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by Terrance McNally The Tony Award winning Best Play from 1996 opens the third season at Good Theater. Set during a master class, this humorous and dramatic work gives audiences a glimpse of the real Maria Callas, the greatest opera singer of her generation. Lisa Stathopolos takes on the demanding role of Maria Callas that won Zoe Caldwell a Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Play. Other actresses to receive acclaim for portraying Callas include Patti LuPone, Dixie Carter and Faye Dunaway. Stathopolos is joined on stage by Aaron Robinson as Manny, the pianist, and Jennifer McLeod, Richard Gammon and Kelly Caufield portray Maria’s three students. Master Class isn’t just for opera fans! Reviews STATHOPLOS
BREATHES FIRE INTO CALLAS ROLE "Master Class" is directed with the classy touch of artistic director, Brian Allen. His first smart move was to cast the veteran Maine actor, Lisa Stathoplos, in the leading role. Being Greek-American she has the dark elegant features and flair of her character. But it's more than that. She exhibits the fire, the emotion, and the particularity of Callas. And Stathoplos must perform at three levels - as Callas; as Callas performing as Callas when she demonstrates for her students; and as younger Callas and others from her past in several memory scenes. Brava. Another outstanding aspect of the show is the quality of the other performers, who appear as the hapless students and pianist. Kelly Caufield wows with her singing in the meatiest role of the high-strung soprano, Sharon; Aaron Robinson is comfortable in the role of accompanist as well as performs beautifully; Richard Gammon is terrific as the tenor, Tony; and Jennifer McLeod as the innocent Sophie is the most successful in communicating her frustration through her admiration for the this cruel yet truthful teacher. Chris Handy is fine in the tiny role of the stagehand. The St. Lawrence Arts Center has an improved look, thanks to work done this summer. Scenic designer Janet Montgomery has worked with the color scheme of the theater to create an elegant setting for the "Master Class" - all maroon and black. The action takes place in front of the gorgeous satin stage curtains. Lighting designer Jamie Grant washes the stage with clear even light during the teaching sessions, and pulls our focus to Callas during the darker memory scenes. Joan McMahon has created a range of looks with her costumes that aptly reflect the characters - whether it's the class of Callas or the frou-frou of Sophie. If you know anything about Callas or singing, go see this play. If you don't know anything about either, go see this play!" THE FORECASTER, "Portland's Good Theater opened its 2004-2005 season last week with a riveting professional performance of "Master Class," led by Maine actress Lisa Stathoplos delivering a bravura performance as the celebrated soprano who rocked the staid operatic world for two decades. Lisa deserved her standing ovation - the sort of reception that was the norm during Callas' heyday." THE
PORTLAND PHOENIX Cast & Crew Directed by Brian P. Allen |
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