Alpine Theatre Project to perform 'Master Class'

Tony Award nominee and Broadway veteran Barbara Walsh will bring Terrence McNally’s “Master Class” back to its birthplace when she portrays legendary opera diva Maria Callas with Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish June 15 to 24.

The Tony Award-winning play was originally developed at The Gathering playwriting conference in nearby Bigfork in the early 1990s. Alpine Theatre Project’s production will be the first professional production of the play in the area. It will be directed by David Ackroyd.

“We’re honored to bring this amazing play back to its roots,” Artistic Director Betsi Morrison said. “And to do it with someone as accomplished as Barbara Walsh makes it even more special.”

Walsh received much acclaim for her portrayal of “La Divina” at Papermill Playhouse in 2009. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her starring role in the William Finn musical “Falsettos.” She has also starred in the Broadway productions of “Blood Brothers,” “Nine,” “Hairspray” and “Company.”

Walsh will be joined by opera singers Esther Heideman, Ryan MacPherson and Katrina Thurman, who have starred with the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera and Opera National de Lyon, respectively.

“I’m thrilled to be playing the role again,” Walsh said. “I’ve learned so much from Maria Callas. This play is a beautiful homage to artists everywhere.”

McNally’s play won three Tony Awards and takes the audience to one of Callas’ famous master classes where, late in her own career, she dares the next generation to make the same sacrifices and rise to the same heights that made her the most celebrated, most reviled and most controversial singer of her time.

“Master Class” will run at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center starting June 15. Shows are at 8 p.m., except on Sundays, when the play begins at 6 p.m.

The play kicks off Alpine Theatre Project’s summer season, which also includes “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

The production is sponsored by the Applied Materials Foundation with assistance from Don K Subaru.

Founded by three Broadway veterans, Alpine Theatre Project has become one of the most respected professional theaters in the Northwest United States, presenting musicals, plays and concerts throughout the year, including regional and world premieres.

Patrons can learn more by visiting atpwhitefish.org or calling 862-SHOW.