MASTER CLASS Patti LuPone

In July 1996, Patti LuPone replaced Zoe Caldwell in the role of Maria Callas in Terrence McNally's "Master Class." See Zoe Caldwell, Audra McDonald and original Broadway cast in "Master Class" at • MASTER CLASS Zoe Caldw... . See Faye Dunaway in "Master Class" at • FAYE DUNAWAY in MASTER... . See Nathan Lane in "Love! Valour! Compassion!" at • NATHAN LANE Love! Valo...

[@rainylime]

I thought Patti Lupone was actually teaching a master class here as a sort of improvised character bit. I felt so bad for those poor students... 😂

[@susanr5409]

Watch an actual master class. Maria was a fantastic teacher. This is fiction for entertainment. She focused on the original intent of the composer and excellence... that's what made her great..

[@fountainchain126]

LuPone was a triumph. She did not get the reviews, though. I think people always begrudge her doing non-musical work, even though that's how she started. It's a shame she doesn't do more. This role was a lovely merging of her own Juilliard history (where Callas presented these tutorials), her classical stage work, and her musical resume; she has full understanding of this woman (she probably resembles Callas more than Caldwell did). And only when I see this footage now, I acknowledge how brave it was for her to step in after Caldwell's mesmerising Tony-winning performance. LuPone herself said that anyone would be a fool to follow Caldwell, but she'd be a fool not to play the role (or something to that extent). Thanks as always for this 'isolation' entertainment. RIP McNally.

[@TheSpinDoctor]

fountainchain126 I saw her perform this in London - she was amazing in the rôle, and mesmerising to watch. Her own discipline, technique and courage showed through.

[@ThatMonkeySam]

Beautifully said!

[@pmurraymusic]

Out of sheer curiosity, I did a google archive search of any reviews of her in the role at the time, and, surprisingly, Variety was very kind to her. They recognized the differences between her and Caldwell, but they were reticent to see those differences as a take-away or a let-down. It's clearly Patti LuPone AS Maria Callas in a play ABOUT the Juilliard Masterclasses; this, as opposed to a documentary-style bio-play detailing the actual proceedings of the sessions (some of which, coincidentally, exist on KZbin as well). I also think Callas, to her credit, was very precise about how she presented herself to the press, and so her public reception was as varied as any opera primadonna, regardless of her temperament. It's clear that Mr. McNally wanted to garner Callas' essence through the medium of acting, and dramatic license, tricky thing that is always is, was something he wasn't afraid to employ, if only for dramatic effect. In any case, I'm a not-so-lowkey LuPone fan, so I speak with admitted bias. But whatever the case, this performance, IMO, is snappy, smart, and funny as hell.

[@richardmayora5310]

@@pmurraymusic The Times mauled her to shreds. I believe the last line was "try as she might, the little sparrow never seems to get it right." I bet she grew into the role. She was actually the most appropriate actress to cast in this role.

[@kbhprinsesse]

Or maybe they resent the was she totally misrepresented Callas.

[@christopherbush9027]

The ability to teach, not by lecturing but rather through the eyes of love and humor is the greatest gift a playwright can have-and Terrance McNally was a living masterclass at just that. I’m stunned and saddened to have lost a most powerful voice who taught so many - things they never knew they never knew. Thank you so much for posting Spiderwoman...

[@Amahl1971]

I do not say this to diminish McNally's talent in any way, but this play is based on a series of masterclasses that Maria Callas gave. They were recorded, and readily available to both McNally and the public. Much of the drama is taken from the actual classes.

[@peteralfano4278]

A diva playing a diva. Perfect. And how sad to lose one of our voices... ..Terence McNally. All this brings back how we started losing people when AIDS started. Stay safe.

[@Gee-xb7rt]

And good old fashioned American politics getting in the way again.

[@Paddy818]

I remember seeing her in Evita and thought, now there’s the person to play Callas! Saw her in this and she was wonderful! An incredible actress! One of a kind! Like Callas!! Like McNally! RIP Maestro McNally

[@richardmayora1289]

When LuPone went into the show, several servers who worked in the area told me that they thought people were walking out on LuPone. Turns out, she just spoke so much faster than Caldwell.

[@patr0clus]

i love this! this made me laugh! haha

[@donhailer4994]

Yes - LuPone seems less confidant in the audience's ability to fill in the gaps. She races through the text to get to the next joke rather than allowing the audience to get there first.

[@LorrSG]

Nick Mayor that’s true. She cut 15 minutes of the show just with speed.

