In the recent issue of TIME, when asked about women’s choices, this is what Michelle Obama said:

‘Find your space. Find your spot. Wear what you love. Choose the careers that may have meaning to you, because there’s always somebody who will say, “I wouldn’t have worn that colour,” or “Why didn’t you work at that job?” But if you’re comfortable in the choice and it resonates with you, then all that other stuff - it’s just conversation. People have the right to have conversations. But I think that’s one thing we as women sometimes do - we don’t make choices that have meaning to us. And then when those things fall apart, you have to have yourself to fall back on.’

It is indeed quite justifiable for me to rant here about a heightened want - no, need - to immortalise the Australian Cast’s performance of the Phantom of the Opera. Such a long, pregnant pause (of not updating) can only be matched by an intense desire to be sung once more by Anthony Warlow. For want of a quote from the musical; ‘you alone can make my song take flight!‘

Debbie was kind enough to secure us a (free!) Corporate Box for the performance. In a wisp of unimagined luxury, we - namely me, Yanty and mom, Jordan and parents - had our own exclusive room with a kichenette that was just a stone’s throw away from the bar and toilets. The balcony housed our seats; the stage a satisfactory distance (for I had paid top-notch tickets at Her Majesty’s in Melbourne two years ago only to be at the front rows, my view compromised by pillars). And if that was not good enough, the performance - like cheese, for I have not tasted wine - has aged immeasurably well with time. The cast, save for Raoul, was the very same that had enchanted me in Melbourne. I cannot very easily describe the effect Warlow’s fine acting had on me, but the waves of shivers I felt as he emoted his emotions out was like a metronome, kept in time with the pulsating beats of my heart. My right hand was always poised at the base of my neck; I sang along in whispers, because I am a Phantom Phreak and am none too ashamed.

Listen, and I implore you - you must! Cast aside the coughs, the whistles, the claps and the sound of breathing in these recordings, for their inferior quality can still showcase the fine talent that emanates from their core!

#1 Warlow performing the title piece ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ with Ana Marina as Christine. I had only watched Julie Goodwin perform on both occasions.

#2 Warlow doing one of my favourite emo pieces: a reprise of ‘All I Ask of You’. Can you not feel the betrayal, the compassionate hate emanating from his pores?!

#3 Warlow and Maree Johnson sing ‘Wandering Child’. Another favourite scene! (Though the Raoul sounds like a right ol’ whiny chap)

And when the the final line was sung - ‘You alone can make my song take flight/It’s over now, the music of the night’ - my heart sank, both with despair that I would not see this cast perform again, and for the Phantom’s tragic demise. Andrew Lloyd Webber himself has said that his favourite Phantoms are two - the original Michael Crawford, and Anthony Warlow.

I have achieved the impossible; I have fallen in love with a voice.

Now that my rendition is done, perhaps I should resume my ways and revert to a normal, sensible human being.