“Master Class”

[rating=5]Timeline Theatre is noted for bringing history to its stage(s), both at their Wellington location ( main theater), and of late using smaller venues on Belmont. Currently they are bringing to Stage 773’s larger stage “Master Class”, Terrence McNally’s riveting play depicting the teaching days of legendary opera diva, Maria Callas ( a remarkable performance by Chicago favorite, Janet Ulrich Brooks). This production is staged by Nick Bowling, who does so with all the heart and feeling of one who both admired this star and deep down resented her “assumed perfection over all others”. McNally captures this woman as her life is changing.

For those of you unfamiliar with Ms Callas, all you need do is “google” her and you will learn about the diva, her shining moments and even her great love. In this production, which is  two-hours-twenty-minutes, with an intermission, we are placed in a classroom. It is what is called the “Master Class”, being taught by the Diva herself. She is above all others, demanding and feeling worthy of acting so. The three-sided stage is very bare, with the beautiful Steinway grand piano taking the main focus. The wood of the stage and the rear wall, where the entrance doors, are highly shined and next to the piano, a small table and a stool are in place. The room is elegant, yet simple- a perfect classroom!

Enter Manny (Stephen Boyer plays this awestruck accompanist to perfection) who plays the piano for all of the students we will meet over the course of the play. There are three of them, each coming forth to be analyzed by the greatest opera singer of their times. To be guided by this woman , in their minds, is the key to success and reaching the goals they desire, to be opera singers/stars!

One by one, she calls them out and each one brings their fears, nerves and desires on the stage hoping for her approval. Not to give away any of the stories, I will say that each has their own, but the back story is all hers. Ms Callas in bringing down each of them is doing so to “make them better”. She says” When it comes to music, we are all students, all our lives” letting them ( and we the audience as well) know they must always work at their craft or they will lose in the end. Much of the story that we are being told is not about the three singers, but rather about the ups and downs in the life of this woman. Brooks is brilliant in bringing this character to life. It is far more difficult to do this as Callas was real and was not only a super star but a celebrity. There is a great deal about her great love, Aristotle Onassis and of course, his love for Jackie, which destroyed Callas.

During her asides as each of her students performs, we learn more about the diva, and this is staged perfectly. Brooks, who is not a singer (  I have never seen her in a musical) has all the breathing and vocal qualities down pat. She is one of Chicago’s treasures and in this tour de force, proves just how talented she is. If you love history and opera, you should find away to get to Stage 773 for this one.

Let me tell you the other stories in this play. There are three students, who are amazing singers. We begin with the first soprano, Sophie ( Molly Hernandez is a delight) who starts Ms Callas on her walk down memory lane. Ms Hernandez cannot even get past the first note before Ms. Callas starts working her spell. The other soprano, Sharon (  strong performance by Keirsten Hodgens who will wow you with her vocal range) who Callas truly scares, and yet, once her true ability is revealed, shoes her due respect.

The tenor ( Eric Anthony Lopez) only wants to show Ms Callas his skills. He is uncaring about anything except that he wants to be an opera star and make money, lots of money. Fame and fortune are why he wants to step before her. We can tell that this is not why she is there, and she brings up more of her past. His vocal range is extraordinary as well.  Bowling along with musical director Doug Peck, bring three solid singers to the student roles.  Lopez is a past “American Idol” contestant, Ms Hernandez, named a :Hot New Face” by the Tribune and Ms Hodgens wowed audiences in Marriott Theatre’s Jeff Award production of “Ragtime”. Filling out the cast is Raymond Hutchison as stagehand ( he may be the smallest role in the show, but proves that even the smallest of roles can make a deep impression). Pay attention to him, for what seems to be insignificant, is not so.

“Master Class” will continue at Stage 773, located at 1225 West Belmont thru December 9th  with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7: 30 p.m.

Fridays  8 p.m.

Saturdays  4 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 p.m.

NO PERFORMANCE ON THANKSGIVING, 11/22 -added Friday performance on 11/23 at 4 p.m.

Discussion and accessibility events can be found at www.timelinetheatre.com

Tickets range from $42.50 and can be purchased by calling 773-327-5252 or at www.timelinetheatre.com

There are student, and Blue Star discounts as well.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Master Class”

By the way, Timeline suggests that you visit your app store  search “TimeLine Theatre” and download their mobile app where you can learn even more about what you will be viewing.