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RJDaae — In a Room Full of Shadows

Published: 2008-10-06 13:21:31 +0000 UTC; Views: 10420; Favourites: 155; Downloads: 80
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Description Christine: "Erik, were you always this way? As a child?"
Erik: "Yes."
Christine: "Poor Erik..."

Erik: "Imagine, Christine, my own mother...

[...]

"Each morning she placed it on my face, as routinely as tying my shoes.
God only knows where she had them made,
but there was always a new one when I outgrew the last.
Pity her, Christine...
She couldn't bear to look at her own child...

"And yet, there were times, always at night,
when sounds and feelings were all that mattered.
We both spoke in whispers, the moments so fragile
afraid that somehow, the stillness might shatter.
Soon darkness scattered, as streetlamps below
shone through the trees by my window all night.
Just enough light through a crack in the drapes
made shadows appear in such curious shapes.
Mother would point them out one by one,
and one by one each fantasy was born..."

Erik's mother: "Erik, what do you see?
Whatever you want it to be it will be."

Young Erik: "I see a lion, a witch and a dragon,
a knight on a horse and a red gypsy wagon.
Mother, what do you see?
Whatever you want me to be I can be."

Erik's mother: "I see a child with a heart of gold,
born into a world so shallow and cold.
With only the beautiful glorified,
blind to a beauty that dwells inside.
What twisted measure of human worth
condemns a child at birth?

"My child, my poor dear child...
Darling, wish on a star, and ride on a moonbeam,
fall asleep, and dream your sweet dreams.
Come what may at morning's light,
the world is yours, tonight."

'In a Room Full of Shadows' - Tom Alonso's "Phantom of the Opera"

My entry for 's Obscure Contest. This was about the most obscure version I could think of. (It's so obscure that I have only ever been able to track down about half the songs) From what I can gather, it was a musical for dinner theatre, which is probably one of the reasons it's so hard to find anything about it.

Of of the interesting things about it is that, where many people show Erik's mother as a sort of villain, she seems to at least try in this version. She still can't bear to look at his face, but she doesn't completely ignore him either. So, here they are making shadow puppets on the wall, his mother conflicted by her own behaviour.

And, because a lot of you have probably never heard it: 'In A Room Full Of Shadows' (By the way, it's a pretty long song, so watch out for the loading time)

Apologies for the scan quality... I've been having tremendous computer trouble lately, and had to use a different scanner and computer that usual, and it shows...

Acrylic on canvas, 16x20 inches
Related content
Comments: 81

PagesofAngels [2016-05-11 03:48:13 +0000 UTC]

Well you were right about this being obscure. I've never heard of a version of "Phantom" that featured Erik's mother actually caring about him -- even a little bit.

Lovely picture! The lighting sets the mood just right, and even the expression on the mother's face (and the fact that we don't see Erik's) says it all.

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ladyblackbird13 [2015-03-21 20:09:27 +0000 UTC]

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molly798465 [2012-09-24 11:51:47 +0000 UTC]

Unfortunately the site of where this is from does not work. But the picture it quite good. I simply love it. the shadows are wonderful.

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JerseyFireDragon20 [2012-08-11 00:35:44 +0000 UTC]

Your painting is magnificent!
I'd like to hear the song however when I tried the open the link it was messed up. Is there anyway I could hear it?

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RJDaae In reply to JerseyFireDragon20 [2012-08-11 16:38:42 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!
Check your notes.

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TheGovernorsDaughter [2012-03-14 21:28:41 +0000 UTC]

Believe me or not but I happen to know that Mr. Alonso has seen this picture and loves it. That should make you pretty happy xD

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RJDaae In reply to TheGovernorsDaughter [2012-03-15 20:56:46 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for telling me!

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HollyTheTerrible [2011-10-18 07:29:22 +0000 UTC]

I just love your paintings! This one is really beautiful and pulls on my heartstrings.

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RJDaae In reply to HollyTheTerrible [2011-10-18 15:06:11 +0000 UTC]

Thanks very much!

