A touch of cAlLas

Do you remember that scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts, who played that lovable Los Angeles hooker who had us at hello since the now-famous Rodeo Drive shopping scene, gets all dolled up and catches an opera with Richard Gere? Like most people out there, that pretty much sums up all my ideas of an opera seeing as there aren’t really a lot of them in our very own Land of the Free. We Filipinos are so used to watching movies and concerts – musical and straight theater might even be considered a less famous alternative. However, the word "opera" isn’t one that eventuates too often in the Pinoy’s regular list of things-to-do. Unlike in Vienna where it is all too common, or in the cultural thresholds of Europe, we are somehow kept in the dark about the beauty and art that is the opera. But God has his ways, and soon after realizing the Filipino’s diversifying passion for music, the art form has finally dawned on our native shores.

The Philippine Opera Company, now in its 2006 Opera Season, returns with Master Class, a musical that explores the private and public life of Maria Callas, a famous diva in the post-World War II opera circuit. I first encountered Callas upon reading Tita Baby’s write-up for our souvenir program for Guys and Dolls. Not knowing who she was at that time, I equated Callas with the prospect of greatness, especially since Barredo was one of a privileged few who have gone through the fire of her tutelage. Further exploration had me gawking at Callas’ regal beauty, in one of many posters displayed in the halls of Repertory Philippines. It must be the mystique of that Cherie Gil-esque magnificence peering through those cat-like eyes.

Glamorous and larger-than-life, Callas was actually a diva who was plagued with intrigue and scandal despite her overflowing talent and success. Some have even deemed her as "the greatest soprano that the world has ever known." Possessing a substantially unbelievable range for a soprano, she is renowned for having performed some of the most challenging roles in the opera world. The starring roles of Norma, Carmen, Lucia, Tosca, and Medea are among her most celebrated accomplishments as an opera singer/ actress. She has graced stages all over the world, performing in La Scala, The Metropolitan Opera House, Covent Garden, and the Paris Opera. And her vocal prowess earned her an invitation to teach a series of master classes at the world-renowned Juilliard School of Music. It is from this period of her life where springs the plot of Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning musical.

Master Class bagged the 1996 Tony Award for Best Play, earning even more praise and awards from Drama Desk, the Outer Critics Circle, and the New York Drama Award for Best Play. This tribute to the great opera diva transports audiences into the world of Maria Callas as she lionizes her own career, and flushes out the dirt on some of her more prominent rivals. When asked to comment on Renata Tebaldi, she has this to say: "When she can sing a Walkure and Puritani back to back, then you can compare us. Until then, it is like trying to compare Coca Cola to champagne." Moreover Callas comments on her multiple love interests, most especially on Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis during their highly publicized love affair. Primarily though, Callas uses her classroom as a platform to captivate her students and influence them to adapt her self-passion for the music and arts.

Starring Nolyn Cabahug, Ana Feleo, Glen Gaerlan, Jay Glorioso, Karla Gutierrez, Jojo Malferrarri, and Michael Williams, Master Class will run for eight shows on the following dates: July 12,13,14, 15, 19, 20, 21, and 22, at 8 p.m. The musical will be staged at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza under the direction of one of Callas’ real-life students herself, Baby Barredo. For interested block or show buyers, or season ticket subscribers, please contact Philippine Opera Company at 895-8097 and look for Doris Campana.

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Catch your breath and let me know what you think at chasingtoff@yahoo.com.