyes, let you spirit start to soar" etc.? He literally puts his hands over her eyes/blindfolds her. "Since the moment I first heard you sing, I have needed you with me to serve me, to sing for my music" etc., meaning the the Phantom considers her his muse and inspiration? Now he puts his music sheets under her nose all the freaking time, because apparently she can't see it for herself.

Like, yeah. Nice and subtle.

3. The lack of intimacy between the characters. Major romantic/seduction scenes like the abovementioned MOTO and All I Ask of You are the most glaring examples, but also, I've noticed this ugly trend in almost every scene and characters' interaction. In Il Muto, where Christine-as-Serafimo and Carlotta-as-Countess flirt and all that stuff, they don't even face each other. Let the characters touch/speak to each other's face! It's so frustrating.

4. (It's the last one, I promise.) When such a successful production has been going on and on for 25 years (the first Restaged Tour started in 2012 IIRC), you can make some changes to it, of course - non replica productions are great and all - but said changes need to mean something. Maybe they underline a character/scene/song's facet the audience never really saw before, or brings it all under a different light. What do these changes even accomplish? There are many instances, but the most obvious to me was the Red Death scene. Or more accurately, the... Napoleon clone scene. Okay, the Red Death costume is my favorite (just look at my icon), so I may be biased; yes, clearly this production borrowed an idea or two from the 2004 movie, which I'm not the biggest fan of. I get it. What I don't get, though, it's... why? What does a dressed-as-Napoleon Phantom even mean? In the original novel, Leroux didn't randomly choose a Red Death inspired costume for the Phantom; he is "made of death from head to toe", his face resembles a death skull, etc. The imagery here is very clear. (Also, the costume is absolutely Extra™ and I headcanon that Erik sewed it on his own, which is likely tbh). It's a great example of how a costume isn't just there to look pretty, but it serves an actual purpose and contributes to show the character's personality, their motives, etc. With the Napoleon-like thing, this... doesn't happen.

tl; dr: Watching this production made me realize how heavily the show's success relies on Hal Prince's direction, Gillian Lynne's staging and choreography, and Maria Björnson's costume design. Yes, ALW's score is beautiful and the story is timeless, but had the show opened in 1986 with this production... I don't think it would have got half of its astounding success.

EDIT: I wrote this and saved it in my drafts early this morning, so before learning of Mackintosh’s recent statement about Her Majesty’s Theatre. Now it hits even harder :/

[peaches-of-1]

Training: Golden Dicks Award (part 1)

Couldn’t finish POTO on time, so have lewds instead!

So yeah, I did write this in January. Anyways, please enjoy this story which includes hypnotized sex, orgys, sex with “strangers”, chastity, girl on girl, Mommy kink, femdom, biting, basically all the kinks. ^_^ if you need anything specifically tagged let me know.

ALSO: Try to guess who is who!

“You want me to be what?” You stopped with the cup halfway to your lips.

Tae repeated what Jin had said only seconds ago, “Hypnotized during sex.”

Your eyes bore into his, “Why the fuck?”

The seven of you were were eating dinner while Jimin crashed after an extra long rehearsal. Pizza and cold chicken noodles. Beer cans and sodas poured respectively. Jin had asked a not so hypothetical question about you having sex while hypnotized and if you’d be into it or not.

Namjoon explained, “It’s this thing, you see. At award shows and especially since it’s award season, there are a lot of sexually pent up idols. Backstage at those shows, there is a person or two the idols can have sex with to release said frustration.”

“Mm-hmm” You said to encourage him to keep going.

“Those people are often the ‘pets’ of a specific idol or idol group. Since blindfolds are too easy to take off and some pets have qualms about having sex with an idol in a relationship, they’re hypnotized to make sure they can’t remember who they had sex with.”

Hobi spoke up, “The pet had to consent to being hypnotised, of course, as well as having so many partners.”

You nodded, “So you volunteered me?”

“I was talking to Kihyun.” Yoongi spoke. “And he told me they got a new girl to play with. Then he asked about mine...ours...you. He said he wanted to play with you because of how much I brag about you, but there’s never been a moment for our schedules to line up for the chance.”

Min Yoongi bragging about something other than his music was a big deal. Of course they’d want to experience something he bragged about. Your cheeks got warm. Even after spending so long with them, they still mad you feel special.

“His other members overheard and agreed about wanting to have playtime, and then they talked to EXO about it so we said we would see if you’re into it. Award shows are literally the only time we have the chance to do this thing so easily.” He had a hard time looking into your eyes. Still as shy as ever.

Jungkook added, “If you don’t want to, it’s completely ok. There’s a whole monitoring system set up to make sure no one goes too far. Rules and safewords to keep you safe...if you say yes, that is.”

Taehyung nodded, “We’d never put you into danger on purpose.”

You bit your lip, “I’ll do it. Sounds interesting, and I’ll try anything once.”

They thanked you and gave you the consent forms to read over before signing. Yoongi helped explain the technical parts to you while the others got ready for bed. The boys probably wouldn’t sleep but go over lines and schedules and dance moves until they couldn’t keep their eyes open.

You signed all the forms before doing your nighttime skin care and cuddling him to bed.

----------

The next day was outfit planning. BTS were choosing suits and harnesses while you picked out lingerie and makeup. It had to be waterproof and sweat proof. Since it was the Golden Disc Awards, you decided for that to be your theme. Golden lingerie to be torn off by hungry partners. A shiver went up your spine at the thought.

Hypnotism. Reading the forms, you’d have to show up early to get it done and to make sure it worked. The hypnosis would make you more agreeable and make sure you couldn’t recall who you’d fuck. They were celebs after all. Some were married or dating. Although you really didn’t wanna have sex with someone in a relationship, you wouldn’t know or care while in a trance or even after to be honest.

You were called in to the living room by the boys when they got home. They showed the outfit you’d be wearing. A golden collar with the BTS logo etched to it and embedded with diamonds! A long and large butt plug made of soft gold to train your asshole.

“You’ll need it in case anyone is bigger than Daddy.” Namjoon explained to your shocked expression.

You squirmed at the thought. Cuffs for your wrists and ankles in case someone needed to tie of lock you to something. There were shimmering temporary tattoos that would go around your body, around your breasts. Jungkook had you try on the collar to make sure it fit. You moved your hair out of the way as he clasped it. The collar went beautifully with the sheer white nightgown you currently wore.

The boys bit their lips in agreement. They all looked like wolves and you wanted them to eat you up. Jimin tightly gripped Yoongi’s hand.

“One more thing, (Y/N).” Jin said. “We wanna make sure you remember who you belong to while you’re in there, so we have a mission for you.”

It was a golden chastity belt. Your heart rate picked up as you searched their faces, unsure what this meant.

Jimin answered, “You’ve gotta get 7 different loads in your ass before we will take that off.”

“W-what?”

“That’s right, Princess.” Joonie, purred. “Not just seven anywhere, but in your ass. You’ll have a lot of partners, and we don’t want you getting swayed by a good screw.”

