Entr'Acte (Global Edition)

ACT TWO SCENE ONE THE STAIRCASE OF THE OPÉRA HOUSE (A gauze half conceals the tableau of guests at the opera ball. The guests (whom we cannot yet see clearly) are in fancy dress - a peacock, a lion, a dragon, Mephistopheles, a highwayman, a clown, knights, ladies, an executioner. M. ANDRÉ enters. He is dressed as a skeleton, in an opera cape. Almost immediately M. FIRMIN arrives. He is also dressed as a skeleton in an opera cape. The two skeletons see each other and approach nervously) ANDRÉ M'sieur Firmin? FIRMIN M'sieur André? (Each raises his mask to the other. They recognise each other) FIRMIN Dear André, what a splendid party! ANDRÉ The prologue to a bright new year! FIRMIN Quite a night! I'm impressed! FIRMIN Well, one does one's best... Here's to us! FIRMIN I must say, all the same, that it's a shame that 'Phantom' fellow isn't here!