AUDITIONS

callas.jpgMASTER CLASS
by Terrence McNally
Directed by Daniel Fontneau
Music Direction by Daniel Romero


AUDITION TIMES:
Sunday, March 7 at 6:30 pm
Monday, March 8 at 6:30 pm

Auditions will be held at
The Gertrude Lawrence Stage
Dennis Union Church
713 Main Street, Rte 6A, Dennis Village
Rt 6A & Old Bass River Road
(Back Entrance)

Performance Dates:
April 29 - May 16, 2010

Audition Details:

"ART is domination. It's making people think that for that precise moment in time there is only one way, one voice. Yours."

So says Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's MASTER CLASS.  This critically acclaimed and multiple award winning play dramatizes a series of master classes given at Julliard School of Music by the legendary Maria Callas. Stunning theatricality, emotional fireworks, flashing wit and sublime music combine in the fiery cauldron that was Maria Callas, the sensational opera diva who hosts this musical master class before our adoring eyes. Working brilliantly with a series of student "victims," she slips into memories of an astonishing life, from the triumphs of La Scala to her doomed love for Aristotle Onassis, exposing en route her humor, her humanity, and her mesmerizing genius.
 
THE FOLLOWING ROLES ARE AVAILABLE:

Maria Callas:  Age 50, well past her prime, but in her mind just a moment or two from the peak of her career.  Known as "La Divina,' the most controversial, beloved, reviled, tempestuous soprano of the 20th century.  She's imperious, arrogant, merciless both with herself and her students.  Essentially this "Master Class" is a full-fledged performance full of fury and emotional fire.  She is the star (and knows it), and fascinates her audience with her dazzling performance. 

Sophie DePalma (Soprano):  Trembling, terrified, completely in the thrall of Callas, willing to give her all, which will not be nearly enough.  She has chosen to sing Amina's aria from Bellini's La Sonnambula - "Ah, non credea," and is repeatedly interrupted by Callas. 
 
Anthony Candolino (Tenor):  "A good-looking man." He has what the Italians call bella figura. He is experienced and well trained - he wants to be a great singer ...not to mention rich and famous! He has a sense of humor not unlike Callas'. He has chosen Tosca, Cavaradossi's aria, the first act (he just begins "Recondita Armonia" before he is interrupted!). He and Callas spar a bit but when he has finally sung she says, "That was beautiful. I have nothing more to say. That was beautiful." And it must be.
 
Sharon Graham (Soprano):  Sharp, smart, driven, generously gifted with a powerful vocal instrument, a strong natural performance sense, and finally, in temperament and potential, something of a real match for Callas.  She has chosen Lady Macbeth, "Vieni! T'affretta" (The Letter Scene) from Verdi's Macbeth.
 
Stagehand:  Matter-of-fact, a man of few words; he's seen it all in the lunatic world of opera; Maria means no more to him than a corned beef on rye.
 
Auditions will consist of readings from the script, and singing if you are auditioning for one of the students (Sophie, Anthony, or Sharon).  Actors auditioning for those roles should prepare a song that shows your range - ideally something in Italian (an aria or Italian art song).  An accompanist will be provided.

Questions?
Call 508-815-7103
or email danielfontneau@gmail.com