‘Master Class’ by the Philippine Opera Company Full Cast Announced
As previously reported, the Philippine Opera Company is set to stage Terrence McNally’s Master Class this May, starring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as opera singer Maria Callas.
Joining her as the young students in Callas’ class are Angeli Benipayo as Sharon Graham, Alex Bernas as Sophie de Palma, and Arman Ferrer as Anthony Candolino. Completing the cast is Louie Angelo Oca as Manny Weinstock, the accompanist.
Directed by Jaime del Mundo, Master Class takes audiences inside a series of public masterclasses conducted by Maria Callas at Juilliard in 1972. The play immerses audiences in the intensity of the classroom, where Callas works with young singers, pushing them beyond technique to confront something deeper. She challenges them not only to sing, but to understand the voice as an instrument of truth.
For Callas, the voice is lived—shaped by discipline, memory, emotion, and care.
The production features set and projection design by New York–based designer Joey Mendoza, alongside costume design by Zenaida Gutierrez. Their work draws inspiration from the Juilliard masterclasses, aiming to immerse audiences in a theatrical space that blurs the line between performance and memory while capturing the elegance and discipline of the operatic world.
Artistic Director Karla Gutierrez shares, “Master Class reminds us that artistry is not about applause alone—it is about discipline, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. This production is both a tribute to Maria Callas and a reflection of the artistic journey that every performer must undertake.”
The show will run from May 15 to 30 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, with performances scheduled from Friday to Sunday, including matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket prices are P4,000 (Orchestra Center Premium), P3,800 (Orchestra Center and Loge Center), P3,700 (Orchestra Side), P3,500 (Orchestra Side Zone 2 and Loge Side), and P2,300 (Balcony), available via Ticket2Me.
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