You replied, “I could never forget you or want anyone else more than you guys.”

Hoseok said, “It’s happened before. Not to us, but it’s just to make sure…”

“Alright then. More fun for me.”

~~~~~~

You entered the building freshly washed and shaved everywhere you wanted to be. The hypnotist was not to be seen, but you heard her voice. You sat in the empty waiting room and her lullabye began. A quick glance at the clock, 1:30pm.

Next thing you knew, you were out of breath and going through one of the most intense orgasms ever. Your thighs tensed and your eyes rolled to the back of your head. Blinking a few times, you saw the ground was soaked and you were deeply settled on a dildo chair. It was now 4pm on the dot.

“Now sleep for 10 minutes. When you wake up, your body will be refreshed. All exhaustion will disappear from your body, all tiredness will vanish, and you will be eager to see your owners again. Ready to feel refreshed?” It was familiar but just distant enough for you to not recognize it.

“Yes.” You replied with no hesitation.

“Good girl. See you later, alligator.”

Your eyes closed tight, “In a while, crocodile.” And you fell asleep.

...

When you woke up, your head was on Jimin’s lap. It felt like forever since you saw him! You quickly got up and placed kisses all over his face and his lips. A chuckle and you noticed the others. Bear hugs and long kisses for everyone. You were so eager that you forgot to ask if it was ok. It’d be hard to hide kiss marks and fix makeup if they were en route.

“You’re gonna make me hard again, (Y/N).” Hobi chuckled.

“Puppy.” Tae giggled.

You tilted your head, “Again?”

“No one could stay soft after hearing you moan like that while playing with all those toys. Ah fuck.” Kookie gave you pleading eyes.

Namjoon pulled you into his lap, “I would have thought you’d be tuckered out after cumming so much.”

“How many? I only remember once...and it was good~” You curled up into his chest.

“Twenty total.” Jungkook said. “Once every 7 minutes.”

Yoongi piped up, “Three were anally.” He grinned. “You’re gonna have so much fun tonight, jagi.”

The car stopped. Everyone got out to get ready. The usual chaos ensued. This time, you only had Jihye to help you get ready. Other than the golden treats, you’d be nude. She helped get you tatted up and secured the long glittering red long sleeved dress on you once things dried. Then hair and makeup and into the care you went with Jihye, a Van Christmas plushie, and a bundle of nerves.

All the boys said good luck and assured you they wouldn’t be jealous. They had your heart and soul. They messaged the group chat, still praising the selfie you sent showing how you looked under the easy to remove dress. Soon the building loomed above you. Then you were blindfolded.

You wouldn’t be able to stand all the stares, so you wouldn’t see them as Jihye led you to the room. It was dazzling.

[image here]

She removed your red dress and replaced it with a see through black robe with fuzzies around the sleeves. Then you sat on the bed and eyes the golden rigging and tried to ignore the chastity around your waist. Her voice told you that the cup of water on a nearby nightstand was an aphrodisiac. You took it.

More commands followed, “Remember your owners’ mission. Remember the safe word. I’ll be watching to make sure you stay safe.”

“My mission is to get seven loads in my ass and make sure it stays in until Daddy or Oppa clean it. The safe word is Santa. You’ll be watching to keep me safe.”

“Good girl” The voice praised you. “What percent are you at?”

Opening your legs, you saw a small puddle leaking past your chastity., “80%”

“Get yourself to 90% and then I’ll let the first guest in. Ready?”

“No.” You said. “Tell...tell my owners I love them and then I’ll be ready.” Even with all this security, you were still nervous.

A few seconds later, you heard the voice mumble something. You thought to yourself how you were in a weird in between. Not completely yourself but not a total hypno bimbo either.

“We love you too, (Y/N)!” Seven voices chimed.

You couldn’t help but smile. Your heart was instantly happy at the sound of their voices. Seven boys who you loved and they loved you back.

“Be a good girl for us, alright?” It was Jimin who had been feeling more of a dom this past week.

“I will!” You replied, all doubt gone from your mind.

“Ready?” Her voice returned as clearly as before.

You touched the diamond emblem on your collar, “Yes.”

6:21pm

“See you later, alligator.”

“In a while, crocodile.” And you were out like a light.

You woke up when the door opened. The face was blurry, but your subconscious let you know everything was fine. Horny. You were very horny.

Command #1.

You stood, “Hello, what do you want me to call you?”

“Your King.” He replied. “I am a he. One of the hosts of the show tonight.”

You smiled, “My King, what will you call me?”

A chuckle, “Your pretty is at your service, my King.” You bowed low. “Will you please play with me?” The words were your own, but said with such a desperate voice.

“C’mere.” He said.

Without a second of hesitation, you left the area which you stood and went in front of the sweet smelling man. He held your hand to pull you closer. A finger on your chin made you lift your head. So close and you had no idea who he was.

“So you belong to BTS, huh? You know I worked with [redacted] while we played [redacted] on [redacted].”

“Of course, my King.” You were not allowed to remember who they were or any facts to recall them by other than the names.

He looked to his left, “Seems I’m not allowed to kiss you.” The man sighed and then sat in the chair nearest the bed, unzipping his pants. “It’s fine. I have another use for those lips of yours, my pretty.”

You rubbed your thighs together, “What is it, my King?”

“Clean my sword, my pretty?” His voice was like velvet and his tall frame invited you closer.

Not even realizing it, your knees hit the ground and you took his thick length into your mouth.

“Of course, my King.”

Your makeup mad been set but your gold lipstick would probably rub off a bit on his cock. Your King’s hands soon went to your hair. You kept sucking. His sweet scent mixed with his natural musk. So this is what this singer’s cock looked like.

Even before you became Bangtan’s pet, you had listened to his group’s music for years. Right? Your brain was too hazy to recall the facts right now. Your King said he’d be busy for most of the night, so this was his only chance to try you out tonight. His good spots which made him moan the loudest were easy to find. He struggled not to buck his hips and apologized everytime.

“Sorry, just so good! Your mouth is so hot!” Your King’s grip tightened. “I’m fuck--! Gonna shoot!”’

You needed it in your ass, so you tried to speak. He shoved you right back on.

“Don’t have time...for new...position…” he groaned out. “Ahh~~~~” He came with a broken moan.

His heat coated your tongue with its tang, and you didn’t stop sucking.

“Look at me, my pretty.”

Your eyes met his. He smiled and then collabs back into his seat. Command 10. You swallowed the white thickness and showed him.

“Good girl.” He pat your head and then stood. “I gotta go. Hopefully we can play again.” He zipped up his pants and fixed himself up in the mirror by the door.

“Mmmmm…” You tried to call out his name, but that wasn’t the one he gave you to call him. “My King, I hope so too.”

The door closed behind him. Blinking, you cured yourself for not having secured his load in your ass. You were still dressed completely. You sighed and cleaned up. Commands 20 and 22. Get wipes to clean and pop a mint.

Not even 7 yet. An hour and two other men had come and gone only for a quick succ. The last of this newest mint dissolved when you heard muffled conversation. Then the door opened and two men entered. One with beautiful thick lips and the other looking down at the ground.