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nightingales-rose [2011-10-13 21:20:53 +0000 UTC]

Wow! I know a litte about this version . . . The Phantom Reviewer did a short section on it once. LOVE this song!

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FleetingShadow [2011-05-21 03:06:50 +0000 UTC]

8D I can't believe someone else knows this version. XD

Well done all around.

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RJDaae In reply to FleetingShadow [2011-05-22 15:58:24 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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iheartslashers [2010-12-27 04:34:54 +0000 UTC]

I always thought his mother hated him.

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RJDaae In reply to iheartslashers [2010-12-27 16:17:40 +0000 UTC]

Different versions. She does in some, and doesn't in others. This is one of the 'others'.

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WhiteHorseDesign [2009-08-22 15:30:43 +0000 UTC]

i havent been able to find 'in a room full of shadows' anywhere, would someone possibly be able to send me a link or something... you see i actualy sick the 'hantom' style opera.. so i am very interested in hearing what it would sound like.. (

love the pic btw... its so sad..poor erik i love him

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Phantom-of-the-Forum [2009-01-07 00:32:44 +0000 UTC]


I must say...you're the first person outside of my little circle of Phan friends who's also heard Alonso's version of the show.

Your interpretation of his Mother from just the lyrics is really good, although not exactly accurate (but what the hey, it's art and it looks good 8D)
Although the only thing I don't quite understand is why his mask is sitting on the table instead of being on his unseeable face. If she couldn't stand to look at him, why would she permit him to be without?

...other than my own little nit-picking (since I own the DVD to the original cast, and have seen the recent show's cast lol), this is fabulous and I hope it wins the contest you entered it in.

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RJDaae In reply to Phantom-of-the-Forum [2009-01-07 01:02:25 +0000 UTC]

Wow, you have the DVD? That's so cool! It's a pity that more people haven't heard of this version.

My thinking regarding the mask being on the table was this: 1. It was dark in the room, so his mother wouldn't have been able to really see his face anyway, and 2. Erik himself says "Each morning she placed it on my face...", implying it must have been removed at night. Also, he may have had more than one mask. Even without any of this, the mask plays an important symbolic role: if it wasn't there, there'd be nothing specifically Phantom about the picture.

I did win the contest (first time I've won, Yay!), but that wasn't the best part: right after I found out that I'd won, Tom Alonso wrote to me about the painting! That was so exciting!

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MBryn [2008-12-15 01:19:54 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful.

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RJDaae In reply to MBryn [2008-12-15 15:38:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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ThunderGoddesKino [2008-11-07 05:09:58 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful painting skills, and I like seeing Erik's mother portrayed as at least trying to be close to her child in some way.

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RJDaae In reply to ThunderGoddesKino [2008-11-10 04:14:14 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Red-Phantom [2008-11-01 04:30:13 +0000 UTC]

How sweet! Congratulations on the first prize, by the way :}

I leave no critique. Your painting by far surpasses me. *thumbsup*

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RJDaae In reply to Red-Phantom [2008-11-02 16:08:18 +0000 UTC]

Thanks a lot!

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writingpoetryforlife [2008-10-30 21:59:14 +0000 UTC]

OMG *tears up* this is beautiful i always wanted to see a mom son version in phantom lovely!

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RJDaae In reply to writingpoetryforlife [2008-10-31 00:41:47 +0000 UTC]

Thanks very much!

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writingpoetryforlife In reply to RJDaae [2008-10-31 18:52:42 +0000 UTC]

ur welcome

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Montfaucon [2008-10-30 03:18:43 +0000 UTC]

That loks very great, I especially like the shadows.
Would you have links to any other of the songs? I took a listen to it, and it sounded great. ^^

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RJDaae In reply to Montfaucon [2008-10-30 13:02:09 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! There are some more songs on the show's website page, here: [link] Enjoy

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Montfaucon In reply to RJDaae [2008-10-30 15:09:19 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for that. ^^ I really do like the voice of their Erik. Much better than Gerard's attempt. x;

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bophie1 [2008-10-30 00:00:50 +0000 UTC]

This is really good. I love tedetails on it.

