Julie Chen In Paris

Early Show Co-Anchor Visits Paris Opera House; Sees A First: Performance There From "Phantom Of The Opera"

(CBS)  It's going to be an exciting few weeks for the co-anchors of The Early Show, as each gets to go on a fabulous trip. But they don't know where they're going -- or when. All they know is they have to show up for work each day with their bags packed, ready to depart at a moment's notice.

It's all part of the continuing series, "Destination Unkown." Each anchor gets a clue from Survivor and Amazing Race host Phil Koeghan about where they're going just before they leave.

First off -- Julie Chen -- who learned on the show Thursday she was headed to -- the City of Lights -- Paris! She was whisked away in mid-show to go overseas, and shared her trip with viewers on Friday, which happened to be Halloween.

Julie visited one of the most beautiful, opulent buildings in the world, the famous Paris Opera House. She not only got a history-laden tour, but treated viewers to a true first -- it's never happened -- a performance in that opera house of a song from the classic musical "Phantom of the Opera" which, of course, is set there.

"Phantom" is a timeless story of romance and heartbreak. It follows a disfigured musical genius obsessed with a beautiful young soprano named Christine. With the love of Raul, the theater's wealthy patron, she hopes to be set free.

Stars of the London production of Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Phantom," Simon Bailey and Gina Beck -- Raoul and Christine -- performed their duet "All I Ask Of You" for Julie and Early Show viewers.

Later in the broadcast, Howard McGillin, who plays the "phantom" in Broadway's current production, performed "Music Of The Night" live on our plaza, as part of our Halloween extravaganza.

Julie also took us with her from when she left the set in New York to when she arrived in Paris. Her entire trip was arranged by Virtuoso. She flew business class via OpenSkies, and EuroPanache assisted with arrangements in Paris. Julie stayed at the magnificent InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel.

Other highlights: a fashion show hosted by the legendary host of Paris Mode, Marie Christiane Marek, who discussed John Galliano's latest collection (we had five different outfits, including hats, modeled for us); a report from Julie, special for Halloween, on Paris' dark side; and, to mark Halloween, a look at the history of chocolate and some of the current trends with the treat. Sandra Messier, of the famous Cordon Bleu Cookery School, did the honors, and unveiled -- a chocolate sculpture of the "Phantom of the Opera"!

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[bhinger1]

Is there a way to watch the clips of both performances online? My VCR didn''t work correctly!! I''m so upset I missed it!?! Please????? Thanks

[ejcspau]

Too bad the money spent on the trips wasn''t spent on feeding the hungry in New York.

[bhinger1]

Thank you SOOOO much for posting the clip online....any chance of getting Phantom''s "Music Of The Night" online?

[jermarlab]

We were watching Julie Chen''s trip to Paris story this morning. We really can''t understand how you could send a reporter to Paris with first class tickets for two days when there are so many Americans hurting that have lost their jobs and homes and can barely feed their families. The economy is a disaster and this type of reporting needs to stop. Your frivolous spending is unconsciousable...shame on you CBS!

[hejira2]

The show was lovely. I was impressed by parts of Paris I didn''t know, the Opera House, the underground parts, the quirky fashion show and wanted to eat that chocolate. Great show and such welcome relief from Joe the Plumber.

For those of you who think CBS News should stop traveling to feed the poor, I think you''re heads aren''t turned on straight.

[joanne671]

I''m sorry but I too was disgusted with Julies trip to Paris. Come on, 1st, top notch. She can afford to do that with her own $. Why would I want to see someone who already has a great life have even a better one? And is that real mink she''s wearing? I certainly hope its faux fur. I love Julie so I''m praying is faux. If I find out different I will no longer support Julie and her shows she does. Times are tough, no need to flaut your wealth. Again, shame on CBS and there lavish trips.

[dansle7eme]

I''m sorry, but this is exploitation of a true love story that did happen in this opera house. I''m sure Erik (the Phantom) rolled in his grave while hearing these two howl.
LONG LIVE LEROUX