“Hyung, are you sure about this?” English. The shy one spoke English.

“You’re the one who begged me to come with you since you didn’t wanna do this alone.” Then he scoffed. “You’re not even looking!” You stood and saw his eyes looking you up and down. “Trust me, this is a sight to see.”

The other refused to look at you. Tight black pants. White dress shirt. Black leather chest harness...you’d probably forget later, so you stopped taking notes. The confident one began to strip and hand his clothes up, leaving his buddy in order to tend to you.

“Hello, what do you want me to call you?”

He thought for a moment, “Call me 여보, and call him 자기 야. We wanna roleplay.”

You smiled, “My dear husband, what if your name for me?”

“You’re my wife of course!” He returned your grin.

“Of course, how silly of me. 자기 야 what about you?”

He looked away when you tried to look at him, “Umm, babygirl?” That name sent more shivers up your spine than usual with that accent of his.

Your husband kissed your cheek, asked what you had done while he was away. You gave when you believed to be the most Thai Korean housewife answer. He noticed your collar and grinned. You were pleasantly surprised when he slid his hand into yours and slowdanced with you a bit. At  least he was a bit of a romantic. You asked about his work which he said was hard.

“Brought a coworker home to join the fun if you don’t mind.” Both of you looked at the nervous platinum blonde in the corner.

You grinned, “I don’t mind one bit.”

“I...I’ll just watch if you don’t mind.”

“He’ll join sooner or later, wifey. Let’s get you undressed.”

You husband took off your robe and had you lie on the bed. He asked what you were wearing. Right. The chastity. Command 32.1a.

“My ass has been feeling rather empty these days, so I thought a few hot cocks would help fill it.”

“How many?” Hubby asked, caressing your arm tattoos.

“Seven.” You replied breathlessly. His gaze was so hungry.

He smirked, “Wow, but of I should’ve known.”

“Seven?” The new kid asked, stunned. “At once?”

Your husband chuckled and replied, “Probably not, ya dingus! She means she has to have seven loads of cum in her ass before she can play with her pussy.”

“Ohhhh…”

Hubby had you turn over and saw the golden plug in you. He took it out and said how nice and clean it was.

“Guess this means she can fit you and [redacted], maybe even at the same time.” He set it on the nightstand. “Hand me the lube and take off your pants. There’s a chair right there.”

The other did as told. Your ass got nice and lubed up allowing your husband to slip inside without trouble. His thrusts began slowly. He asked how much you could take.

“As much as you give me, my husband.”

He chuckled, “Have you cum yet?”

You shook your head. Wow, this guy actually cared. He said proudly that he’d make sure he’d be the first one to get you to orgasm tonight. Then your husband whispered for you not to cum until his friend wanted a turn. Such a nice guy.

“Now be a good wifey.”

His hips sped up as his condom covered tip hit your insides. Felt--really--good. Made you drip on your belt even more. He did his best to keep quiet. From the corner of your eyes, you saw his coworker start to stroke himself.

“Her face is so good, hyung.”

Only cuz it felt so good to finally be penetrated. You wanted to cum because you felt like you were gonna burst, but your husband had told you not to. Not yet. And you were such an obedient wife. With a glance, you could tell the friend had contacts in. Light blue? White? Your husband hit such a good spot inside of you that you gave out a moan and smiled.

The vouyer was so obviously turned on, his cheeks had gone scarlet. You really hoped he’d say something and let you have release, but he stayed quiet. Even his moans had an accent. What was it? It was hart to think with rock hard cock up your ass.

“If you want in, all you gotta do is ask. Umph!!”

“Fuck! 여보!” You cried out at a particularly rough thrust.

“I want...her ass.” The other grunted. “Please, hyung. It looks so good.”

“Finally gonna join, 자기 야?” You panted out.

He nodded and slipped on a condom, but you him to give you everything. “You’re clean, right?” You asked.

“Yeah.”

You grinned and wiggled your hips, “Then raw me, 자기.”

He grabbed your hips and let you slide on slowly. You buried your face in his chest as your body shuddered through your first orgasm of the night. You caught your breath.

“You ok?” Jagiya asked.

“Yeah. More than ok.” You giggled. “I just came.”

As you bounced on your love’s cock, your husband winked at you. Good job. You love was on his back while you rode him. The smug look on his face was so cute especially with his bright red blush showing through his foundation.

The other was shocked, “Already?”

“Mmmhmm. Your dick is so good, 자기 야~”

“You made my wife cum before I could.” Hubby pretended to be annoyed. “Guess I should just watch you two, now.”

The younger asked his hyung to join, to fuck your mouth. He happily agreed and the fourth meaty tip entered and got pampered by your tongue. He praised your technique. You were glad that they had more time to play with you, and didn’t have to jet before filling you up. They’d better fill you up in the right spot.

“God, you look so fucking hot with hyung’s cock making you drool all over yourself.” He flicked your nipple and chuckled as you tightened. “Oh, so your nipples are sensitive, huh?”

He teased your breasts and you moaned on the dick that was now fucking your throat as you bounced, getting excited with every twitch. You felt so fulfilled and safe. You husband’s coworker had warmed up quickly after seeing how it was done. He could do anything with you.

Your nipples were so hard as they were now being sucked and tugged on between his teeth. So that’s how this rapper did his job so well. Wait...rapper? Was he a rapper? Either way, his friend, your husband from a whole different group from the same company was just watching as he didn’t wanna cum yet but your mouth was so good.

“Y-you’re twitching a lot, 자기 야~”

He laughed and let his moans drip from his lips, “Yeah. I am...gonna...gonna cum!”

His hands grabbed your thighs and held you down on his large cock as he came inside. You felt the heat inside, but it wasn’t the only one. Your husband had to come too, so he shoved his dick inside after lifting you off his friend’s. Your breasts landed on his face as more white heat coated your insides. Moans and deep grunts soon turned to heavy breathing as you were plugged up with gold once more.

The younger one held you up while the older got you water. They made sure you were ok, cleaned up for you, and then left. Fifteen minute nap.

It was a long break before the next interesting group arrived in heels and lace. Night ponytails and lipstick. Three girls. Blurry faces. Stronger than before. Must’ve been easily recognizable. All you knew is they weren’t all from the same idol group...⅔.

“She’s so pretty!” One of them said.

You instantly blushed. Compared to her you were pretty? “Hello, what do you want me to call you?”

The most mature aura spoke, “I’m Mistress.”

“Princess.” Said the one with a soft voice.

“Call me Mommy.” A stern but young voice said.

“And you’re our darling.” Mistress replied. “Our darling sub, so don’t even think about muffling your noises, ok”

A shiver, “Yes, Mistress.”

They got undressed and looked at the rules. Said it was a shame they could kiss any of your lips, but you could kiss thiers.

“Now come to Mommy!” She spread her legs and beckoned you to her.

Although you felt a bit shy, you did as told. She tasted so sweet. The others began frolicking and smooching. You couldn’t kiss anyone until one of your owners visited you, but also you were sure they wouldn’t visit until it was time to unlock you. God, their lips looked soft.

“Focus, darling.” Mommy shoved her head back into her crotch.

“Sorry, Mommy.” You said and began to suck on her nub, making her moan.

