"Master Class" - Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning "Best Play" about opera diva Maria Callas stars Ellen Geer July 3, 2010

Ellen Geer stars as internationally renowned soprano Maria Callas, who had a legendary voice and an equally legendary life as one of the world's most celebrated (and gossiped-about) opera stars. In 1971, Callas taught a series of master classes at Juilliard. Outspoken in her artistic beliefs and uncompromising in the musical understanding she sought to communicate to 25 fortunate students, Callas worked through her legendary arias from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, and others. Terrence McNally's play finds Callas near the end of her career, her voice almost gone, as she instructs a group of young singers aspiring to the heights of fame and fortune with wicked humor, unrelenting criticism and deeply personal stories. July 3 thru September 25. Theatricum Botanicum 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga CA 90290. $10-$32; 310-455-3723; complete schedule at www.theatricum.com.