Learning opera from the master

Cinnabar Theater presents Terrence McNally's drama 'Master Class'

May 24, 2006

Ever wonder what it would be like to study voice under the world's most famous opera divas? Cinnabar Theater offers a taste of operatic divinity in a production of Terrence McNally's "Master Class" opening Friday.

McNally's drama constructs a crash course in how life and love inform one's art with an imaginative recreation of the master classes taught by opera star Maria Callas at the Juilliard School of Music in New York during the early 1970s.

Born in Greece in 1923 as Maria Anna Sophie Cecilia Kalogeropoulos, she was admitted at age 14 to the National Conservatoire -- she was two years younger than the required admissions age.

Callas made her professional operatic debut in 1941 as Beatrice in "Boccaccio" at the Palas Cinema with the Lyric Theatre Company and went on to perform in a number of operas before leaving Greece for the United States in 1945.

Her career in opera spanned several countries, eventually bringing her to the U.S. again in later years to teach a master class.

In "Master Class," Callas' glorious voice has long deserted her, and she is left humanized and notably humbled by the life lessons she picked up during her meteoric career. Callas bestows these lessons on her students as she spins her tales of art and love, world approval and abandonment."

The role of Maria Callas is traditionally played by a non-singing actress. In the Cinnabar production, the role is being played by Petaluma resident and Cinnabar Theater general manager Elly Lichenstein, herself a retired opera singer and Callas devotee.

Directed by Elizabeth Craven, "Master Class" also stars Jay Lyon as the accompanist, Rebecca Brown as first soprano Sophie de Palma, Codrut Birsan as tenor Tony Candolino and Kathleen Sisco as final soprano Sharon Graham. All are from San Francisco.

Show times are at 8 p.m. May 26-27, June 2-3, 8-10 and 16-17; and 2 p.m. June 4, 11. An opening night gala catered by Negri's Restaurant begins at 7 p.m. Friday. Gala tickets are $32 general, $30 seniors and students.

Regular admission for all other shows is $22 general, $20 seniors and students.-->

MASTER CLASS

What: Terrence McNally's drama based on opera singer Maria Callas' class.

When: May 26 through June 17

Showtimes: 8 p.m. May 26-27, June 2-3, 8-10 and 16-17; and 2 p.m. June 4, 11. May 26 opening night gala begins at 7 p.m.

Where: Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North

Admission: $22 general, $20 seniors and students. Admission for May 26 gala is $32 general, $30 students and seniors.

Information: Call the Cinnabar box office at 763-8920.