“It’s...ok, darling.” Her fingers traced the nape of your neck, making you feel giddy.

Lips kissed up both your legs and left dual trails up your back. Your cheeks felt like they were steaming. The boys hadn’t had you play with many girls, so you were super excited to have these playmates.

Mistress spoke, “Princess, you wanna trade places with our golden toy, so I can try her out?”

Mommy’s golden brown high ponytail fell against her shoulder as you looked up to see her smiling at you. She caressed your face as she let out a breathy moan. Soon, you were pulled back and dark brown hair of her fellow member now resided between the dancer’s legs.

“So, what’s this?” Mistress asked as she poked at your butt plug.

“My owners said if I get and keep 7 loads in there, they’ll unlock me.” Why did your voice sound so desperate and far away? Were you really so turned on?

A grin spread across her red lips, “How badly do you want your pussy to be pampered?”

“So badly, Mistress! AH!” You gave a short shriek as she twirled your nipples between her fingers.

You wanted to kiss her...but you couldn’t. Instead, you closed your eyes and let pleasure take over. Such a beautiful strong woman playing with you like this.

“Then we’ll get you closer, subby, don’t you worry.”

You nodded and let out another moan. Mistress licked her lips and tasted Mommy’s essence. Technically, it wasn’t a kiss.

“More, Mistress. Please?” You felt like sobbing because with every tug, lust shot straight to your lower stomach and a nice climax was building up so surely.

“Not yet.” Was her stern reply. “Unless you do a good job of showing me how much you want it…” Mistress sat on the edge of the bed and made you face her.

She made you straddle her leg and told you to cum by humping it. But...you couldn’t...the belt. Her eyes told you it was no use to try to ask for another way, so you started moving. You felt nothing. No stimulation other than your legs grazing her’s. This time you did sob while leaning on her shoulder.

Taking a peek, you saw the soft spoken Princess pleasing her group member who was writhing and panting. She giggled as she saw your desperate state.

“You’re too mean, [redacted]. I thought you only tortured boys like that.”

“True, but I just wanna tease her~ She’s too cute not too~” she kissed your cheek and you whined.

Begged, “Please, Mistress, I need more. Please? I can’t cum like this.”

Princess giggled as she seemed to return to the bed with a basket. Mommy pulled the purple strap on with ridges. You hips worked harder as you saw them start the next level. You wanted that to be you.

“She looks so jeal-OUS! FUCK [redacted] be more gentle!”

“You like it when I do that”

Princess pouted, “Yeah, but still.”

Mommy kissed her on the shoulder and started thrusting as she gathered her bottom’s hair into her hand. You were still losing your mind trying to get some sort of relief.

Your head was shoved in Mistress’s chet, “If you’re going to suck at something, it should at least be useful.”

And so you licked and sucked at her breasts and she threw her head back with a moan.

“That’s more like it!”

Minutes of sweet torture passed. Moaning of three different girls enjoying themselves and none of them were you. At least, not the same way. Your head was pulled back to see a toothy grin and then you were face to face with Princess. You were told to stay. The squirt of a lube bottle filled you with joy. Ironic for some reason.

“Is it--oh, oh yeah~ Is it true you don’t even recognize us?” Princess asked.

Mommy replied, “She knows who we are, but the hypnosis has lots of little programmings in it. Probably even more than when I did this one year.”

“You did this?” Mistress asked.

“It was for a different event, but yeah. Helped me learn Korean faster.”

“Who am I?” The bottom asked.

Her name. You knew it. Wanted to say it’s natural beauty, but “Princess.” was your reply.

She giggled and called you cute once more. Now something was sliding into your ass. Finally! A smooth but thick strap on was thrust into your ass. Mistress was so good and gentle with you until she licked your shoulder. More sporadic. Princess’s pert nipple between your lips while Mistress made you see stars. Called you dirty little praises. Growled in gorgeous.

You’ve never moaned so much before in front of complete strangers! It felt like your body was on fire! Kisses on your neck and nibbles on your ear. You knew she wanted to bit your shoulder by the way she kept licking the same spot.

“I...it’s ok, M-M-Mistress.” You replied between breaths and whimpers. “Mark me. Wreck me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” A swift reply.

Her teeth sunk into you shoulder and you clawed at the pillows between your thighs. It hurt so good. It was as if one of those sticky hands had been slammed against a wall as your orgasm raced through your veins. You wanted to do werewolf play with the boys again soon. So wet as she slid out of you and pushed her hair back.

“Fuck, Mommy! I’m gonna cum!”

You felt your tired body move. Ass high. Something new was stuck in it.

“Get her to squirt into the funnel. We’ve gotta give our subs the proper rewards.”

The fog from cloud nine was still too thick for you to wonder if this counted. It better. You thought. A high pitched moan. Heavy breathing. A knock. They kissed your cheeks goodbye and had to go before clean up. With weak limbs, you made sure the plug was back in before you knocked out.

When you opened your eyes, you saw long hair. Was it really?

“Glad you’re finally awake. Of course...you’re not actually awake are you?”

You shook your head. Still hypnotized. He chuckled and took off his blazer. Rolled up his sleeves. You were suspended on a rig by your arms.

“Like I said.” He looked at his selection of toys. “Y’Know, when I heard Bangtan’s latest pet was the one volunteered to be fucked this year, I thought ‘No way! Those boys are way too nice to have such a pet. There is no way they’ll hold up’ but I also knew I had to see you for myself. So here I am.”

Command 1. “Hello, what would you--”

“Right.” He interrupted. “Call me...oppa. I don’t hear it much anymore, so it’d be nice. And I’ call you 애인. Ok.”

“Yes, oppa~” You crooned.

He smiled, “Oh, this is gonna be fun.” He grabbed a longer than average flogger.

You were locked to what seemed to be like a clothing rack. Your front and back were exposed and you couldn’t move your arms or legs.”

“What’s the safe word?” Oppa asked as he stalked towards you.

“Santa.” You replied. “Santa is the safeword, Oppa.”

“Good job, 애인.”

Leather stung your back. You had wondered before if he knew how to use such a toy. The answer was yes. The biggest yes ever.

“Don’t hesitate to use your safeword if you don’t think you can handle it. I’ve played for many years. Broken a lot of pets. I wanna do it safely.”

“Ah!” You cried out from another lashing.

He laughed, “Understood, 애인?”

“Yes, oppa.” You giggled. “But if you’re trying to break me, I expect actual effort.”

“What’s that?” Several lashings in a row.

You were reminded of your training week with Yoongi as you swallowed down air.

Such a confident man just pulled out the Brat in you, “You’re going easy on me, Oppa~”

He cracked his knuckles, “Is that so?”

Oppa switched to a riding crop. You were gonna be so red! But nothing you couldn’t handle. Thwap! He used his bare hand to smack your ass. It stung. You wanted him to do it again.

“Harder, Oppa!” You giggled.

He went harder, slapping your ass with everything he had and then some. It wasn’t enough. You wished Jungkook or one of your Daddies were doing it with their rings on. “They’d mark you up real good.

“Oppa?” You pouted. “Do you want me to behave?”

“It’d be nice.” He replied.

You grinned, “It’s be nice if you actually made me.” and you stuck out your tongue.

There was a fire in his eyes now. For a second you were nervous as he scanned you. The intense gaze made you squirm. Oppa approached the freezer. Yep. The room had literally everything.

