This is Erik's laboratory, where he does all his great inventing. There are many strange-looking devices here. The walls are lined with technical sketches, and there is a faintly chemical odor.
A makeshift writing-desk has been fashioned out of old broken furniture and leaned up against the wall. It looks like someone has been writing at it quite recently. You draw nearer to take a closer look.
I've been a Phantom Fan ever since April 30, 1997, when I first saw the Broadway show. Since then, I have purchased a few recordings of the ALW musical soundtrack, devoured several Phantom novels, searched endlessly for a decent film version of the story, returned to NYC to see the show a total of 7 times, twice experienced the Yeston/Kopit musical, journeyed to London and Her Majesty's to see the original mainstage 3 times, erected several versions of a shrine to the tale in dorm rooms and college apartments, written several pieces of fan literature, and fallen madly in love with Erik. I can't begin to express how deeply Phantom touches me - my infatuation with this incredible tale knows no bounds. There are days when I eat, sleep and breathe Phantom... and no matter how familiar I've become with the story, it never ceases to move me.
Let me take this opportunity to make it clear that this site is not centered on the musical Phantom. Although I was originally introduced to this tale through a trip to Broadway, I have since branched out and embraced the whole of the story. I am what you might call an "Erik-lover": I am infatuated with this dark, exquisite, imperial man, almost to the point of frenzy. So yes, I *do* love Andrew Lloyd Webber's interpretation of the myth- his music is absolutely breathtaking and I will admit that the show constantly moves me to tears- but it will not be the sole focus of this site.
Someone (a non-fan, coincidentally) once asked me if I considered Phantom worship my religion, and I had to step back and think for a moment. My answer was something similar to the following:
It's true that I have pictures and posters and lyrics from the show all over my walls, it's true that my copies of the OLC soundtrack are at the very top of my cd rack, and it's true that I've been known to go on bookstore crusades, doggedly seeking a new Phantom novel that I heard of... but I think that those are just the actions of any true fan. After all, "fan" is short for "fanatic", and I won't even bother to deny that I'm guilty of being fanatical about this story. But not because I *worship* it- because I think that somewhere inside everyone is the pain that Erik experiences, the fear of being rejected for our exteriors, the longing for someone who will appreciate out internal beings... All it takes to appreciate Phantom is the ability to tap into those feelings and relate to Erik as closely as we all can.
Explore other areas of Erik's house