Philippine Opera Company Stages Master Class This May, with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Maria Callas

The Philippine Opera Company (POC) brings back the acclaimed Tony Award-winning play Master Class, opening this May at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati, for a limited three-weekend run beginning May 15.

Headlining the production is acclaimed theater icon Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who takes on the formidable role of legendary opera diva Maria Callas. Revered as one of the greatest sopranos of the 20th century, Callas was celebrated not only for her voice, but for her intensity, artistry, and uncompromising standards.

Written by Terrence McNally, Master Class imagines Callas in the twilight of her career, conducting a demanding vocal workshop inspired by the real-life master classes she gave at Juilliard School in the early 1970s. As she coaches three young singers, Callas also reveals memories of triumph, heartbreak, sacrifice, and the cost of greatness.

Joining Lauchengco-Yulo in the cast are Louie Oca as Manny, the accompanist and collaborator on piano, alongside Alexandra Bernas as Sophie, Arman Ferrer as Anthony, and Angeli Benipayo as Sharon — the three aspiring singers who step into Callas’ intimidating orbit. 

 

 

Louie Oca, Alexandra Bernas, Arman Ferrer and Angeli Benipayo

The production is directed by Jaime del Mundo, whose vision underscores the play’s enduring relevance: that art, mentorship, discipline, and legacy remain essential in today’s world.

This revival also carries a poignant connection to Philippine theater history. POC previously staged Master Class in 2008, with the late Cherie Gil delivering a celebrated performance as Maria Callas. Her portrayal remains remembered as one of the standout interpretations of the role in the local stage scene.

Now, a new generation of audiences can rediscover the brilliance of McNally’s masterpiece through a fresh staging led by one of the country’s most respected performers.

Master Class is presented by the Philippine Opera Company for a limited engagement this May at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Tickets and show schedules are available through official POC channels.

Tickets available at Philippine Opera Company (09176452946) and @Ticket2Me https://ticket2me.net/MASTERCLASS.

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don't miss MASTER CLASS!

please don't miss the amazing and immortal portrayal of Ms. Cherie Gil of Maria Callas! it will be staging for THIS LAST WEEKEND! you really will not get bored from the operatic singing and historical backgrounder of La Divina. discover how great artists hide from their despair and project themselves as people with power, with great talent and amazing personality.

the play really focused on the life of Maria Callas and how she appreciated the art. life lessons are integrated on how she taught her students which is very true in all of us. though it requires perfection, the essence of appreciating the art is feeling and listening to it. it is also one of my favorite stage plays to date! getting a renowned local actress as Cherie Gil to play as Maria Callas is already the total package.


MASTER CLASS is produced by the Philippine Opera Company and is directed by Michael Williams. Also featured are Juan Alberto Gaerlan as Anthony Candolino and Al Gatmaitan (alternate), Florence Aguilar as Sophie de Palma, Ana Feleo as Sharon Graham and Kay Balajadia-Liggayu (alternate), Chino Veguillas as stage hand and Francis Amora as the pianist Manny.

For tickets, call Philippine Opera Company at 892-8786 or 881-7168 or TicketWorld at 891-9999. For more information visit www.philippineoperacompany.com

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lessons in life from MASTER CLASS - review

it's just like being a student again. i remember the terror teachers that whom i am thankful for their existence. without them, i have not learned to what i am today. as MARIA CALLAS would say, one must possess MUT, COURAGIO. posture, breathe, relax and feel what you are doing.

though teachers may be strict. they also got humor to make an attachment with the students. they want you to feel the worth of what you are doing and don't have the attitude of letting it pass. it's good that they deliver humor at times. it's not just that they need it, they love it. and imparting their knowledge and experiences before they become what they are, is one of the great things that they can be proud of.

Philippine Opera Company has staged MASTER CLASS again. i am so happy that i was able to see it featuring Philippines' own La Divina, Cherie Gil as Maria Callas -- the famous soprano and opera star of her time.

Cherie Gil immortalized Maria Callas in our hearts. although contemporary music has overpowered classical and opera, anyone should see it. and i guarantee pure entertainment and lessons in life which you can actually feel Maria Callas talking to you. how she handled it, her despair, her strength, and ambitions. just like any other ordinary person.

i, myself thought that i won't enjoy but i loved it! i hope everybody catches it.

Philippine Opera Company presents MASTER CLASS by Terrence McNally starring Ms. Cherie Gil, directed by Michael Williams running from July 29 to _____ at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

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