You couldn’t see what he pulled out until he turned around. Yeah. You were screwed.

“I was gonna play nice and warm these up for you, but since you wanna be all sassy to your Oppa.”

He clipped the cold metal to your nipples slowly and you tried so hard not to move. So fucking cold! You were so bad at temp play, especially cold. And your sensitive tits. Oh god. You became a whimpering and squirming mess within seconds.

“Where’s all that fire gone, 애인.?” He chuckled and got ice to rub all over you.

With every touch, the ice glided on your warm skin gnd made a trail of goosebumps spring up. The fire had been snuffed out by the water from melting cubes of ice. You whined.

“애인.~” He crooned. “Use your words.” His hands tugged at the nipple clamp chain.

The shock make you throw your head back and moan embarrassingly loud. “OPPPAAAA~~”

He had a deviously giddy grin, “Yes, 애인?”

“Please, umf, please. I need….”Suddenly, you were very embarrassed to be so needy and got quiet.

“What do you need, hmmm?”

You bit your lip, “I need...inside me...please oppa. I’m so--AHH!”

Mature hands placed ice cubes right on your nips and rubbed in small circles. The sudden frost dripped lust right into your building orgasm.

“I didn’t hear you~” Oppa chuckled.

“I need something inside of me, Oppa! Please! I can’t stand being so empty~.” colden chains rattled as you tried to shift. “My ass needs you, Oppa~”

Your tone was now sweet and desperate, but you had not been broken. Maybe a little bit of you had bene tames, but it wasn’t what your Oppa wanted. He wanted you crying and begging for more of whatever he gave you. Wanted you desperate for his very existence as so many of the idol world was already.

Oppa rubbed the ice up your neck and down your legs, “Not yet. You’ve yet to apologize for being such a bratty girl. Anything said now would just be cheap, so…” The last bit had melted, “I need to punish you.”

“I understand, Oppa.” Your golden lips formed a pout.

His hands lifted your chin to look into his brown eyes, “Don’t look so sad. If you’re good, the punishments won’t get worse.” Cold air hit your lips as he held an ice cube near. “Open up, 애인.”

You opened your mouth and in the ice cube went. He told you to hold it between your teeth and not to break it or let it drop. Then he grabbed the flogger once more and stood behind you, but not before taking off the rest of his clothes to let dry. He put on your lace robe instead.

Your inner brat wanted to make a joke about how he was used to dressing up in “women’s” clothing, but you weren’t in the position to speak. His cock. You had to have itins ide you.

“Remember the safe word?”

You nodded.

“Wanna use it now?”

You shook your head. The anticipation of leather hitting your skin. You wanted this. When it connected, you struggled not to bite down too hard. It was so much more effective with your guard down now.

“That’s more like it, 애인.” Twack. Twack!

You focused on the ice cube, on not breaking it and not letting it go. It was the only thing keeping you from reaching your climax. Then Oppa was in front of you once more.

“Do you wanna get fucked by me or not? I could be pounding you into a mattress by now if you’d just break it of drop it on the floor.” He held his hand out. “Release.”

The ice cube dropped and you were panting. Dripping. You looked up at the older idol expectantly. He looked at you up and down. Your sagging limbs and desperate gaze. The water glistening on your skin. He kissed your cheek.

“Fine.”

You were released into his arms and he got you to the bed. Hot kisses on your skin. Lube. Another cock inside your cum filled ass.

“Oh, 애인, you’ve been hiding this.”

Words tried to leave your mouth, but he sushed you. Oppa loved to kiss the back of your neck and all you could do was moan. You tried to call out his name, but only “Oppa” came out. He was so good! It was if you’d give up all your breath if he could keep fucking you like this. Your face was sideways on the bed.

“You love this, don’t you? Trying so hard to hold on and not let yourself beg. I know you want to.” A firm slap on the ass. “I’ll take good care of you.”

“What?” You asked .There must’ve been something you missed in your dazed state.

He stopped thrusting and turned you to face him, “If you cum before I do, you’re coming home with me. Deal?”

Although you weren’t sure you could make it, you were a bit cocky, “Deal.”

The glint in his eyes got sharper. You were in deep trouble. His hand grabbed your hair like a pro, and he pulled your head up, making your back curve. The boys had put you in this position before, making you feel oh so good that your body even buzzed in its sleep. However, he hit a spot inside your ass that made you yelp.

“So cute…” Oppa giggled. “Also, dry orgasms don’t count, so shiver all you want.”

“Ok, oppa~” you replied, gripping the gilded headboard.

Hot kisses and deep growls offset your desperate mewls. Although the angle made you see stars, you tried your best to ground yourself. There was no way you were cumming first. So what if you forgot how to speak and only drool was coming out of your mouth?

“Santa!” You called out as a wave of an orgasm threatened to break.

He stopped, “Are you ok? I’m sorry, 애인.”

“Nnnnooo--fine--it-ah!” You spoke through your shivers and knew it was dry. Just intense. “Yoongi oppa.”

You couldn’t recall the words you had just said.

Oppa grabbed your hand and rubbed circles on the back with his thumb, “It’s ok. I’m here.”

When you caught your breath and regained most of your senses, you got him to continue. He grabbed your waist and pounded your behind. Oppa told you to hold on and began to curse and mumble under his breath. He was twitching like crazy. Was he already--?

“애인! I! Ah fuck! Cum-ming!”

Liquid warmth filled your ass. You both panted as the high wore off. Then oppa slid out and plugged you back up. You were rolled onto your back. All you could do was look up at him and grin.

“I won.” You said drowsily.

Oppa chuckled, “Yes, you did.” He kissed your cheek. “Good job, 애인. BTS is lucky to have someone like you.”

Then he got some wet wipes, cleaning you off first. He took his time asking if you were ok and looked you over. He rubbed lotion all over the whip marks and kissed them as you recalled how to breathe properly.

“You should’ve told me that you were in love with them.” He said, fixing his tie in front of the mirror. “Then I never would’ve made such a stupid bet.” Smoothed his lapels. “See you around, (Y/N).”

You blinked and the door closed behind him. It wasn’t long until a group of five were your next toys. One of them had lost a bed, so he got pegged by you. His cheeks were red, but he couldn’t hide his enjoyment.

The other members had an orgy of their own while he learned something about himself. You were glad you got to be a domma. One of the others wanted to try as well. He began to cry because it felt so good.

“We’ll talk to your owners and set up a proper play date.” The first one said.

They both thanked you and left. It was break time, so you were put into proper clothes and went to eat. It was funny. You knew what you had done, but you couldn’t recall who it was with or many of the sensations now that you had returned to your own mind. Like you had watched it through a Go Pro and not yourself. Probably safer that way.

While being moved backstage, you saw Got7. Because they were close with BTS, you considered them friends and snuck up behind BamBam to finger taze his sides. He jumped and them smiled once he saw you in your red dress.

“(Y/N), glad that we got to meet a second time today.”

You cocked your head, “What do you mean? THis is our first time meeting in two months cuz of your tour.”

“Ah, right. My mistake.” He chuckled and pat your back before you continued on your journey for a good meal.

