PHANTOONS of the OPERA

The official Tumblr blog for Raphael's Phantoons of the Opera. Featuring works-in-progress, previews of special projects, theatre, arts, and general phandemonium.

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Isaiah Bailey & Jordan Lee Gilbert, POTO US Tour 2026

I'm fine, I swear. It's not like I've been wanting to gif Isaiah and Jordan for months or anything.

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Phantom of the Mall: Eric’s Revenge (1989)

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The Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge (1989)

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Mothers are an inspiration.

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“(Three) Dancers Entering the Stage”

I was going to post this on February 7th, which according to the internets is Ballet Day. But with World Ballet Day in October now being a thing and therefore nobody really observing Feb 7th, I thought I should probably wait until then.

Turns out nobody puts Little Meg in a corner.

See more of my art here

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Oh look, I think I found my outfit for Masquerade

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no one has been normal about this today (x)

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Just announced by penguin house!! I knew about the Christine focused novel but so excited about the rest 🙂‍↕️

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Well played, ALW. You may have beaten me to the Little Golden Books adaptation, but I swear I'll have my Phantom-themed edition of "Chutes and Ladders" done before you!

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Davis Gaines & Marie Danvers, POTO Los Angeles 1998

This is one of my favorite kisses in Phantom history. Marie Danvers and Davis Gaines had such a beautiful and unique approach to this moment. After "make your choice," Gaines curls into himself, desperately avoiding any touch or further attempts at persuasion. Danvers grabs him from this curled position and their first kiss is born of desperation.

But then Danvers steps back. And instead of throwing her arms around the Phantom and hugging him like the usual blocking demands, she faces him. She makes eye contact with him, takes in his full humanity and vulnerability. And if you pay close attention to the second gif, you see Gaines's Phantom mouth "Christine" with total shock, longing, and reverence.

The second kiss isn't desperate; it's a gift of love and compassion. Danvers smiles before pulling him in again, taking his face in her hands. Gaines lifts a trembling hand but can't bring himself to place it in her hair. And when they finally separate they don't tear themselves away dramatically. They just...behold each other and let the moment linger.

This is a kiss you can believe changed someone's life.

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Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Welch together really should've been against the law.

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“A Phantom Valentine”

One of my favorite holidays was Valentine’s Day and my very first phantoon was a Valentine’s Day gift to my friends on a San Francisco Phantom message board (anybody out there remember message boards?). Rendered in ink and painted *by mouse* in Photoshop.

I got myself a Wacom tablet shortly thereafter.

See more of my art here

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“Masked Lothario”

Like Alice, you pass through the looking-glass and descend once more into darkness, into a world of mist and candlelight, into his world. In the dark it’s impossible to tell if your eyes are open or closed. It doesn’t matter, your feet and heart know the way. Your descent levels; the cool, wet air frisks around the lace of your changing gown; an island of light emerges from the gloom. Your light-hungry eyes lust for the candle flame, irises contracting with a pleasant pain as the you come to focus on the figure of a man lounging in an extravagance of blue satin cushions.

His strong, long arms are open; to caress or crush? His slender hands languidly pet the fabric surrounding him. From his pale hand to his pale shirt, yours eyes move. Almost feminine, the shirt skims the surface of his skin with silken kisses. Your jealous lips quiver with a desire to caress that skin with kisses of their own, feel the texture; soft skin hiding hard muscles just beneath.

A nervous laugh bubbles from between your betrayer lips. You’ve been here before, seen him before, why are you so consumed by nerves (or is it lust?) only now? Perhaps it’s the lesson he offers tonight; might the maestro’s Don Juan do more than just sing this night? His note, in its elegant script, trembles in your still-clutched hand. “Much still to learn” it says and you don’t know if you anticipate or dread the possibility of a change in the subject of your master’s lessons. Will his voice reprimand cruelly or whisper sweetly?

A shiver rides your spine at the thought and you close your eyes, inhale deeply and hold it, trying to steady and ground yourself. You open your eyes, see his fiery gaze fall on you and your captured breath escapes in a slow sigh that shudders through your whole body. You are lost. You are his.

“Christine…”

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art by Raphael, text by Kelleyfaye

See more of my art here

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“Lacy Ruffles of Passion”

He’s coming, she thought as she stood before the mirror. Her gown, a gift, lightly embraced her shoulders as the delicate organza of its ruffles were caught up in a chill breeze that raced over her porcelain skin. Her pulse, quickened by the now strengthening wind from the shadows, brought new blood to her cheeks, brightening the cat-like emerald of her eyes, deepening the midnight of her raven hair. The gown slid from the gentle curve of her neckline by some airy hand. She felt herself grow weak in anticipation. Steadying herself on her dressing table, she waited for him, her teacher. He’s coming.

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art by Raphael, text by Kelleyfaye

See more of my art here

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“Yearnings of a Waterlogged Suitor”

The mirror surface of the lake shattered, from its depths rose human perfection. Water, released from the luxurious prison of his golden hair, streamed across his face, ran down the nape of his smooth neck, slid over his muscled back, between his shoulder blades. He swept the hair from his azure eyes and scanned the chamber into which he’d emerged. In his mind’s-eye he could see himself, his skin glistening in the soft phosphorescent glow of the century-old lichen that hung from the rough-hewn stone walls, his shirt clinging to him, outlining each well-honed muscle with silken tenderness. His beloved was nowhere in sight, but that was just as well, if she had seen him like this she would faint away and might injure herself with her fall. No, she was not here, he would have to continue his quest to seek her out from the darkness and colossal danger of the caverns…

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art by Raphael, text by Kelleyfaye

See more of my art here

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“A Diva’s Devotion”

A pose inspired by “Conan” and other sword and sorcery movie art. Clearly this is a staged photo because you know who really wears the pants in that relationship.

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