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Master Class

“Master Class,” the Tony-winning play by Terrence McNally, tells the story of the uncompromising opera diva Maria Callas as she delivers a life altering master class to students at an elite opera training program. During the class, she encounters three vastly different students who are by turns hilariously crushed, soulfully uplifted, and profoundly inspired by her singular artistry. Based on a series of real-life classes Callas delivered at Juilliard, “Master Class” inspires us, transports us, and transforms us by carving a window into the soul of one of the most complicated and celebrated artists of the 20th century who pushed the boundaries of artistic sacrifice and quality.

  • "Vicki Lewis’ magnificent Callas’ performance makes this Master Class soar exquisitely."
    - Curtain Up Phoenix
  • "'Master Class,' directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge ('MMD'), is a tour de force of theatrical talent from both the actors and the design and technical team."
    - Taming of the Review
  • "Lewis embodied the spirit of the opera star and made us hang on every word."
    - Arizona Daily Star

The run time of Master Class is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including one intermission. For more information about our venues, click here.


Three Things to Know:

  1. Master Class won both the 1996 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play and the 1996 Tony Award for Best Play. Zoe Caldwell won the 1996 Tony Award for Actress in a Play, and Audra McDonald won the 1996 Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Play.
  2. Born in New York City on 2 December 1923, Maria Callas was adored by both public and critics alike for her vocal technique and dramatic gifts. In Italy, her fans called Callas ”La Divina”, because she reigned like a goddess in the opera. 
  3. In 2018 and 2019 a production of Master Class took place in Athens, Greece, at the Dimitris Horn Theatre with Greek actress Maria Nafpliotou in the starring role. The production received critical acclaim and by February 2019 counted 125 consecutive sold out performances.

Click to See Performance Dates

Arizona Theatre Company Delivers Tony Award-Winning Play “Master Class”

Arizona Theatre Company continues its virtuosic season with the Tony Award winning play Master Class, by five-time Tony winner Terrence McNally. Master Class tells the story of opera superstar Maria Callas as she delivers a hilarious and harrowing masterclass to the future stars who are nipping at her heels.

Broadway and Hollywood actress Vicki Lewis will play Callas in ATC’s production. A star of the sit-com NewsRadio, Lewis has had extensive recurring roles on shows like How I Met Your MotherModern FamilyHome ImprovementSeinfeld and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as in films that include Finding NemoMousehunt and Pushing Tin. On stage, she has starred on Broadway in AnastasiaChicagoDamn YankeesContinue Reading

About the Play: Master Class

Mastery is a decision. A decision to endure the uncomfortable pains that come with the evolution to greatness. A decision to surrender your soul to the grueling fires of refinement. A life-changing decision that will either breed lifelong happiness or deep-rooted regret. A decision only you can make. And when mastery does come, it does not come quietly. At least not for opera diva Maria Callas. Continue Reading …

Meet the Director: Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Marcia Milgrom Dodge “MMD” is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Astaire Award-nominated director and choreographer for her celebrated revival of Ragtime (Broadway and Kennedy Center), for which she also won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Director, Resident Musical. MMD is thrilled to return to ATC after 30 years, when she directed and choreographed Some Enchanted Evening. Continue Reading …


Master Class Cast

Master Class Creatives



More About Maria …

‘Fresh Air’ marks the 100th birthday of legendary opera soprano Maria Callas

Widely considered the greatest singing actor in opera history, Callas died in 1977 at the age of 53. Now, several new releases celebrate both her singing and her acting. Continue Reading …

Maria Callas is honored with a new museum in Greece

Finishing her class at The Juilliard School of the arts in New York, Greek opera great Maria Callas gave her students a final word of advice. “Keep on going the proper way: Not with fireworks…” Continue Reading …


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Thank you to Our Sponsors

I. Michael and Beth Kasser

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Richard P. Stahl Charitable Fund

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