As you were ushered along, you looked back at BamBam and accidentally ran into one of the Stray Kids Aussies.

“Oh, sorry, Chan.”

His face got super pink, “Errr..no...no problem.”

You bowed to each other and parted ways. Oh, you couldn’t wait to see what there was too eat. Apparently, hypnotism made you hungry.

[theunicornandtheraven]

Ok but as someone who's not much of an ALW fangirl (comparatively lol I still love the musical to death) and therefore not really followed restaging that closely, the updates on my dash about POTO Australia are WILD

Slapping Raoul????

Blindfold?????

WHERE DID ALL THIS COME FROM???

[filthybonnet]

Miss Crystal Reviews The Phantom of the Opera New Production US Tour

So I’ve heard things about the Restaged US tour but there were changes I liked better, changes that were like “nope,” changes that were neat but nothing to write home about and changes I understood from a logistics point of view. Putting under a read more for spoilers/and not to upset people.

Notes on the cast IMO:

Phantom: Quentin Oliver Lee. His voice was so different from other Phantom’s, very deep and rich and commanding. And he actually enunciated his words. There was a point when he was signing in Final Layer and I was like “holy shit that’s what that Phantom has been saying all this time!” His Phantom swayed between socially awkward, trying too hard and being dominating. There was nothing suave about him. The Phandom has ruined me and I noted there was no cape swirl, he didn’t slick back his hair and I kept waiting for some awesome hands to report back to @wheel-of-fish​  but there were none. This might have been the restaging but he was a very rough Phantom. There was a many BDSM jokes made between my best friend and I. I sent a PM to @principessa-k​ once we were back on the road because the moment the Phantom pulled Christine’s hair I thought of her smut.

Christine: was played by understudy Emma Grimsley. Her voice was nothing great to report about. My sister and I had a discussion on the way home about how she was too light. My sister, the actress and singer, went on to discuss how POTO in general has been casting Christine’s with lighter voices in later years and it’s a shit move. Christine’s of the pasts have had fuller voices and to be real competition to Carlotta she needs a fuller voice.

All that said, she was an amazing actress! She had lots of spunk and you could feel her conflicted emotions not just for The Phantom but also for Raoul. This might have been the restaging but he just barges into her dressing room and instead of being excited to see him right away she’s annoyed. During the office scene where they are discussing Erik’s opera, she slaps him. (You all know how happy that made me). For the first time I felt she wasn’t just scared about what Erik would do but was also crushed she was betraying him.

The Change I Hated the Most: “The Music of the Night” Just ugh. This song is supposed to be seduction, let the Phantom hold Christine and caress her. Like I kind of get what they were trying to do but it fell flat and came across as playful instead of sexy. Some of it could be incorporated into the original like I found him showing her his physical sheet music endearing. That said SOMEBODY FINALLY REALIZED CREEPY LIFESIZED BRIDE DOLL ISN’T FIRST DATE MATERIAL AND REMOVED IT! That said they added a blindfold to the song and my little BDSM heart was not ready for that and was like this would be better with the holding and caressing!

The Change I Loved the Most: The Final Layer. One of the biggest changes to it broke my heart and had me crying like a baby. I’m tearing up thinking about it right now. During the scene Christine takes his music and is mimicking tearing it up and throwing it around. After he sets Raoul free and tells them to go, The Phantom is on the ground facing the audience collecting it, reading it and is just in this little ball crying and that’s when he sings the line “Christine, I love you.” And just as he’s singing it, Christine walks back in to give him the ring. He can’t see her, but she heard him. She takes the ring off and sets it on the table next to his organ and leaves. It was just extra powerful because she walked back in on this very emotional and private moment she wasn’t supposed to witness.

I’m sure there are people will greatly disagree with me on the Final Layer scene because there were other major changes that made it kind of rapey and violent. How exactly some of you might want to know. The Phantom holds Christine by the throat at one point and at another time he pins her down on the bed by getting on top of her. I personally found it arousing, however I am also very comfortable with my sexual fantasies and give them the safe space to play them out. (I feel like I should also note I have been sexually assaulted twice so I know the difference) I also worked this stuff out in my Feminist Theory class in college when my friend and I were the only two in there defending BDSM against a whole class of people saying you can’t be a feminist and into that because it degrades women. (Anyway...)

I found these things worked for the scene and how this Phantom was played. He’s had so much control over the Opera and these people; he’s unhinged and turning to any means possible to keep control. It also makes the love and compassion Christine shows in her kiss that much stronger. I don’t know if it’s because of the height difference and they did this just to make it easier or just restaging but almost as soon as they start kissing they end up rolling on the floor. There was no second kiss but very passionate embracing. Between the bed and this these two just like to roll around together.

Most Awesome Change: Bringing down the Chandelier! They gave Erik a fucking flame thrower put his ass up in box five, he aims at it laughing and it drops straight down at the actual audience! The two rows right under it are empty on purpose but you still have to be feeling something if you are in the row right behind or in front of it. There were also other pieces of the “opera house” that Erik took down along with the chandelier. There was lots of pyrotechnics with it. It was just fucking awesome.

Most “That Was Lame” Change: “Masquerade.” I was told there wasn’t going to be the grand staircase and it was going to be a mirror ballroom. I was cool with that. I understand that as a traveling show logistics choice. What wasn’t cool was lame costumes. There were just sparkly dresses and people in masks. I kind of made excuses for that, noting lots of over the top costumes for one song is a lot to carry. However there is no excuse for The Phantom to walk in looking like Party City Napoleon Bonaparte instead of RED FUCKING DEATH AT A DRAG QUEEN CONTEST!

Most “I Don’t Know What You Were Going For There” Change: Phantom removing his own mask. I will preface by saying I liked the idea of Erik taking his mask off in his own place. After all, it’s his place, do you chill at home with a bra on? However if you’re going have Christine walk up to an already unmasked Phantom you might need to redo exactly how the scene is going to go down after she sees him because how mad can he really get? It’s like knowing you have company over and getting pissed at them for seeing you naked when you walk out with no towel right from the shower. Then again I also never understood exactly how Erik didn’t feel Christine all up in his space when she went to take off his mask

It’s About Time Somebody Fixed These Changes:

-previously mentioned life size creepy wedding doll is gone

-redesigned music box opens and closes so you don’t always have to look at creepy monkey

-Christine slaps Raoul for being an asshole (already mentioned but can’t be mentioned enough.

-Erik learned to walk like a man and didn’t crawl across the stage during “Stranger Than You Dreamed It”

I could say so much more but those were some of the big changes besides sets.

