Photo Coverage: MASTER CLASS Manila Press Preview

The Philippine Opera Company held a press preview of its acclaimed production of Terrence McNally's  "Master Class" Wednesday night, July 28, 2010, one day prior to the reopening of the show, which ran for a limited engagement a few years ago.  This group of opera and classical music advocates has been so thrilled to bring back Philippine cinema icon Ms. Cherie Gil in her much-talked about indelible portrayal of opera diva Maria Callas in the Tony award-winning play.

On that night, Ms. Gil didn't only work on an engaging character study of the controversial singer - the woman bared her soul.  She had brought to life Callas' fierce personality, wisdom and vulnerability with an unselfish commitment, unmasking a rather helpless and tragic persona of the "La Divina" that once lit up the stage at The Scala.

In a class of her own, Ms. Gil exuded, breathed, and spoke Callas from that very intimidating first entrance to her humbling last exit - a compelling theatre experience something seldom felt in local straight play productions.

With stage director Michael Williams' meticulous guidance, the supporting cast composed of Florence Aguilar as the perky young soprano Sophie de Palma, Juan Alberto Gaerlan as the overconfident tenor Anthony Candolino, and the scene-stealing Lady Macbeth wannabe Ana Feleo were able to match up against Ms. Gil's rampant stage energy. 

Even Francis Amora as the repetitieur, and Chino Veguillas as the stagehand had their exciting little face-offs with the infamous masterclass coach. 

A brief Q&A with the press and media was granted right after curtain call. Ms. Gil thanked everyone who came out to see the show.

"Playing Maria Callas is a blessing more than anything.  And the process is a curse, it's grueling.  But, at the end of the day, when someone says I learned a lot from the play; when someone says I took down notes from Maria Callas; and I see friends who come and watch us do it, "nakakataba ng puso".  That makes it all worthwhile. Then it becomes a blessing," Ms. Gil told BroadwayWorld.com.

The Philippine Opera Company's tenth anniversary production of "Master Class" features set design by Jo Tecson, lighting design by John Batalla, costume designs by Frederick Peralta and Zenaida Gutierrez, and projection design by Paulo Gabriel del Rosario.

"Master Class" runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza on July 30 and 31, August 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2010. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:30 p.m. For tickets, call the Philippine Opera Company at (632)892-8786 or Ticketworld at (632)891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. 

"Master Class" will also have performances at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium at the Silliman University in Dumaguete City on August 20 and 21, 2010. For tickets, call (6335) 422-6002 local 520 or (63)9173235953. 

Photos by Ulysses Manuel

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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