One of the UK’s top actresses has taken on the role of celebrated opera diva, Maria Callas in Terrence McNally’s hit play, brilliantly directed by Jonathan Church.
Beautiful and talented but tormented and insecure, Maria Callas took the world by storm. The general public were mesmerised as much by her turbulent and thrilling private life, as by her prodigious talent. Her glamourous lifestyle and passionate love affair with the shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis gripped the press and public alike and took on an added drama when he left her heart-broken for Jackie Kennedy, returning the night after their wedding, asking for Maria’s forgiveness. She refused but never really recovered from the humiliation and died of a broken heart at the age of 54.
Stephanie Beacham is one of the most respected actresses of her generation and bears an extraordinary likeness to Callas. When meeting legendary film director Franco Zefferelli, who was a good friend of Marias’s, he said “My God, you are Maria Callas!”
Stephanie Beacham epitomises glamour. She played opposite Marlon Brando in The Nightcomers, was a leading player at the RSC and National Theatre and appeared in the hugely popular TV drama Tenko, but it was her role as Sable Colby in Dynasty and The Colbys which propelled her into the global spotlight.
The play sees Maria towards the end of her life, taking students for a master class. The formidable diva is still a force to be reckoned with and we see her artistry at work, as well as her vulnerability, as she reminisces on her life and career as one of the world’s greatest opera singers.
Accompanied by a soundtrack of some of Callas’ most beautiful, operatic triumphs, this is a classy, stylish production and a rare opportunity to see one of the UK’s finest actresses on stage.
MASTER CLASS
Everyman Theatre, Regent Street, Cheltenham, GL50 1HQ
Monday 21st – Saturday 26th February
Eves: Mon – Fri 7.45pm; Sat 8pm; Mats: Thur 2pm, Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £10 - £25 plus booking fee, available from the Box Office on 01242 572573 or online 24 hours a day at www.everymantheatre.org.uk
For more information and to request interviews and review tickets, please contact Francesca Goddard on 01242 236700 or email francesca.goddard@everymantheatre.org.uk
