Philippine Opera Company Master Class Manila Reviews
Photo Courtesy of William Wong
(From L) Cherie Gil and Jack Salud
The generous Karla Gutierrez of the Philippine Opera Company once again allowed me to invite Internet writers and bloggers on her behalf to watch the last Master Class rehearsal on 16 October 2008 before its opening night at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza in Makati. Master Class stars Cherie Gil as Maria Callas in the Terence McNally award winning play.
Shelley Jo Saracin of the Philippine Entertainment Portal or PEP notes that “The play is infused with Grecian dry humor, one that imitates Callas, and the theatrics of a diva spewing teacher’s wisdom to aspiring artists. Although the play revolves around Callas and her students, Callas talks as if the audience is part of “her” master class, and her one-liners often allow the audience to participate in the master class by way of applause and feedback. More than once, she throws out her lines to the audience, and this adds to the feeling that the audience is indeed taking a peek at the life of the opera singer, or watching as she conducts her class.”
Karen Manalastas of safranin reveals that “Cherie Gil seems to have an out-of-body experience herself, fully inhabiting the role of the humorous but deadly sharp teacher, one of that rare breed whom you either love or hate as a student, but whom you never forget. The suspension of disbelief is complete: at a glare from those serpentine eyes, you sit a little bit straighter, listen a bit more attentively. She will not repeat herself twice. And no applause please. There is work to be done.”
David of Davidplatz writes, “It wasn’t Cherie Gil trying to be Maria Callas. She was La Divina.”
And, David observes in his photos, “It’s scary how in some angles, Maria Callas and Cherie Gil look perfectly the same.”
Fred Hawson of 3xhcch agrees, “I have never really seen a more possessed performance on stage. It was all so natural.”
Julie Cruz of thisisjeanne has the final word on the subject, “It may not feature cute leading men or LSS-ready ditties, but it is sharp, witty and most of all, enlightening. I walked in not knowing or liking opera in the least, and I left the theater with a newfound respect for it. Anyone from 9 to 90 can appreciate art, and this is art, performed, discussed, dissected, for the people lucky enough to witness it.”
MASTER CLASS will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Makati on October 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Directed by Michael Williams. Please call Ticketworld at 891.9999 for tickets.
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