“Well, that is who she was, as we learn from a playwright who knows whereof he speaks and from Daly’s triumphant portrayal of her.”
PLAYREVIVALCLOSED
Master Class
Opened Jul 7, 2011 · Closed Sep 4, 2011 · Ran for 2 months
4 Rave
10 Positive
2 Mixed
2 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics largely praise Daly's commanding, courageous performance in McNally's witty play, though some find her earthiness at odds with Callas's refined mystique. The revival earns acclaim despite occasional reservations about casting.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
18 reviews4 Rave
10 Positive
2 Mixed
2 Negative
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“During the intermission, I found myself wondering how Daly and her excellent director, Stephen Wadsworth, would keep all this intellectual and emotional splendor aloft. Though they’d captured my heart with the first half, there was the worry that exhaustion or lack of imagination would cause the acting or the directing to topple ...”
“Even if the play is essentially a monologue mixed with some opera selections, it makes for a thrilling ride and is one of McNally's most compelling works.”
“Even so, “Master Class” remains a diverting and at times juicily amusing vehicle for an actress capable of bottling a prima donna’s blunt-force charisma.”
“Daly delivers a commanding performance that is a master class all by itself.”
Audience Grade
This show predates most audience rating platforms. Critic reviews only.
Awards Scorecard
2011-12 season31
Nominated
Nominated for Best Revival (Play)
Outer Critics:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Master Class?
Critics largely praise Daly's commanding, courageous performance in McNally's witty play, though some find her earthiness at odds with Callas's refined mystique. The revival earns acclaim despite occasional reservations about casting. (CriticScore 74/100 from 18 reviews.)
Is Master Class worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say Master Class is worth seeing (74/100 from 18 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for Master Class?
Master Class has a CriticScore of 74/100 based on 18 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is Master Class still running on Broadway?
No, Master Class has closed. It played at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and closed on September 4, 2011.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueThe Samuel J. Friedman Theatre offers good sightlines with minimal obstructions and a well-raked mezzanine, ensuring a clear view from most seats. The sound quality is consistently praised, and the seating is comfortable with decent legroom. The theater's ambiance is enhanced by its elegant design following renovation, though facilities like restrooms are average, leading to some congestion during intermissions.
Original Broadway Cast
- Tyne DalyMaria Callas
- Sierra BoggessSharon Graham
- Clinton BrandhagenStagehand
- Jeremy CohenManny
- Alexandra SilberSophie De Palma
- Garrett SorensonAnthony Candolino
Creative Team
- Stephen WadsworthDirector
- Terrence McNallyPlaywright
- Bradley MooreMusic Direction
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 74/100 (18 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Jul 7, 2011
- Closed
- Sep 4, 2011
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Synopsis
- The opera diva Maria Callas, a glamorous, commanding, larger-than-life, caustic, and surprisingly funny pedagogue is holding a singing master class. Alternately dismayed and impressed by the students who parade before her, she retreats into recollections about the glories of her own life and career.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
