[Intro — Instrumental music box, distant theater applause] [Three sharp pointe-shoe taps] Tok… Tok… Tok… [Verse 1 — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] Behind the velvet, after the show, Where dying candles cast their glow, I found a box beneath the stair, A pair of satin slippers there. A faded rose, a silver thread, A little note in crimson red: “For she who longs to touch the sky, Put these on, and learn to fly.” [Verse 2 — THE DEVIL, MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] My dear Elisabeth, why do you weep? Is fame a promise you cannot keep? They praise your grace, then turn away; Tomorrow brings another name. [ELISABETH — FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] Who speaks to me? Who knows my fear? There is nobody standing here. [THE DEVIL — MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] A friend who knows what dreams are worth. Try on the finest shoes on earth. [Pre-Chorus — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] The ribbons tighten round my skin, A strange sweet warmth is rising in. My trembling feet have found their way, Oh, let this moment never fade! [Chorus — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] Satin temptation, carry me higher, Lift me above every doubt and desire! One perfect turn, one glorious flight, Make me a star in the Paris night! [Chorus Response — THE DEVIL, MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] Higher, my rose, higher for me, Every step brings you closer to me. Dance, little darling, surrender your soul, The stage is yours, but I’m in control! [Instrumental — Piano waltz, strings, electric guitar] [Verse 3 — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] I cross the floor without a sound, My feet no longer touch the ground. A thousand turns, and not one fall, I hear the phantom audience call. [THE DEVIL — MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] A little faster, one more spin, Feel how the music moves within. The world will kneel before your art, Just give the rhythm all your heart. [ELISABETH — FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] I never knew that I could fly, But why won’t these feet obey my mind? My toes are burning, ankles ache, Yet every turn is yours to make! [Pre-Chorus — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] I pull the ribbons, they will not yield! My feet keep dancing against my will! I try to stop, I try to fight, Please, let me take them off tonight! [THE DEVIL — MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] You asked for beauty without end. A promise made cannot be unmade. [Chorus — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] Satin temptation, set me free! These dancing feet don’t belong to me! One perfect turn, one endless night, I cannot stop, however I fight! [Chorus Response — THE DEVIL, MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] Satin temptation, splendid and sweet! Your every heartbeat follows my beat. Smile for the mirror, smile through the pain, You’ll dance for me again and again! [Bridge — Music stops, heartbeat and solitary piano] [ELISABETH — FEMALE SPOKEN VOICE ONLY] My hands… why are they rising? Why am I smiling? I’m trying to scream. Why does my mouth sing? [THE DEVIL — MALE SPOKEN VOICE ONLY] Because, my little rose, You accepted the shoes. And now the shoes have given me you. [ELISABETH — FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] I feel each splinter through the floor, I hear my voice demanding more. My body bows, my heart says no, There’s nowhere left for me to go. [THE DEVIL — MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] Your eyes may weep, your soul may plead, Your feet will answer only me. Tonight, perfection has begun, Tomorrow, we shall have such fun! [Instrumental Build — Heavy drums, strings, organ] [Final Chorus — ELISABETH, FEMALE SOPRANO ONLY] Satin temptation, hear my cry! I wanted the stage, I wanted to fly! Take back the glory, take back the flame, Just let me dance beneath my name! [Final Chorus Response — THE DEVIL, MALE BASS-BARITONE ONLY] Satin temptation, my first red rose, Nobody sees what the dancer knows. One perfect smile, one perfect bow, The music is mine, and you are mine now! [Outro — Music box, all other instruments stop] [ELISABETH — FEMALE WHISPER ONLY] Please… somebody… Take them off. [THE DEVIL — DEEP MALE WHISPER ONLY] Not yet, my darling. Your audience is waiting. [Three isolated pointe-shoe taps] Tok. Tok. Tok. [End — Silence]