Well, to be honest, callas herself did speak quite quickly herself. So it is a little detail, that serves the character quite well

[@stefanodepeppo]

@ she sounds NOTHING like Callas. Accent, inflections. NOTHING

[@berfin3265]

God I love Patti LuPone

[@andypunch]

Do you have the full show?

Patti Lupone being a singing diva herself really made La Callas in this play really her own

[@Edinburgh74]

saw Tyne Daly do MasterClass in London - loved her performance

[@thomasmcglinchey6050]

Thank you for this! RIP McNally

[@holdyourhats]

Thank You for posting this!!!!

[@fritzanders3467]

I saw her in this when I was a student at Juilliard. She was/is a phenom!

[@johndalton3180]

What a treat! Thank you for posting.

[@samosullivan1744]

Patti LuPone is such a legend! Completely blows you away every time!

[@mosshart21]

THANK YOU for posting this. I’m going to bury myself in Terrence McNally clips the rest of the evening now. RIP

[@tiberiuskirk2111]

God! I wish you had the two great monologues..... I saw both the wonderful Zoe and Patti. Patti brought a mediterranean fire and an innate understanding of what it takes to sing a great role in a great theatre to this part. It was thrilling and somehow in sympatico with the spirit of Callas. She was extraordinary

[@jasonmerrin4505]

Wow. Patti LuPone is brilliant in this. It takes a diva to play a diva.

[@jscho8674]

Thank you for posting this in honor of Terrence. I'm so sad.

[@user36able]

Please rise for our Galactic Overlord

[@wrendennehy2051]

This is the definition of chewing the scenery ❤

[@gabriellag2611]

This play is brilliant. McNally is a great loss.

[@richardmayora5310]

When LuPone went into the show, restaurants in the area thought audiences were walking out...but the actual show was shorter because of LuPone's rapid speech. Caldwell savored every syllable.

[@batekush8135]

THANK U SM FOR THIS

[@barbarahill4125]

What I saw of this she was brilliant!

[@bobbullen6722]

Amazing tribute. Thank you, Aurora!

[@Rosseroni88]

"A 12 foot Lucia Di Lammermoor!!" I died 🤣🤣🤣 poor Joanie lololol

[@Klinxor]

Maria Callas was 173 cm and Joan Sutherland 175 cm, so they were both kind of 12 foot Lucia.🙂

[@WIscodizard]

Oh this hurts my heart. Rest in Peace and Power Terrace.

[@mvalbiro8860]

AMAZING 🎭🇮🇪⭐️🌟

[@ismailfarah4852]

Kevin Kline was a lucky ducky 2 have patty as a lover.

[@littleshadow2707]

Yes sir

[@bookemdano7567]

Patti was so great in this play!!

[@batekush8135]

RIP Terrence ❤️

[@alejandromorales9516]

I saw her do this for an invited dress and it was one of the most miraculous things I had ever seen. It was also the first time I had seen LuPone on stage and on that day I became a MAJOR STAN.

[@littleshadow2707]

She seemed fun, as a teacher!

[@jayhartbarger2793]

She is an amazing talent, but Zoe was such perfection it is hard to follow. She just doesn't seem to have the timing, connection with the audience.

[@davidhumphrey1040]

I know you don't really do requests, but would you happen to have the 1972 TV production of "Of Thee I Sing" with Carroll O'Connor and Cloris Leachman? I just got the LP from it for my birthday and would enjoy seeing it.

[@takethebox.06]

The thumbnail kinda looks like Cecilia Bartoli

[@unclealand]

Patti Lupone even LOOKS like Callas!

[@hotradiogaga]

Well the resemblance with Maria is truly uncanny

[@vitorrc3068]

😍

[@benmcilvain9808]

Do you have any of Dixie Carter?

[@LorrSG]

Hi and thanks for posting!! Do you have any footage of the singers? (Specifically - do you have footage of me - Lorraine Goodman? I would love to see it. )

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Hi Lorraine---so nice to hear from you. This was a two-camera shoot, and the footage here is from the tight/close camera, and therefore concentrates on Patti at all times. The other performers are probably visible in the wide-camera footage. This was shot early in Patti's run.

[@musiktranen]

She should be doing a Masterclass in singing instead of Christina Aguilera by the way. She have almost perfect technique, while Xtina, has beautiful voice but terrible technique.

[@user-me8kr6mv5l]

🎉❤ utube JOHN BAVAS ΤΟ ΠΑΛΙΟ ΡΟΛΟΙ

[@ryanlax404]

@auroraspiderwoman5886 were you able to find any footage of Dixie Carter in the role? Would love to see her interpretation.

[@davidpugh1068]

how did you find this oh my goodness!

[@davidpugh1068]

this is amazing

[@alanfischer1948]

Are there any complete versions of this play you know of?

