Master Class

Master Class Amanda Muggleton - photo by Kate FergusonAmanda Muggleton reprises her Helpmann and Green Room Award-winning role as Maria Callas in a brand new production of Terrence McNally’s theatrical masterpiece Master Class at the Southbank Theatre throughout January 2018.

The original diva. The greatest dramatic soprano of her generation. After a sensational career that saw her become the undisputed star of the world’s greatest Opera Houses including, La Scala and The Metropolitan Opera in New York, Maria Callas accepts an invitation to conduct a series of master classes to a select group of young vocal students at the Juilliard School in New York.

In Terrence McNally’s extraordinary theatrical tribute, Callas takes centre-stage one more time, as she passes on to her students, and to us, the experiences and lessons of a lifetime. We witness her passion and commitment and realise the uniqueness of her great talent as she cajoles and lectures her students, delivering wisdom and insults in true diva style.

Amanda Muggleton is one of Australia’s greatest and most beloved actresses. In a career that spans over 4 decades, Amanda has more than 50 theatre, film and television credits to her name including her long running role of Chrissie Latham in Prisoner, and on stage, starring in Shirley Valentine, Hello Dolly!, Entertaining Mr Sloane, HMS Pinafore, Calendar Girls, Blood Brothers, Steaming and The Seagull.

This production of Master Class will be directed by Artistic Director of London’s Kings Head Theatre Adam Spreadbury-Maher. It will also feature Dobbs Franks as Emmanuel “Manny” Weinstock, Callas’ pianist, and three brilliant young singers Jessica Boyd, Kala Gare, and Rocco Speranza.

“Maria Callas was that rare thing; a real-life phenomenon, whose life off-stage was as rich and joyous and full-blooded as her on-stage performances and like so many others, I’ve devoured stories about her life,” said Director Adam Spreadbury-Maher. “The more you learn about her, the more you want to learn, and with this brand new, intimate, production, we’re going to show you the woman behind the legend like never before!”

“I’m overjoyed to be returning home to Australia to work with such a wonderful cast, including the sensational Amanda Muggleton, on Terrence McNally’s fiercely brilliant play.”

“Amanda Muggleton is Maria Callas… this is probably the performance of her life” – The Age

Master Class
The Lawler – Southbank Theatre, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 6 – 27 January 2018 (preview: 5 January)
Bookings: www.mtc.com.au

For more information, visit: www.akaaustralia.com.au for details.

Image: Amanda Muggleton stars as Maria Callas in Master Class – photo by Kate Ferguson