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Argh! If not for the distracting advertisements in between, I would have watched The Phantom of the Opera a total of three times – like I did before when the full stage musical was initially  broadcast on YouTube in April 2020. As I half-expected, I couldn’t pay attention the first time watching it this round. However, the second round, I found myself paying closer attention to the lyrics of the songs. There were three songs which I realised had powerful lyrics. I’ll let you guess which three, so as not to spoil it for those who have not watched it. So, to whoever who wrote the lyrics, thank you so much for the effort put in.

The exact same 25^th anniversary show at the Royal Albert Hall was put up for audiences around the world to enjoy. And watching it this time, I also realised that it will be a loooooooooong time before we can sit comfortably (next to each other) at any venue, in this context, a stage musical/performance of slightly above two hours. So, suffice to say, any stage performance must have an appreciative audience – to liven up the atmosphere. One thing I noticed – the audience clapped at the right moments, to me that is crucial as well.

Perhaps, we’d have to get used to wearing masks, if we were to live with the situation for an undetermined period of time. If I may borrow a few lines from a particular song, – Masquerade! Every face a different shade! Deep meaning, don’t you think so?