Having a love-hate with derivative material

[keening_phantom]

What kind of mewling drivel are you exposing us to now?

[Well, the songs are a bit catchy...]

If you need more material, read the original work again, Madame! It is bad enough you saddled me with this child's face that's more a farce than a compliment to my name! Don't you dare impose another burden upon me!

And for the sake of your neck, will you stop that incesant howling!

[That's my singing, you jerk!]

Comments

[shelbycobra]

I think that happens a lot. My mun saw the touring production of your musical last week and she sang badly all the way home.

[keening_phantom]

I've been living with her singing for a very, very long time, unfortunately. However, it's picked up in earnest as of late.

[And mun is very jealous! Waiting for the tour tickets to go on sale around here, and then another three-month wait!]

[shelbycobra]

I can't sing at all, so I won't inflict that upon you. There's only one thing I do well and I'm afraid it's not artistic at all.

(It's amazing, the cast that I saw anyway. I think they change casts in November.)

[keening_phantom]

At least you are aware. Working on such skills is nothing to be ashamed of, but intentionally afflicting it on others [mun ignoooores the glare] is another matter entirely.

And personal expression need not be artistic.

[Aaaw, it won't be anywhere near me before then, but I'm still excited to see it when it comes by!]

[shelbycobra]

I'm an athlete, although I can sort of play piano on a good day.

[Chuckles.]

Mostly what I do is much more physical.

(I'm sure it'll still be good. I know this particular tour they said is like the biggest touring production or one of the biggest.)

[keening_phantom]

Not all of my own talents are artistic in nature. [Erik! Murder does not count!] But I certainly don't get out enough to consider myself in any way athletic.

((I've seen the show a couple times but it's been years and I heard a few things had been changed/updated since. Also new cast and crew. Always excited to see what new people do with the roles!))

[shelbycobra]

It has its ups and downs. I had a back injury months ago that, while in no way severe, my mun seems to like pulling back out whenever she damn well feels like it.

[Cue glare in the mun's direction.]

(It was my first. A friend of mine is in the cast, so I had no excuse not to go and I'm glad I did. I may go see the Broadway version later this year, if a planned trip to New York goes through!)

[happyfalcon]

I take it saying that you 'don't care for her renditions' would be putting it mildly? My scribe would be no improvement, if it's any consolation.

[Totally not humming the tunes now...nope. That'd be silly.]

[keening_phantom]

Mildly. Though there's opportunity for them to improve, there's no reason to subject me intentionally to unnecessary performances.

[happyfalcon]

Well then the solution is simple enough - seems a distraction is in order, no?

[keening_phantom]

A logical solution, Madame. One I'd be quite willing to indulge if it will spare me the theatrics.

[happyfalcon]

No need for formalities unless it brings you pleasure - you may call me Anne. If I recall, you're a man of many talents, yes? Do you dance, monsieur?

[keening_phantom]

Not so much pleasure as keeping my feet firmly planted, if you'll so indulge me.

And I can dance, though my opportunities to do so with a partner have been notably limited.

[stonebird]

He seems grown to me? Why do you call him a child?

[keening_phantom]

Relatively speaking. [Thank you, for calling him out on that!]

And he's rather, as my mun puts it, fetching. Not that I mind it entirely, but it's not my original design. [And yet, you like being somewhat pretty Erik. You know you dooo.]

[stonebird]

He does not resemble you, you mean. I can see how that would be disturbing. (But it's nice to be fetching? Most people like to be pretty or handsome, though she knows that beauty can hide infinite cruelty.)

You can only let your personality shine through. One's appearance is only skin deep.

[keening_phantom]

It's a half resemblance, if you will.

And so the saying goes. At least my music is still as powerful as it has always been. Allowing me to truly express myself.

[stonebird]

What sort of music do you compose? Are you a Bard? (Color her interested! She loves songs.)

[keening_phantom]

Much more than that, Madame. I compose entire operas. It is only one of many talents I possess.

[chorusing]

That isn't very nice. They should have a chance to sing. [It meant the world to her.] I thought you a patron, Phantom.

[keening_phantom]

[He is SO busted. He's just going to freeze right there, and mun is going to laugh rather loudly at his expense.]

I-- do give them a chance to sing. [Good luck digging yourself out of this one, Erik.] It's her current choice of song which is infuriating.

[Mun loves a good earworm.]

[chorusing]

What if they took your critique to heart and stopped? [:(] Then give her another song! Who better to provide her with material?

[keening_phantom]

[The mun thanks you, dear Christine. He can only purse his lips with a nod. Yes, even if a voice isn't good it would be worse if they stopped. After all, for all his skill he had started as a novice too!]

I have been trying. I have reached a point though, where I can only wait for the fashion to pass.

[chorusing]

[Novices must stick together! He has given her chances she never believed she would have. She hopes someone else is given the same gift.]

If her heart is set on it, the fashion will never pass. Wouldn't that be exciting? You could watch her improve and expand her repertoire!

[keening_phantom]

[Christine's enthusiasm is infectious, and a faint smile tugs at his face. Her brightness has a way of doing that to him.]

If it brings her joy - . [He can be such a pushover for you, Christine. And if it makes you happy, far be it from me to stop her.