Hillbarn Theatre Presents MASTER CLASS, 10/20 - 11/6

Opera legend Maria Callas comes to Hillbarn Theatre in the Tony winning play Master Class, October 20 - November 6. For more information call 650-349-6411 or visit www.HillbarnTheatre.org.

In 1972, Maria Callas stepped into a Julliard master class to teach young voice majors. What the students learned was not only how to sing, but how to live life as "La Divina." She schooled them with the triumphs and tragedies of her life. As her young "victims" (as she loving refers to them as) bravely perform, Callas scrutinizes the student's talents and, in some cases, leads them to tears. Through her humor and recollections, ultimately, her methods affect and transform her victims to both understand and feel the power beyond the notes.

Terrence McNally's Master Class took home the 1997 Best Play Tony as well as Best Actress award for Zoe Caldwell, who was succeeded by Patti LuPone and Dixie Carter while Faye Dunaway played Callas in the national tour. Recently, Tyne Daly starred in the Broadway revival. The play features music by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini.

Hillbarn Theatre's Master Class, Co-Produced with the Musical Arts Department of Notre Dame de Namur University, features Monica Cappuccini from Palo Alto as Maria Callas, the role of Sharon Graham is double cast with sopranos Marcelle Dronkers from Berkeley (October 21, 23, 29, 30, Nov 4, and 5) and Jenny Matteucci from Alameda (October 20, 22, 27, 28, November 3, and 6). SusAnna Jimenez, from San Carlos, is starring as soprano Sophie De Palma, Gabriel Cohen from Hayward as tenor Anthony Candolino, Daniel Lockert, from Alameda, as pianist Emmanuel Weinstock and the real-life musical director, and Peter Schuurmans from Redwood City as the stagehand. The show is directed by Greg Fritsch.

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Preview Night is Thursday, October 20. Opening night is Friday, October 21 and features a Gala Reception after the show celebrating the 71st Season. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.HillbarnTheatre.org or calling 650.349.6411. Hillbarn Theatre is located at 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd in Foster City. Free parking is available.

Master Class is the second production off the historic 71st "Touch of Class" Season of Hillbarn Theatre which includes shows: Will Rogers Follies, Social Security, Crimes of the Heart and, the recently announced, The Producers. For more information on the season, please visit www.HillbarnTheatre.org.