Do you remember the first time you saw Phantom of the Opera? Was it on Broadway, or a local/traveling production, or perhaps the movie? Have you had a chance to visit the Opera House in Paris that inspired the story? It is the Palais Garnier, and yes there really is a rooftop with winged statues, and a Box #5. When you visit the opera house, you are overwhelmed by the glittering Grand Foyer, the marble staircases, the opulent gilded ornaments, and embraced by the lush red velvet, but when you look up….
On the ceiling you see this monumental painting by Marc Chagall. I have toured this opera house twice – 10 and 20 years ago – and this photo popped up in my Facebook memories today. Chagall had assistants, but it is worth mentioning that he painted this at the age of 77, completing the project in 1964. Chagall’s surrealist painting celebrates Paris’ iconic architecture, with a timeline of notable composers throughout the centuries.
The first time I saw Phantom in Denver, I thought I was so lucky to get a seat in the center front! I must have been the only person who didn’t know that a chandelier would come flying over my head and crash onstage. (Relax folks – it’s all part of the show.) Did that really happen at the Palais Garnier? Yes! In 1896 the counterweight holding the chandelier detached and fell into the crowd. And is there really a lake under the opera house? Yes! But it was tamed and contained in a concrete water tank that is an emergency reservoir in case of fire.
And if you have not ever seen the Phantom of the Opera, sadly, the longest running show on Broadway, closed last Spring. But I urge you to watch the movie, and watch it with subtitles the first time! If you love costume films, this is a must see. There is a LOT of gorgeous fabric in this film!
I’ve set the photo in a collage of exotic prints with gold metallic, and swirling music-themed fabric, inspired by Marc Chagall and the Palais Garnier.
Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul
