“Master Class” Terrence McNally's Tony award-winning play about opera diva Maria Callas

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 27, 2013 - Internationally renowned soprano Maria Callas had a legendary voice and an equally legendary life as one of the world's most celebrated—and gossiped-about—opera stars. In 1971, Callas taught a series of master classes at Juilliard. Outspoken in her artistic beliefs and uncompromising in the musical understanding she sought to communicate to 25 fortunate students, Callas worked through her legendary arias from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, and others. Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning play finds Callas near the end of her career, her voice almost gone, as she instructs a group of young singers aspiring to the heights of fame and fortune with wicked humor, unrelenting criticism and deeply personal stories.

“As a performing artist, I identify with Maria’s grandiosity as well as her humiliation,” says Gigi Bermingham. “It’s a privilege to embody the essence of ‘La Divina,’ this fascinating, deeply sensitive woman whose own experience was as exquisite and as tragic as the operas she brought to life.”

“Callas experienced such passionate dedication to her art on such a grand emotional scale,” agrees director Todd Nielsen. “Master Class is so special because McNally has fused brilliantly poetic dialogue and wonderful humor with great music from classic operas.”

Master Class runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 pm and Sundays @ 2 pm, March 22 through April 14. Two preview performances take place on Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21 @ 8 pm. Tickets are $38 on Thursdays and $45 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except opening night which is $50 and includes a reception with the actors following the performance. Preview tickets are $29. International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 E. Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, CA 90802. For reservations and information, call the ICT Box Office at 562-436-4610

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