[rienerose]

At intermission of PotO, the KC stop on the restaged tour. There are parts of this I'm baffled at, and parts I like. The rotating stage is fascinating. Did not like the blindfold, lack of romance, implication Christine is going to step off the roof. There is more of am emphasis at getting laughs out of the audience. I'm taking notes; hope I will be able to read them later.

[stitching-in-time]

Phantom of the Opera US tour review!

Went to see the re-staged tour of Phantom of the Opera yesterday. Being an extremely obsessed Phantom fan for pretty much my entire life, I have mixed feelings. (Long post ahead! Also spoilers, in case there’s anyone left who doesn’t know the show already...)

I wasn’t planning to see the new tour, since it isn’t the original staging, but the lure of hearing my favorite score performed live with a huge orchestra was too strong, and the new cast looked pretty good. (And included Trista Moldovan as Carlotta! Trista is one of my favorite Christines, so there was no way I could resist!)

The bright side: it wasn’t the completely awful trash nightmare I’d heard some of the hardcore phans say it is. The downside: the new sets are ugly and the new blocking really hobbled the storytelling. The original staging is perfect, and has stood the test of time- so why change it? That’s what I’d like to ask the people behind this, because it doesn’t make sense to me. I know budget concerns were supposedly a factor, but I don’t see how that giant turntable set could be less expensive than a staircase and a portcullis! The one thing I will give it: the staircase magically appearing as they descended to the Phantom’s lair was pretty cool, but I still prefer the original with the whole stage filled with mist and candelabras, it was more atmospheric.

The places where this production was at it’s best were where it stuck most closely to the original. The opera scenes were the best in that respect- and I even liked this version of ‘Il Muto’ better than the original- they had a whole Rococo boudoir set with a cabinet for the Count to hide in, it was very pretty and made it more funny. That was the only place where I can say this production improved on the original. The opening sequence was my favorite though, and I was having a bit of a squee moment when the overture started and the chandelier lit up and all the Hannibal dancers appeared. I also liked the cobwebbed effect over the prologue that dissolved away as the overture started- I thought it was painted on a scrim, but it was actually some sort of projection- very cool! And I forgot that Carlotta also sings ‘Think of Me’ at the beginning, so I nearly flipped out that my favorite Christine was singing ‘Think of Me’ live in front of me! (WHY IS SHE NOT STILL PLAYING CHRISTINE?! SHE’S NOT TOO OLD COME ON PEOPLE! SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR!!) Not to count out Kaitlyn Davis, who was perfectly fine as Christine, and sang a lovely cadenza (I love that they let her use a different one from the Broadway version!), but Trista is my fave and I’d choose her over everybody. Except Gina Beck- I don’t think I could choose between Gina and Trista- don’t ever ask me, I can’t do it!

The use of the original costumes (or most of them, at any rate!) was what saved the whole production from looking like a pathetically cheap bargain basement version. Except for ‘Masquerade’, which they really skimped on, and it looked awful- if you take away the original costumes, including the Phantom’s iconic Red Death costume, AND the staircase that was utilized in both the dance and the Phantom’s entrance, then you’re left with a scene that has almost no impact, or even reason for existing. But Christine’s Star Princess costume was one of the prettier ones I’ve seen- nicely subdued colors, and the skirt was all sparkly like a field of stars- I wasn’t close enough to see how it was constructed, but it looked like a net overskirt with rhinestones, maybe? But it was so much better than most of the really brightly colored, less embellished ones they seem to use nowadays.

The loss of atmosphere was the big problem with the sets: they were mostly just backdrops of brick walls. I guess they were trying to show the ‘backstage life’ of the theater, but it took away from the Gothic Victorian romanticism aesthetic that’s so much a part of what makes the show beloved. In a dramatic sense, switching the action of ‘Angel of Music’ to take place in the ballerina’s common dressing room rather than a luxurious private dressing room for Christine still makes sense, even if it’s less pretty to look at, but changing the Phantom’s lair was just glaringly wrong. It literally looked like a basement: just brick walls with a bed and a desk. (Well, it was supposedly an organ- like a smaller, steampunk version of an organ that the phantom had invented, but it looked like a desk, not an organ.) There’s no candelabras, no portcullis, no throne. There’s a bunch of candles hung from ropes from the ceiling, but it just looks like a student’s modern art project rather than something someone in the 19th century would actually do, particularly someone like the Phantom. All the opulence he surrounds himself with is part of his persona, and helps create his character for the audience- he feels somewhat incomplete without it. Also, taking leaves from the movie adaptation and actually showing the Phantom killing Buquet onstage, or having Raoul punch him in the jaw in the graveyard, undercuts his supernatural persona and makes him seem less mysterious, which lowers the dramatic stakes, and undoes some of the glamour of the character. 

That said, Derrick Davis was very good. He has a fantastic voice, and I hope he gets the chance to play the role on Broadway, because I feel like we didn’t see the best of what he could do, because this version’s terrible blocking took away so much character development. Being nearly a through-sung show, the big songs are also the big moment to build the relationships between the characters, but the new director seems to think that having two characters stand motionless several feet apart and sing at each other from afar is enough to do that- and it’s not. ‘Music of the Night’ is all about the Phantom & Christine establishing some kind of emotional/sensual connection, but it was just awkward here. It’s a running joke in the phandom that Christine has a ‘phantagasm’ when the Phantom touches her in MOTN, but certainly not in this version. There’s nothing remotely sensual about this blocking- it’s pretty business-like for most of it, including when he blindfolds her for goodness knows what reason, leads her around in a dance hold for a few seconds, then they go back to standing motionless a few feet away from each other again, until he picks her up and puts her to bed. (Why she immediately falls asleep isn’t explained, we’re just supposed to go with it. Okay. Whatever. But really, bring back the mirror bride asap!) 

The same trouble plagued ‘All I Ask of You’. It’s usually my favorite, because it’s just so romantic and sweet, but that doesn’t come through in this version. Raoul & Christine’s relationship should be demonstrated through their mutual affection as they’re hugging and canoodling in this song, but in the new blocking it can’t. They stand on opposite sides of the stage until halfway through- Christine actually runs away from Raoul and looks more afraid of him than the Phantom! Add to that the weird set design- why are those brick walls on both sides of the stage if they’re on top of the roof?! I couldn’t even see the entire rooftop set from where I was sitting because of those darn wall pieces blocking the view- why were they there?!- and you’re left with an oddly flat love song. It’s a shame too, because everyone in the cast had a great voice, and it sounded lovely, but that was it. Raoul in particular felt kind of rigid and unemotional, but I wonder how much of that is the director’s fault, since Andrew Lloyd Webber wants the new staging to set up Love Never Dies, so they’ve deliberately tried to make Raoul less likable to do that, which I hate! You could tell they did that with Hadley Fraser at Royal Albert Hall and it was so disappointing. LND will never have an American production, so don’t ruin POTO just for it’s sake. Raoul should always be sweet and adorable. End of story.