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RJDaae In reply to bophie1 [2008-10-30 13:02:15 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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bophie1 In reply to RJDaae [2008-11-02 01:30:14 +0000 UTC]

Your very welcome.

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HobbitChild [2008-10-28 19:05:21 +0000 UTC]

So bittersweet. This is absolutely beautiful.

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RJDaae In reply to HobbitChild [2008-10-28 23:43:49 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

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HobbitChild In reply to RJDaae [2008-10-28 23:44:23 +0000 UTC]

My pleasure! I always like looking at the work of fellow phans

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ImagenAshyun [2008-10-28 17:09:01 +0000 UTC]

So eerie and hauntingly beautiful, the colors and textures applied really give this dark piece an emotional feel in its aesthetics. Very beautifully done

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RJDaae In reply to ImagenAshyun [2008-10-28 23:44:34 +0000 UTC]

Thank you very much!

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Velothii [2008-10-19 10:34:25 +0000 UTC]

This is just lovely! The lighting is brilliant, too. I love the detail on the dress...

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RJDaae In reply to Velothii [2008-10-19 13:17:01 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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MaskedBeauty [2008-10-13 23:29:40 +0000 UTC]

Wow, this is obscure. I'm a giant Phantom fan who's heard and seen pretty much every version, but I've never heard of this! Do you know where I could maybe find the soundtrack? I heard some clips of the songs at Alonso's website, but I'd love to own the soundtrack!

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Elanchana In reply to MaskedBeauty [2008-10-14 02:34:10 +0000 UTC]

Email Tom. If you tell him you're genuinely interested in the musical and ask him to send you something, he will. Although it may take a while, since he's got the show going on right now.

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Sylent-Fantome [2008-10-12 19:31:54 +0000 UTC]

such a sad song a very lovely painting

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RJDaae In reply to Sylent-Fantome [2008-10-13 14:53:02 +0000 UTC]

Thank you!

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Sylent-Fantome In reply to RJDaae [2008-10-13 18:13:09 +0000 UTC]

Most welcome i do enjoy all your lovely paintings.

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Elanchana [2008-10-11 04:48:36 +0000 UTC]

Alright, since you wanted to know more, here's a complete song list from Alonso's Phantom musical. (The original version, because I'm not very informed about the new revival songs)

