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When Philippine Opera Company first staged Terrence McNally’s Master Class in 2010 with Cheri Gil as Maria Callas, I missed it. So when POC mounted the Tony Award-winning play with Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as La Divina, I said to myself that if I missed this one, I am sure to regret it. So I saw it on its premiere at the RCBC Plaza and was I in for a roller-coaster ride, witnessing the highs and lows of the legendary soprano as masterfully portrayed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.   Maria Callas is a complex character. She was one of a kind. A dramatic soprano with the range and agility of a coloratura, she almost single-handedly brought back the bel canto repertoire — Bellini's Norma, Donizetti's Lucia, Cherubini's Medea. Bernstein called her The Bible of Opera. But the woman behind the voice never felt enough. Her mother called her the fat, ugly, talented one. The Italian press said the same about her weight. She lost 80 lbs in a year, remade herself for Onassis, and still got l...

Theatre Group Asia's A Chorus Line is definitely a must-see!  This timeless musical showcases all-Filipino talents that will make you proud; it's the perfect directorial debut material for choreographer Karla Puno Garcia. The cast were perfect for their roles, from Conrad Ricamora as Zach (who's heard more rather than seen--definitely a challenge for the voice acting skills) to Lissa de Guzman as Cassie (WOW! Talent + Stamina!!) to the rest of the cast (ang huhusay, walang tapon). The material seemed fresh too despite being dated (mention of Hollywood and Broadway stage actors of yore that may be lost to the new generation of audience which can't be helped), thanks to Puno Garcia's amazing choreography and Farley Asuncion's musical genius. Hats off to TGA and the rest of the people involved in the staging of this beloved musical!  Watch now! A Chorus Line runs until March 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.