Master Class
Terrence McNally’s Master Class
from May 26 through June 17, 2006(Calendar)
May 26*, 27, June 2, 3, 4(2:00PM) sold out, 9, 10, 11(2:00PM), 16, 17
All shows at 8:00PM except as indicated
The doors of the recital hall swing open: in sweeps the diva, taking the stage with nothing less than divine right. "No applause," she warns, throwing up a halting hand. "We're here to work." And work she does! McNally constructs this buoyant crash-course in how life and love inform one's art with an imaginative reconstruction of the real-life master classes undertaken in 1971and ‘72 by the great diva herself, Maria Callas. The glorious voice has long since deserted her and she is left humanized, if not notably humbled, by the life lessons she picked up during her amazing, meteoric career. These, as much as her musical counseling, she bestows on her students and on us, the audience, as she spins her tales of art and love, world approval and heartbreaking abandonment.
Master Class is the imaginative recreation of the real-life master classes undertaken in 1971 and '72 by the great diva herself, Maria Callas. In this tour-de-force production directed by Elizabeth Craven, Elly Lichenstein plays Maria as she spins her tales of art and love, world approval and heartbreaking abandonment.
More information and pictures...
Reviews and Comments
From The Press Democrat, June 9 , 2006, by Dan Taylor
'Master Class' brings Callas to life
Elly Lichenstein's performance energizes cast and audience
"An actress needn't be a retired opera singer to play one in Terrence McNally's semi-historical "Master Class," but as Elly Lichenstein proves in Cinnabar Theater's production, it adds an extra dimension to the show."
"The script, which has Callas coaching her entranced pupils as if they were her puppets, really doesn't require any singing from her. Yet, just when it seems she never will sing again, Lichenstein does, almost inadvertently joining her students' arias briefly, out of sheer passion for the music."
"It's an electric moment. For those who love opera as much as Callas did, and as much as Lichenstein obviously still does, it's liable to induce chills."
"This is Lichenstein's show. It's her moment. She earned it, she can handle it and her longtime local followers should enjoy sharing it with her."
Read the entire article here...
From the Press Democrat, Letters to the Editor, June 8, 2006
Four-star rating
"EDITOR: Elly Lichenstein's performance as the diva Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's play "Master Class," at the Cinnabar Theater is worthy of a four-star rating. As the play opens Maria tells the audience, "No applause. We are here to work." The singers, sopranos Rebecca Brown and Kathleen Sisco and tenor Codrut Birsan with the piano accompanist, Adrian Boyer, are put under the microscope by the demanding diva who at times will reminisce about her turbulent career on and off the stage."
"The audience cheered "Bravo" as the play ended, and you will do the same. Drive, run or walk to the Cinnabar Theater before "Master Class" ends on June 17. The play closes the season on a very high note."
EMILY and WALTER ROEDER
Petaluma
From The Press Democrat, May 26, 2006, by Janet Palmer
Opera legend offers inspiration
Cinnabar's 'Master Class' follows later years of Maria Callas' career
Life is fraught with unanticipated challenges, and in Cinnabar Theater's latest production, Elly Lichenstein empathizes with the renowned opera singer Maria Callas' emotional roller coaster. Full article here
From Kashimba Reviews, Reviewed by David Kashimba
Elly Lichenstein brings out the many sides of opera diva Maria Callas in Cinnabar Theater’s production of Master Class in Petaluma. Lichenstein, Cinnabar’s Artistic Director, subtly explores the many nuances of Callas’ complex character.... [The] comic emphasis makes this play accessible to non-opera lovers....But for the opera lover, Cinnabar has provided a fantastic supporting cast of young singers with excellent voices and Lichenstein provides a well-rounded look into the life and soul of one of the world’s greatest divas. Full article here
Single Tickets: $22/$20
*Gala Opening (Optional) by Negri’s Restaurant includes delicious hors d’oeuvres at 7pm.
Single Tickets: $32/$30