1. Prologue
Title is self-explanatory. Sort of minimalistic, and ends in the beginning of the "courtroom" theme, which is the newest element to the story.
2. Do You Believe in Ghosts?
Honestly, I don't know exactly how this fits into the story. It's a very dissonant theme and it just talks about believing in ghosts.
3. Behind Every Door
This is the Raoul song. He's just outside Christine's door, when she had denied knowing him after her debut gala. This is probably where he hears Erik's voice for the first time, but that isn't on the CD.
4. That's the Way It's Done around Here
An upbeat, humorous song where the managers of the opera house take their new office and start dealing with the "ghost" affairs.
5. Something in the Sea
Raoul and Christine are at Perros-Guirec, and he is reminding her of the times they had together, when they were younger. Christine says she still remembers, but she's moving on. This song is a bit sappy.
6. Father's Angel
Christine tells Raoul about her experiences with the "Angel of Music". This is Christine's big song.
7. The Love You Never Had
I guess I'll go with Fox's description here: general Erik angsty lovesickness. This is Erik's big ballad, though not his only solo. It's not really story-specific either -- I've considered singing it for concerts though I haven't ever actually done so.
8. At the Opera
Vaudeville time! The cast of Faust are hectic in the final preparations for the opera, mostly due to the fact that both Christine and Carlotta are planning to perform! It ends with a cadenza contest between the two of them, which Christine ends up winning.
9. The Jewel Song
Carlotta ends up performing in Faust. Right as she finishes the Jewel Song, the stage goes completely dark, and in the midst of all the confusion, Erik drops the chandelier. He also carries off Christine, whom Raoul starts looking for when he ends up running into... THE PERSIAN!
10. In a Room Full of Shadows
You already know this one. Christine, recovering from the shock of seeing Erik's face for the first time, asks him if he was always like this. Erik tells her stories of his childhood, and "talks" to his younger self.
11. Rituals
MASQUERAAAADE! Many guests at the masked ball talk about the normal procedures they go through while they're looking for dates at the same time. Erik looks for Christine... and probably finds her.
12. Leaving for the World
The other Raoul and Christine duet. Sort of like All I Ask of You, played from the rooftop. They talk about their plans to leave the opera house and seek a new life elsewhere.
13. Questions
Oh no, Christine has disappeared from the stage! In this reprise of That's the Way It's Done around Here, the cast and crew and managers go crazy trying to find her, helped out by none other than... THE PERSIAN!
14. Skin Deep
Erik is going crazy at this point. He's ranting to Christine about how beauty is only, well, skin deep, with angry comments to Raoul and the Persian along the way. He also confronts her with the choice of scorpion vs. grasshopper, though he never actually mentions the bronze animals directly. This is probably the best Erik rant I've ever heard.
15. In a Whisper
It starts with Erik, singing about his lovesickness and how Christine could cure it, then Christine, Raoul, and the Persian chime in, all singing their own things. I think Raoul and the Persian are still in the torture chamber, but I don't know for sure. The harmonies in this song are beautiful.
16. Epilogue: Haunted
The scene goes back to the courtroom, where the "Phantom of the Opera" is declared a myth. The Persian, Christine, and Raoul (in that order) say that even if there are no "ghosts", each of us is haunted by our own lives. It goes into a full-ensemble song on the same theme, reflecting on the happenings of the story, and proclaiming at the end that "the Phantom of the Opera was alive!"

There you go, a full description of the songs in the show. Can you tell me which ones you've heard?

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RJDaae In reply to Elanchana [2008-10-13 14:52:34 +0000 UTC]

Aww, thanks so much! I've heard 'Behind Every Door', 'That's the Way It's Done Around Here', 'The Love You Never Had', 'In a Room Full of Shadows' (obviously), 'Rituals', 'In a Whisper', and 'Haunted'. Some of those might have only been part of the song, though, because they felt kind of short, and faded out at the end in the middle of words.

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Elanchana In reply to RJDaae [2008-10-14 02:32:32 +0000 UTC]

Hmm. Behind Every Door, TTWIDAH, TLYNH, Rituals, and Haunted are on the official site ( [link] ) and they're shortened versions so I can understand how you heard those, but how did you get a hold of IaRFoS and In a Whisper? Did I send those to you or something? I think I remember sending some Alonso songs to Apollo's Lyre one time...

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RJDaae In reply to Elanchana [2008-10-15 12:54:56 +0000 UTC]

Yes! I'd almost forgotten, but I got them from you! Thanks again for telling me about this version back then!
And, yeah, those you mentioned from the website are the ones that seemed cut-off in my copies.

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Elanchana In reply to Elanchana [2008-10-11 04:50:25 +0000 UTC]

Ah dang, for Rituals I meant "looking for dates and hiding their faces at the same time". Sorry.

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Elanchana [2008-10-11 04:12:01 +0000 UTC]

RJDAAE. YOU. ARE. AMAZING.

I LOVE TOM ALONSO AND HIS PHANTOM OF THE OPERA MUSICAL IS COMPLETELY AMAZING EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Sorry, I'll try to cut down on the caps.

I found out about this musical from Fox on Gaia over a year ago, and Room Full of Shadows was the song that really hooked me... I cried all the way through it the first time!!

I now have the entire CD, email contact with Tom, one of his other CDs, and.. guess what... TICKETS FOR BALTIMORE! That's right, Alonso's Phantom is onstage at Toby's Dinner Theatre again! And it's only there until November, so you'd better get over there fast!

I'll bring back pictures of me, Katie, Mary (two friends from Gaia), Tom, and Braxton (Erik).

Oh, um... song list from Alonso Phantom coming in new comment.

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