[@wonderofmen6261]

Yellow Diamond

[@ryanlax404]

RIP Terrence McNally. Please share anything you may have of Dixie Carter in this role. She's the only one no footage sees to exist of.

[@holdyourhats]

I was fortunate enough to see Dixie, She was mesmerizing!!!

[@ask4theupgrade359]

michael lockett - Amazing, I also got to see Dixie Carter in the role. I remember getting to the Broadway 🎭 theatre and the performance was cancelled, they stated that she wasn’t feeling well. I came back the next night and I totally agree with you, Dixie Carter was mesmerizing!

[@leewoods3067]

I worship Maria Callas, and love, love, love Patti LuPone, but I too saw Dixie Carter in Master Class on Broadway. I wasn't expecting much, but when you have a masterful play (RIP Mr. McNally) and a wonderful actress (yes, Ms. Dixie Carter), it was just magic. Perfect casting, and I feel so fortunate to have seen any actress in the role, but Dixie Carter embodied Maria Callas that evening, and I got to witness it from the front row.

[@holdyourhats]

@@leewoods3067 I was front row audience left, when Dixie (maria)was talking about aborting Ari's baby, I burst into tears, she was downstage right, in front of me, I hid my face because I thought my near sobs would break her concentration.

[@ryanlax404]

@@leewoods3067 Hope some footgae surfaces soon! Always felt she looked the most like Callas. Did she use an accent?

[@theatreaficionado]

Is there any footage of Dixie Carter?

[@littleshadow2707]

Why?

[@scottnicbutler]

LuPone was at Juilliard during these classes and didnt go. Fate's funny

[@fabulousroy]

I'm sorry to all the theater kids, but I was introduced to her through steven universe. All I hear is Yellow diamond....

[@trex1563]

She understood what it is to sing on a great stage. What it is to be torn apart in the world's press. Her performance is infused with it.

[@AAwildeone]

NOT Caldwell clearly a different KIND of actor she just never STOPS for a second it DETRACTS

[@AirglamGuru]

I don't get her accent choice. Callas spoke perfect English, having lived in New York for many years growing up. Her Italian accent was from the north, as her first husband was from Veneto, while Lupone uses a more stereotypical Italian-American accent which has inflections from the south of Italy. Not ro berate her or the play. Saw in London. Loved it.

[@MrQbenDanny]

THIS is Patti's turkey with a side of coleslaw. Forgiven.

[@clarequilty4962]

Patti even looks like Callas!

[@stefanodepeppo]

This doesn't look like her, and she definitely doesn't sound like her!

[@clarequilty4962]

@@stefanodepeppo Neither did Zoe Caldwell, Faye Dunaway, or anyone else; at least they didn't to someone without an imagination.

[@virikan3518]

Other people: *talking abt the show* My dumb ass: *hee hoo yellow diamond*

[@mrtheatredan]

Didn't she also play this in London?

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

Yes, and she was the first-and-only star of the London production.

[@francoisbessing]

She was good but this role belongs to Zoe Caldwell. She dominated it.

[@ThatMonkeySam]

I thought LaLuPone never replaced... 😉

[@glgree1]

You must be thinking of Olympia Dukakis, who turned down replacing Zoe...

[@artdanks]

The accent is a disappointment, but Patti Lupone sure has the Callas look and demeanor! I am a big fan of both ladies, and I am glad to be able to see Lupone as Callas.

[@kbhprinsesse]

No she didn't Callas didn't behave in this hammy way. If you listen to the tapes of her masterclasses, her attitude was totally different.

[@L1623VP]

@@kbhprinsesse The dialogue itself is full of diva attitude regardless of how Callas may or may not have behaved. I felt Patti made the role her own and didn't stoop to a mere impersonation. To me, Zoe was too reserved, and the way she delivered her dialogue was too measured and patient. I didn't believe the woman she was interpreting on stage had huge talent, an even bigger ego / competitive attitude (as most opera singers did back then) and a fragile heart that was being protected by that high opinion of herself. I even thought Fay Dunaway was better in the role than Zoe because it demands a big personality full of bravura.

[@kbhprinsesse]

@@L1623VP I don't agree. If you have ever heard the tapes of Callas' actual masterclasses, you would know how close LuPone's attitude here is to being ridiculous.

