It has been more than a year since I saw Phantom in the stage
production in Minneapolis.  This is what I recall.

In the opening scene there is a small barrel organ on stage and it is
referred to in the script between the actors.  It was not a real organ
and there was no simulated music.  The opening scene was a street
auction, as I recall, and the organ was one of the items for sale.

I am not aware of the history of Phantom and whether the organ appeared
in earlier versions.  The design of the organ in this version appeared
to be typical of those scene in pictorials of the period.  It was a bit
more colorful than some.  It was of the type carried on one's shoulder,
quite small, and it was on the stage amidst several other items for
auction.

The song Masquerade and at least three others from Phantom are
available from Reuge Music, 1-800-738-4348.

Angelo Rulli
St. Paul, MN