Irene Glezos is giving a master class in acting in the play Master Class, the first offering of the 2024 – 2025 Music Theatre of Connecticut season. The play is a reimaging by the playwright Terrence McNally of opera diva Maria Callas’ teaching stint at Julliard during 1971 – 1972. Principally, a one-woman show, during the course of the 2 ½ hour production we learn much about the legendary opera star. There is her fiery temperament. Her marriage to an older man and affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. We become transfixed by descriptions of her early years, assessments of rivals in the opera world and, most essentially, her opinions and analyses on making art.
Irene Glezos as Maria Callas in Master Class. Photo by Alex Mongillo.
The setting is simple. Ms. Callas is in a well-appointed teaching theater within the well-known conservatory. Scenic Designer April M. Bartlett has constructed a richly paneled stage, evocative of a small concert hall. There, with a grand piano and accompanist, she speaks directly to the audience observing her master class. She wanders about and casually makes conversation in between the appearance of her three pupils. The diva teases, cajoles, and admonishes as she paces about talking about her hardscrabble life and fervor for her artistic pursuits.
Irene Glezos as Maria Callas and Constantine Pappas as Tony in Master Class. Photo by Alex Mongillo.
During the course of the show we meet the three students she will instruct – Sophie (Emily Solo), Tony (Constatine Pappas), and Sharon (Heidi Giberson). All are eager to please and, to various degrees, succeed, however, not without pain, embarrassment, and a withering blow to their confidence. Each of the three performers have beautiful voices, when allowed to sing by their teacher. Ms. Callas’ constant interruptions, all for the goal to make each better, permit few extended arias.
Sharon, her final student of the day, while heeding the advice of her teacher, also has no problem issuing a withering assessment of the former diva. After storming off stage, Ms. Callas matter-of-factly gathers her things, offers a few sage words to the audience and departs.
Ms. Glezos gives such a well-rounded portrayal of Maria Callas that you think you are sitting in a darkened auditorium observing Maria Callas’ actual class. The actress brings forth the singer’s zeal for life and opera. She is conversational at one point, and a belittling zealot the next. Small in stature, Ms. Glezos seems so much taller. Ms. Solo and Giberson and Mr. Pappas give fine performances, but they are seemingly utilized sheerly to give the character of Maria Callas individuals to react to.
Director Kevin Connors nicely paces the production, alternating between casual bantering and intense polemics. His use of dreamlike monologues allows Ms. Glezos to stretch her acting muscles even more and provides for a deepening of the Callas story,
Irene Glezos as Maria Callas in Master Class. Photo by Alex Mongillo.
Master Class, playing at the Music Theatre of Connecticut through September 29. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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