Cherie Gil teaches the Master Class

If you happen to be the type whose favorite part of the opera is the interval, there is one show in town that you should not miss. Terrence McNally's 1996 Tony award-winning play "Master Class" features Cherie Gil in a fine performance as Maria Callas (1923-1977), the opera world's La Divina - the grand dame. The play involves the audience in its exploration of how Callas might have conducted her master classes in Julliard 1971-1972, when she had already lost her dramatic soprano voice.

Gil, most known for her contra bida roles in local television shows, is also losing her voice. But it is not the only her loss that enables her to take on Callas' role, which she says is "even more difficult than Doubt," where she played the role of Sister Aloysius. This isn't the first time Gil is playing Callas, either. The Philippine Opera Company (POC) staged Master Class two years ago, also starring Gil. The ten shows were not enough, and now, the POC is bringing the acclaimed performance back for its 10th year anniversary. While the idea of opera and talking may be intimidating, rest assured that Master Class is far from soporific. On the contrary, Gil gives a rousing performance, capturing Callas' famous fiery temperament and her tragic love story down to the subtle details. And that is just one of the reasons to watch Master Class. To catch Gil's wonderful portrayal is already reason enough, but the rest of the cast is excellent as well. Juan Alberto Gaerlan is perfectly funny and perfectly endearing as Anthony Candolino, despite being called Tony Tightpants, or perhaps even because of it. Florence Aguilar plays a tender, timid Sophie de Palma, until she opens her mouth and sings. Ana Feleo and Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (alternate) play the adorable Sharon Graham, who is full of mut (German for courage). Francis Amora shines even in his role as the pianist Manny, and Chino Veguillas gives an enjoyable performance, even though he plays the stagehand. Master Class is just over two hours long, but it is filled to the brim with memorable lessons to last not only a lifetime, but generations. Gil as Callas teaches her students to do more than just sing." She teaches them to be. Somehow, the lesson transcends the boundary between the stage and the audience, and everyone in the room learns. Whether you can sing or not, no matter what you do or who you are, Master Class is a worthwhile lesson. "Art is beauty. Art is also domination. Art is collaboration," teaches Callas, and everyone in the audience nods appreciatively. "In art, there is always an entrance first, just as there is always an exit after," she says. At certain times, one wishes there were no exit. The moment Master Class ends is one of those times. - GMANews.TV "Master Class" runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza with another ten performances on July 29, 30, 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. For inquiries please call Philippine Opera Company at 892-8786 or log on to www.philippineoperacompany.com