Daytons Human Race Theatre presents Master Class

Daytons Human Race Theatre presents Master Class

REVIEW: Master Class

by Mike Woody

On my likability scale of music genres opera ranks near the bottom, just ahead of classical, so I wasn’t exactly bursting with excitement to see Master Class, which is about a former highly esteemed opera singer teaching students on performance. To the cast’s credit, I enjoyed Master Class much more than I expected. 

Though it’s not a one woman show, everything revolves around Maria Callas, who traveled the world headlining opera’s in cities that I can’t even pronounce (or spell). The lifestyle has left her hardened, and Maria Callas excels at taking the spotlight and turning the wretched soul into a captivating character. She demands the audience’s attention and keeps it throughout all her demeaning, self-serving, and sometimes downright funny remarks. Girten builds a connection with the audience, that breaks down the theater walls and transports them directly into her classroom. With very little on the stage, Girten sets the scene by displaying a headstrong, no nonsense authority figure. 

Callas expects nothing less than perfection from her students and will stop them repeatedly to start over until she is satisfied.  Their entrance onto the stage and then listening to the intro music before starting to sing is rehearsed multiple under her direction. The students are also told to know every aspect about the character they are portraying, not just the material that’s provided. Ironically, as strong as Girten is in the role, I doubt that Callas herself would be satisfied with her performance as she read several of her lines off of notecards. Granted, she has some very long passages and it’s a lot to remember, but it’s the very thing that Callas would not stand for.

The first student is the sweet, but innocent Sophie De Palma, played by Jeremy Carlisle Parker. She has a fragile soul that Callas just tears apart. The majority of De Palma’s lesson is spent just properly preparing for her opening note. Parker’s cheerfulness shines through and provides the perfect counter balance to the darkness around Callas.

Every opera needs at least one tenor, which is the position that Anthony Candolino (Blake Friedman) plans to make a career of filling. Friedman gives Candolino a confidence that Callas tries to break down, but she’s left speechless once he sings. There only a few songs performed in the show, and Friedman is a highlight. While opera may not be my favorite, the talent it requires can’t be denied, and Friedman’s voice is one to admire.

Another voice, equally as stunning as the evening gown she wore, is that of Cassi Mikat, who portrayed Sharon Graham. Graham’s first attempt at a lesson gets off to a bad start and is short lived, but thankfully she returns. Mikat is not only dressed to star in an opera, but she shows off her high dollar voice too. 

His words may be few, but Sean Michael Flowers as Emmanuel Weinstock does plenty of talking with his hands on the keys. He accompanies the students on the piano and is clearly a gifted musician, even more so in the second act when he refines his look.

Master Class is written by Terrence McNally, and was the 1996 Tony Award winner for “Best Play.” It’s directed by Scott Toney who makes a couple of brief cameos in the show. 

Master Class is about more than opera, and shouldn’t be missed by anyone with an interest in theatre. It continues at The Loft through June 26.

June 9 – 26, 2016 by Terrence McNally

One of the opera world’s greatest legends takes center stage as Maria Callas gives three aspiring singers a rough welcome into the world of performing. During a series of master classes, this controversial personality now in the twilight of her career remains fearless as she looks back upon her life—the triumphs and heartbreaks, the egos and ambitions, the glories and the scandals. This Tony Award-winning drama gives a revealing look at a commanding diva and the sacrifice for art.

Photos: Daytons Human Race Theatre presents Master Class

HRTC Master Class at The Loft Theatre
Daytons Human Race Theatre presents Master Class

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The Loft Theatre

Daytons Human Race Theatre presents Master Class is taking place at The Loft Theatre, which is located at 126 N. Main Street in Dayton. The Loft Theatre - Conveniently located between the beautiful Victoria Theatre and Uno's Restaurant at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, The Loft is easy to find thanks to the large red awning that stands over the street level entrance to the building.

The Human Race Theatre Company.

The Human Race Theatre Company - The Human Race Theatre Company brings the beauty, drama and excitement of live professional theatre to southwestern Ohio.