Back in August there was a discussion of this play about Maria Callas'
Julliard Master Classes, by Terrence McNally, in response to a question
about it from Aaron Rabushka.  More recently, Chris Bond, in "2 Kinds of
People," spoke of Callas as the benchmark for those demanding intensity
in opera, as distinct from those preferring vocal beauty instead.

I just saw the play in Milwaukee, in a superb and intense production,
and it really brings these questions together.  If Chris Bonds needed
validation for his assumption, here it is.

The Milwaukee production features Angela Iannone as Callas, and she is
perfect for the role.  She did it previously in Madison, and she will do
it again with Missouri Rep in St. Louis later this season.  The Milwaukee
production is at Milwaukee Chamber Theater until October 31.  The
"students" in the master class are fine singers, at least two of them.
(The first doesn't have a clue and doesn't actually get to sing much.)
Anyone with an interest in opera, or dramatic intensity in any form, within
reach of Milwaukee or St. Louis, would do well to catch this show--or at
least read the script.

Jim Tobin