On a positive note, they’ve clearly taken a few notes from the phans complaints and made some minor changes from the UK tour- the Phantom’s mask is less ugly than the one you see John Owen Jones wearing in the TV commercial, and his wig is less full and more controlled than the floppy haired ones they used in the UK, thank heaven, but I’d still prefer the return of the slicked back wig. And Christine now has her scarf back during ‘Think of Me’. Also, I don’t know if it’s just Derrick Davis, or if they’ve officially changed it, but I’m glad he’s less aggressive toward Christine in the Final Lair scene. The choking is still a major problem and they really need to find some alternative to that, but at least he didn’t get on top of Christine in that aggressive rape-y stance when he throws her on the bed, like previous Phantoms in this production did. That was one of the reasons I didn’t have interest in the touring show- it changes the Phantom’s character, and it’s really inappropriate for a show that lots of children know and love, not to mention triggering for a lot of people, and I wasn’t gonna support that. But when I watched a bootleg of Derrick, he didn’t do that, so I decided I could give it a chance after all. (Note to producers: bootlegs are your friends, not your foes!)

Also, an interesting costuming tid-bit: Kaitlyn Davis was wearing the rare, elusive, non-striped blue dress for ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’! I’ve heard tales of this phenomenon, and seen a few pics, but it was a surprise to actually see it in person! And it was a pretty one, too: dark blue floral print on a lighter blue background. I admit that trying to find a good match for cosplaying the stripey dress has been a lifelong goal, but it’s impossible! However, I’m wondering now if cosplaying this version might be more do-able. I’m gonna keep it in mind as an option now :)

So overall: it was a mixed bag. I didn’t like the new design or direction, but the whole cast was very good, and I liked them a lot. (I thought the main trio was especially good in the Final Lair scene- if only it had been the original staging!) I’m disappointed that it didn’t have the emotional impact that the original had, but it was still an entertaining show, and I enjoyed all the little funny moments that you don’t get from just listening to the cast album or watching grainy bootlegs. (When Carlotta swished her Hannibal skirt and caught two of the ballerinas underneath it, and they crawled out and rolled their eyes! LOL) And of course, seeing the original costumes in action from moderately close-range was a dream come true after all these years! 

It wasn’t the perfect Phantom experience, but it was still fun, and it was certainly worthwhile. It can’t replace the original, but it was an adequate place-holder if you don’t have access to the real thing. The music, after all, is all still there, and if it makes some little kid falls in love with the show, and maybe musical theatre in general, I think it’s still doing it’s job. I saw a matinee, and there were two bus loads of school kids in the audience, and it was great to see how excitedly they were talking about the show afterward. I even saw a little boy in the lobby before the show who couldn’t have been more than four years old, but he was wearing a little tuxedo, cape, and mask, clinging to his mothers hand and asking her when they were going to see the Phantom. (Awwww!) I’m just glad the show is still out there in some form garnering new phans, because that’s what’s going to keep it alive for years to come. :)

[wheel-of-fish]

Josh Piterman & Amy Manford, Australian restaged tour

[glassprism]

If there is one (or two!) song in POTO you would change or remove, what would it be?

I’m not sure if I would ever remove a song entirely - most of them do a fairly good job of either 1) moving the plot forward or 2) revealing something about a character. Even the Don Juan rehearsal scene (which really is only there so the sets for the graveyard can be set up) does showcase the Phantom’s frightening powers, and I like how the restaged tour ups the creepiness of it.

Um... I guess one song I’ve been thinking of changing is ‘Music of the Night’. For me, that song is meant to reveal the Phantom’s motivations (”Marry Christine”), the things he knows and values (music, darkness, beauty), and how he plans to use that to get Christine to be closer to him (”I am my music and my music is darkness and it is beautiful and therefore so am I, please love me Christine”), so I don’t quite see it as a useless song, even if most versions now bore me to tears, unless the actor is really, really good. But I have been thinking of a version which is more Leroux-accurate, with the Phantom expressing dreams of simple normality, as he says in the book:

But I am very tired of it!...I'm sick and tired of having a forestand a torture-chamber in my house and of living like a mountebank,in a house with a false bottom!...I'm tired of it!  I want tohave a nice, quiet flat, with ordinary doors and windows and a wifeinside it, like anybody else!  A wife whom I could love and takeout on Sundays and keep amused on week-days...

And at the same time, it would incorporate what Christine talks about in the book when she is first brought down to the lair, with the Phantom maybe leading her about his house and such. I think it would be an interesting change, because the replicas aim for ‘Music of the Night’ as a seduction song, while a lot of non-replicas seem to think that the opposite tack is to emphasize the Phantom’s love of music. So you know, I was thinking, “Why not just make the song about the Phantom wanting a normal life?” I think the fact that that’s a great desire for him and yet one that has always eluded him, is rather poignant.

One thing I am wary of, however, is making the song and blocking... unfocused, I suppose. What I really hated about the restaged tour’s version of this song was how the Phantom and Christine did not seem to really have this intense focus on each other that the original has and which makes it so powerful. In the replica version of MOTN, the two things we, as the audience, are most aware of, is the Phantom and Christine: how they’ll come together for an instant, then break apart, then move together again, one or the other seemingly drawn to each other throughout the song. In the restaged tour, we have the Phantom kind of fussing around with candlesticks or music stands, then whipping out a blindfold and having Christine wander around. It lacks focus, it lacks interaction between the two characters. And I don’t want that in this hypothetical, changed version of MOTN; I don’t want the Phantom fussing around with his rooms or where, I don’t know, the house seems to get more emphasis than Christine. The focus should be on Christine and her reactions and how the Phantom responds to her reactions and how his desire for a normal life hinges on her, I suppose.

And the other thing I’m wary of is the song descending into silliness. “Look at my rooms! Look at my house! Now look at me. Now back to the house! Look at your bedroom! No, don’t look at the coffin. Back to me. Look at the flowers! No, don’t look at the torture chamber. Back to the house.” Etc.

But yeah. It’s a bit of an odd mixture of ALW and Leroux, but it’s something that I’ve been mulling in my head for a while (along with other thoughts about why certain versions of MOTN work for me and others don’t).