Yes, this really happened.
So, for any of you out there who somehow don’t know who Paul Mescal is yet, first of all, how? Second of all, he’s Ireland’s newest breakout star. He’s skyrocketed to fame after playing Connell in the recent BBC and Hulu production of Normal People, adapted from Sally Rooney’s book of the same name.
Over the last few weeks, the world has become obsessed with Paul, Connell, and Connell’s golden chain (understandably so, we think).
What you may not know is that, long before his major role in Normal People, Paul starred as The Phantom in his school’s stage production of Phantom of the Opera. Luckily for everyone, there is a video proof of this on YouTube. So, for your viewing pleasure:
It now turns out that the composer of the original stage musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber, caught wind of Paul’s past association with the musical and has – wait for it – invited him to a Phantom of the Opera singalong.
Oh yes, the big-time musical composer tweeted Paul just yesterday with the suggestion:
@mescal_paul Hi Paul! I heard that you are part of the Phantom alumni, fancy a singalong? – ALW
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) May 17, 2020
And Paul, understandably, seemed both a little starstruck and delighted by the idea:
OMG is this a real thing 😍
— Paul Mescal (@mescal_paul) May 17, 2020
For the rest of us, all we can really do is wait and pray that this comes to fruition because, now that it’s been suggested, it’s something that we oh so desperately need in our lives.
Plus, we’re sure if they’re stuck for people to join, there’s the whole rest of the world who would happily play the part of Christine (those pesky high notes be damned).
So, please, Andrew Lloyd Webber, we’re counting on you to make this happen. The world is counting on you.