[@L1623VP]

@@kbhprinsesse I have seen Callas several times on tape and in interviews. Patti's performance is definitely not a perfect likeness, however, if you know anything about Patti's approach to acting, which she's talked about many times over the years, it's about serving the text--what's on the page and not letting a lot of preconceived notions or other factors influence the characterization. Right or wrong, that's her philosophy about creating a truly original performance and not copying others. I'll admit she doesn't always get it right. I saw her in Gypsy at City Center in 2007, and her performance was so subdued that I thought she was on meds. She dialed her performance down so far that she over did it in her attempt to not copy other actresses' interpretations, which led the NYT to review the show with the headline, "Whatever Happened to Mama Rose?" By the time the show reached Broadway, her portrayal was entirely different and much more traditional. So, there are certain roles that come with a certain kind of expectation from the audience in the way they should be performed because they're so recognizable and have been part of the theater cannon for so long. So, there isn't much or any room for interpretation. With a show that's never been done before, there's more leeway in that regard. Whether Callas' fans were upset on the whole, I can't say. All I can say is that I saw Patti in this production, and she was fantastic. In fact, of all the multi-million dollar shows I've seen on Broadway and the smaller ones, her production of Master Class has always remained the best Broadway show I've seen and the one I remember most. I have to give credit to McNally too, because the script is superb.

[@kbhprinsesse]

@@L1623VP you can say whatever you want. This is an affront to Maria Callas, something I am sure McNally did NOT want with his text. LuPone's bad accent - Callas was born and raised in NYC so she didn't speak English with any foreign accent, certainly not an Italian on - and her hammy way of putting the text over which was totally foreign to Callas at the masterclasses. You may say that the most important thing is the text, but come on - Callas hadn't even been dead for 20 years when the play premiered in 1995 and there are plenty of audovisual testaments to how she spoke, acted etc. so naturally people will compare and wish for a certain authentiticy, just like when someone portrays JFK or another important and reasonably "modern" historical figure on film, tv or stage. Say what you want, there's no argument which can justify this.

[@Shahrdad]

Of all the actresses, she looked the most like Callas. I hate the play itself.

[@stefanodepeppo]

She sounds like Callas in those Masterclasses like I sound like Barbra Streisand in my shower…

[@dudeforcaster8630]

Did Patti really intend to make Callas sound Russian?

[@artdanks]

I thought see sounded Italian, which would also be wrong.

[@kbhprinsesse]

@@artdanks Callas was born in NYC where she lived until she was 13. She didn't speak English with a foreign accent.

[@roddo1955]

Interesting what she said about concentration and how it is MY fault if lose it. Nope. I lost concentration because of HER performance. It was good but I zoned in and out. I saw another performance of Masterclass; and that woman(whom's name eludes me. Sorry) did not require me to focus. I was gripped! That was her doing- not mine. The chuckles Lapone illicited by me were mainly because of the writing. To appreciate the script, I have to focus. The elusive actress I saw in the other video did not require me to focus; she caught my attention and COMMANDED.

[@SingerGeneLeonard]

She has Callas’s accent down to a T!!

[@kbhprinsesse]

Are you kidding me?? Callas was born in NYC where she lived until she was 13. She didn't speak English with a foreign accent.

[@joespinelli2357]

Wow. How affected. Nothing rings true to Callas. Not even the accent. I never thought I'd see Patti give a truly bad performance. But here it is. This is bad. What is this bad French/Russian accent?

[@kbhprinsesse]

I adore LuPone but I think she's on the wrong track here. Maria Callas was born in NYC and lived there until she was 13. She didn't speak English with a foreign accent and her attitude was nowhere near what LuPone portrays here.

[@lestermatos2989]

I don't think she was really good. She is patty in everything she does, her callas accent is not that great and too comedic

[@lestermatos2989]

yes she does not transcend ever

[@ransomcoates546]

It's a terrible play that has nothing whatever to do with Maria Callas.

[@ransomcoates546]

@Jeff, the God of Biscuits If you knew the art and person of Matia Callas you would see what I mean. The author was a second rate talent, who had little knowledge of music, but a lot of the Callas/Judy Garland worship these figures inspired in gay men.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

I never thought that the play was meant to be a realistic depiction of the master classes that Callas actually led. I would say it's a fairly abstract fantasia on opera, art, dedication, star worship, sacrifice, and much more, using the framework of a Callas master class so that the character of Callas can directly address the audience throughout..

[@glgree1]

@@ransomcoates546 Sad that your opinion is so narrow, and you are so sure of yourself...

[@msszollosiable]

Ransom Coates I am now listening to Callas’ masterclasses and interviews and that was my first thought too. She was proud, but she wasn’t full of herself. She didn’t have an attitude. She was a very direct person, very categorical when teaching. At 4:47 Patti insults the audience member, which is a great example of what Maria Callas would never have done. She would never have willingly insulted someone just for the sake of insulting them.

[@theEricWalker]

I couldn't think of a more overrated actress if I tried to.