BWW Reviews: MASTER CLASS at Theatre Three

Terrence McNally's Tony award winning play, Master Class, is certainly an enjoyable night of theatre. This dramatic biographical story of opera diva Maria Callas tells a tale of the retired performer as she conducts a master class cultivating new operatic talent. Jeffrey Sanzel splendidly directs this delightful incarnation running through June 28th at Theatre Three of Port Jefferson, Long Island, culminating their stellar 44th season.

Superbly leading the talented cast is Theatre Three vet Marci Bing as Maria Callas (Zoe Caldwell's 1996 Tony winning role). From the moment Maria starts conducting her class, she commands commitment, discipline, and unequivocal respect for the art. It is either her way, or the highway. Both acts of the play are mostly monologues powerfully delivered by Ms. Bing.

The rest of the top notch cast are also Theatre Three veterans. Steve McCoy portrays Manny, Maria's talented accompanist on the piano. Christina Faicco, who portrays Sophie, Tracylynn Conner, who portrays Sharon (Audra McDonald's 1996 Tony winning role), and John Hudson, who portrays Tony, are all students that Maria is critiquing. And James D. Schultz gives a rather comical performance as a stage hand showing, ironically, distain for his job and creative people.

The minimal set was perfect for this particular production. In an open stage, the "classroom" only had a piano and a desk for Maria. Additionally, the audience is acknowledged as the class. The story is set in present day so Bonnie Vidal's costumes were modern street cloths - with the exception of a stunning ball gown. Also, Robert W. Henderson's lighting is atmospheric for Maria's flashbacks during her monologues.

And so, Master Class thrillingly ends a wonderful season for Theatre Three. Their 45th season is sure to be an exciting one as well. They begin with The Boy From Oz beginning September 20th then their customary A Christmas Carol begins November 15th. They follow with Don't Dress For Dinner (Jan. 10th - Feb.7th) and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Feb. 28th - Mar. 28th). As a special event, Theatre Three hosts the national touring production of My Mother's Jewish, My Father's Italian, and I'm In Therapy from April 8th to May 9th ending their season with Oliver! beginning May 23rd.

Master Class is presented by Theatre Three of Port Jefferson, Long Island, through June 28th. By Terrence McNally, Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel ; Production Design by Randall Parsons; Lighting Design by Robert W. Henderson, Jr.; Properties by Julie Hoffman; Technical Direction by Neil Creedon; Costumes by Bonnie Vidal; Stage Management by Billy Aberle. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 928- 9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Photo by Sarah E. Bush; Marci Bing as Maria Callas