Theater Review: 'Master Class' by Terrence McNally at Wilton Playshop

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Naugatuck Patch neighbor Nancy Sasso Janis

My first visit to The Wilton Playshop was to experience a performance of “Master Class” by Terrence McNally. The production of the dramatic comedy with music about “La Divina” Maria Callas is wonderfully directed by Al Recchia, with Nina DePeugh as executive producer and Michele Bennett as producer.

“Master Class” is set at the Juilliard School in 1971, where Maria Callas conducts a master class in singing with some brave students. In this winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Play!, Concord Theatricals notes that the glamorous former opera star Callas teaches a master class in front of an audience at Juilliard, “unpacking her years of experience in the industry as she trains up and coming students.”

Priscilla Squiers tackles the intimidating role of the opera singer. I have had the honor of seeing this multi-talented actor on many stages throughout the state, including Martha in “Agnes of God” (twice,) Florence Foster Jenkins in “Souvenir,” Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd,” and Emma Goldman in “Assassins” and “Ragtime.” At Wilton Playshop, she has appeared in roles ranging from Sonia in “They’re Playing Our Song” and Abigail in “1776” to Annie in “The Real Thing.”

Squiers masters the strong presence of Callas, using an impressive accent as she reenacts some important memories from the singer’s life. There is a surprising amount of dry humor in this script and she lands all of it perfectly. Despite the crushing amount of lines, some of them in Italian, Squiers seldom falters and is exciting to watch.

It is fun to see Andrew Gadwah seated behind the grand piano onstage in the role of Manny Weinstock, the pianist accompanying the singers. The role includes a bit of interaction with the diva, which Gadwah covers well. Needless to say, he masterfully performs the challenging opera pieces of the three students.

Gadwah sat offstage last season as music director/keyboard for “Into the Woods,” and has also music directed numerous school and community theater productions at New Fairfield High School, where he is a teacher, Musicals at Richter, Sherman Playhouse and Center Stage in Shelton.

Alea Vorillas returns to this stage to play Sharon Graham, the student who shows up at the class woefully overdressed. Vorillas first appeared at the Playshop in 2018 as Maria in “West Side Story,” is operatically trained and has sung in more than 30 opera roles with local and regional opera companies. It shows.

Bill King plays the role of the tenor Anthony Candolino. King, at the tender age of 23, displays his nearly a decade of vocal experience in his performance.

What a treat to see Sandra Fernandes in the role of the young Sophie De Palma in her second production with the Playshop. She recently appeared as Lucinda in “Into the Woods,” and I have also seen her in several roles at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton. As always, Fernandes is adorable

Hugh Tucker rounds out the cast in the role of the stagehand. One of Tucker’s favorite roles is Lloyd Dallas in “Noises Off” with Newtown Players and I am sure that he was amazing in the role.

This is at least the third time I have seen this play and I have always enjoyed watching Maria Callas come to life on the stage, learning much about her life and art.

Gini Frank Fischer is credited with scenic charge, with Connie Sinnaeve in charge of props. Melissa Kennedy, a middle school science teacher in Ridgefield, designed the costumes for the cast of characters, making the glamorous Callas memorable. Lighting design by Matt Pagliaro (“Into the Woods”) adds value to many of the scenes and Tech Director/Audio Engineer Robyn Mola had many music cues to provide on time.

Jazzy Cores (Cinderella in “Into the Woods”) takes on the role of stage manager, with Wilton HS junior Maddy Passaro as assistant stage manager.

Laura Fannon Ploss, the president of the company’s board of directors, indicates that The Wilton Playshop is celebrating its 88th season. It stands as one of New England’s oldest continuously operating theaters, thanks to “a family of passionate volunteers” that is “excited to share another wonderful season with you, our cherished audiences.”

The play runs two hours with one intermission. Performances continue at the lovely (and easy to find) Wilton Playshop, located at 15 Lovers Lane in Wilton, through Feb. 28. There is parking in a lot behind the venue, as well as at the church across the road. (203) 762-7629 wiltonplayshop.org

Wilton High School Theatre will go under the sea with “The Little Mermaid” May 15, 16, & 17. Wilton Children’s Theater will present “Guys and Dolls, Jr.” March 13-15.

Photos by Seth Barkan Photography