Barbara Walsh Leads Alpine Theatre Project's MASTER CLASS, Now thru 6/24

Tony Award nominee and Broadway veteran, Barbara Walsh, brings Terrence McNally's Master Class back to its birthplace when she portrays legendary opera diva, Maria Callas, in a production of the play at Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) in Whitefish, Montana tonight, June 15 through June 24. The Tony Award winning play was originally developed at "The Gathering" playwriting conference in nearby Bigfork, MT in the early 1990's. ATP's production is the first professional production of the play in the area. It is directed by David Ackroyd.

"We're honored to bring this amazing play back to its roots," says ATP Artistic Director, Betsi Morrison. "And to do it with someone as accomplished as Barbara Walsh makes it even more special."

Barbara Walsh received much acclaim for her portrayal of "La Divina" at Papermill Playhouse in 2009. She was nominated for 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. She 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," says Barbara Walsh. "I've learned so much from Maria Callas. This play is a beautiful homage to artists everywhere."

Winner of 3 Tony Awards and arguably one of the greatest plays of the last 25 years, Terrence McNally's play about opera diva, Maria Callas takes us to one of her 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, the most reviled and the most controversial singer of her time.

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

Master Class will run at Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish, MT, tonight, June 15th through June 24th. It starts off the ATP summer season, which includes Little Shop of Horrors and Hedwig & the Angry Inch. Patrons can learn more by visiting atpwhitefish.org or calling (406) 862-SHOW.