🎭 “Bravi, bravi, bravissimi”

The Phantom’s first line, drifting over the opera house after Christine’s “Think of Me,” is one of the most famous entrances in musical theatre. Yet it is also grammatically wrong. Because Christine is a woman, the line should be “Brava, brava, bravissima.” Even Raoul’s “Bravo!” is technically incorrect — he should say “Brava!”

📚 How It Happened

When The Phantom of the Opera premiered in 1986, accuracy in Italian was not a priority. The creatives chose “Bravi” because it sounded strong and dramatic in repetition. That choice became frozen into the official RUG script and score, never revised — even after audiences and linguists pointed out the mistake.

💬 Attempts to Justify It

Over the years, directors and producers have offered explanations: that the Phantom is praising both Christine and himself, or that he is addressing the whole company. In reality, these are rationalizations layered on afterward. The truth is simpler: the line was written wrong, and tradition kept it that way.

🎭 Performance Variations

A few Phantoms have quietly corrected the line to “Brava” (bootlegs preserve these rare moments), but they remain exceptions. Even in Italy — where the mistake is glaring — productions have kept “Bravi.” Raoul, however, usually says “Brava” there, since “Bravo!” to a woman would be too jarring for a native audience.

📌 Fun Fact

- Bravo = masculine singular
- Brava = feminine singular
- Bravi = masculine plural, or mixed-gender plural
- Brave = feminine plural

Phantom’s use of “Bravi” is wrong, but its sound and tradition have made it iconic. The mistake has become part of the legend.