Phantom of the Opera Question

[Bella the Ball 360]

Many of us in the U.S. love this play but have a question about one of the phrases used in it. In the play the phrase "keep your hand at the level of your eyes" is uttered by the Phantom as well as the balletmistress MME Giry multiple times. Many of us on the Community Board could not figure it out and were wondering if it were some sort of expression used in the UK ? I have seen the play numerous times and it has always confused me. We would love it if possibly someone on this board might have an answer. Thanks.

 

[gilld]

I think it just means "don't look" at the Phantom.

I love this show too and have seen it in London's West End 4 times.

 

[Mandabella]

I've read a few books, saw the stage production a few times, and saw the movie. Only the books seem to really explain this line.

Have you read the original book by Gaston Leroux? It's mention in there. It's also in the book by Susan Kay called Phantom. Kay's book takes Leroux's and expands quite a bit filling in the various backgrounds of the characters. ALW's version of the story doesn't really explain this line at all.

Anyhow, in both books it mentions the Phantom's fondness and skill with the Punjab lasso, among other things. The line in ALW's musical version goes something like Mme. Giry mentioning the Punjab lasso to Raoul and keeping your hand at the level of you eyes. Keeping your hand up at the level of your eye will help prevent yourself from getting caught in the Phantom's Punjab lasso when/if he throws it over your head. Your hand will be able to remove it before he strangles you.

I hope that makes sense...

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Just found this post, I had been wondering about the comment. Thanks for the information