Terrence McNally's acclaimed play, "Master Class," has enjoyed a rich and varied production history since its debut in 1995, gracing stages across the United States and internationally. The play, which centers on a fictional master class led by opera legend Maria Callas, quickly garnered attention for its compelling narrative and powerful central role. Its journey began with initial stagings by the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Mark Taper Forum,
and the Kennedy Center, setting the stage for its highly anticipated Broadway premiere. This widespread initial exposure hinted at the play's enduring appeal and its capacity to captivate diverse audiences, leading to numerous revivals and international adaptations that have kept Callas's story alive on stage for decades.
Broadway Success and Star-Studded Casts
The play officially premiered on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre on November 15, 1995, where it ran for an impressive 598 performances and twelve previews, closing on June 29, 1997. Directed by Leonard Foglia, the original Broadway cast featured Zoe Caldwell as Callas, who, along with Audra McDonald as Sharon, earned Tony Awards for their performances. The role of Callas proved to be a magnet for celebrated actresses, with Patti LuPone taking over in July 1996 and Dixie Carter following in January 1997. Other notable cast changes included Matthew Walley replacing Jay Hunter Morris and Alaine Rodin replacing Audra McDonald later in the run. Gary Green, who began as Manny, the accompanist, in July 1996, continued in this role on Broadway and during the subsequent U.S. tour, demonstrating the continuity and evolving talent involved in the production.
"Master Class" also saw a significant Broadway revival in 2011. Presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, this production ran from June 14 to September 4, 2011, with 70 regular performances and 26 previews. Directed by Stephen Wadsworth, this revival starred Tyne Daly as Callas, with Sierra Boggess as Sharon and Alexandra Silber as Sophie. This successful revival underscored the play's lasting relevance and its ability to draw new audiences while honoring its original spirit.
International Acclaim and Notable Adaptations
The play's reach extended far beyond American shores, with productions captivating audiences in Europe and Australia. Patti LuPone reprised her role as Callas in the West End production at the Queens Theatre, which opened in April 1997. Faye Dunaway also took on the iconic role during the U.S. national tour in 1996. In Paris, a production titled "Master Class – La leçon de chant" (the singing lesson) in 1997 starred Fanny Ardant as Callas and was directed by Roman Polanski, later revived twice with Marie Laforêt in 2000 and 2008. Norma Aleandro played Callas in Buenos Aires at the Teatro Maipo in 1997, directed by Agustín Alezzo, and they collaborated on a new version in 2012.
Australian productions also saw success, with Robyn Nevin playing Callas in Brisbane and Sydney in 1997, and Amanda Muggleton taking over in Adelaide in 1998 and Melbourne in 1999. Muggleton reprised the role in a 2001/02 Australian touring production, earning the 2002 Helpmann Award for Best Actress in a Play. Jelisaveta Seka Sablić played Callas in a 1997 production in Belgrade, touring Serbia and Switzerland, and winning the Miloš Žutić Award. More recently, Maria Mercedes brought the work to life in Australia in 2014, earning critical acclaim and a Green Room Award, notably being the first woman of Greek heritage to play Maria Callas professionally. The play's international journey continued with a critically acclaimed production in Athens, Greece, in 2018 and 2019, starring Maria Nafpliotou, which achieved 125 consecutive sold-out performances by February 2019, further cementing "Master Class" as a global theatrical phenomenon.
