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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Resorts World Manila brings new THE KING AND I leads

as a gift to musical fans this Christmas Day, Resorts World Manila unravels two respected actors in the Philippine theater industry. Menchu Lauchengo-Yulo plays Anna and Nonie Buencamino as the King of Siam in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, THE KING AND I, which is already running since September at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World, Manila.

Menchu is recently seen in Atlantis Productions' God of Carnage with Lea Salonga, and is very excited to be part of this grandiose production joining the
stellar cast of young actors especially with the kids. she is also one of the Creative team of Repertory Philippines. as teacher Anna, she promises to give a different attack on the character which she dreamed of playing when she was younger.
Nonie Buencamino, on the other hand, is closely known as antagonist Miguel in ABS-CBN's phenomenal teleserye, Walang Hanggan. playing King Mongkut is like a calling for him being more than 30 years in the theater industry. he was also recently seen in Tanghalang Pilipino's Stageshow opposite his own wife, Shamaine.

Menchu and Nonie will be alternating with Bo Cerrudo and Shiela Valderamma as the king and Anna. Resorts World is also grateful to announce the extended run of The King and I due to its positive feedback among different audiences. also, the musical has won 3 Aliw Awards for Best Director Freddie Santos, Best Musical Production for 2012 and Best Actor for Leo Valdez.

join Menchu and Nonie in this royal adventure of courage and love in the wonderful production of The King and I in Resorts World Manila's Newport Performing Arts Theater. for tickets, call 836-6333 or visit www.rwmanila.com for more details about the show.

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