PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Master Class-y Time With Alexandra Silber and Cast | Playbill

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Photos PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Master Class-y Time With Alexandra Silber and Cast Playbill.com welcomes guest contributor Alexandra Silber, currently making her Broadway debut as Sophie De Palma in Master Class. An avid blogger and photographer, Silber shares her personal photos and guides readers on an intimate, free-wheeling tour of the production.
By Matthew Blank, Alexandra Silber
August 09, 2011
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Alexandra Silber

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Well, hello there, Playbill.com! I'm currently making my Broadway debut (whoop!) playing Maria Callas' first "victim," soprano Sophie De Palma, in Manhattan Theatre Club's gorgeous revival of Terrence McNally's Master Class.

When Playbill.com approached me to take a little look-see behind the scenes, I was delighted... not least because I already chronicle so many of my (mis)adventures on the blog London Still, but also because we have one heckuva time over at the Friedman Theatre, and I thought the world might like to know a little bit more about how we all operate and function and love on one another.

It can get pretty hilarious... and fun... and beautiful... and sometimes we are all so cute it gives you cavities.

The point is this: Check out this look behind the scenes of Manhattan Theatre Club's production of Terrence McNally's Master Class! Some of the shots are by me, some are by my castmate Clinton Brandhagen, a gifted photographer. You won't be disappointed. Now, let me be your tour guide. Please fasten your safety belts, be aware that your nearest exit may be behind you, and PLEASE, of utmost, crucial importance: make sure you have a pencil!

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Master Class-y Time With Alexandra Silber and Cast

This is our cast on the set of MTC's production of <i>Good People</i>, speaking aloud in the theatre for the first time. And that would be Sierra, NOT taking our vocal warm-up seriously... Sheesh!

PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Master Class-y Time With Alexandra Silber and Cast

Well, hello there, Playbill.com, this is Alexandra Silber. I'm currently playing soprano Sophie De Palma in Manhattan Theatre Club's gorgeous revival of Terrence McNally's Master Class. We have one heckuva time together, and I thought the world might like to know a little bit more about how we all operate. You won't be disappointed! Read the Playbill.com story.

52 PHOTOS
Outside The Friedman Theatre on move-in day!
Outside The Friedman Theatre on move-in day!
Alexandra Silber
Meet the players and stars of the show! First and foremost, the *MUSIC*
Meet the players and stars of the show! First and foremost, the *MUSIC*
Alexandra Silber
First we have, Sierra Boggess, who plays Soprano Sharon Graham. Any relation to Susie..? or perhaps MARTHA?!
First we have, Sierra Boggess, who plays Soprano Sharon Graham. Any relation to Susie..? or perhaps MARTHA?!
Alexandra Silber
Then, Garrett Sorenson as Tony Candolino. Here he is doing... *something*... sigh... *Tenors*...
Then, Garrett Sorenson as Tony Candolino. Here he is doing... *something*... sigh... *Tenors*...
Alexandra Silber
Next is Jeremy Cohen who plays "Weinstock, Manny Weinstock," our steady hand, company constant, subtle genius and not-too-shabby accompanist extraordinaire. He is a pure diamond of an actor, pianist and man. I love this guy like he is my long lost cousin.
Next is Jeremy Cohen who plays "Weinstock, Manny Weinstock," our steady hand, company constant, subtle genius and not-too-shabby accompanist extraordinaire. He is a pure diamond of an actor, pianist and man. I love this guy like he is my long lost cousin.
Alexandra Silber
Aaand Clinton Brandhagen who plays The Stagehand. We all call him "Grumpy," but he isn't really. He is a mush. Canadian mush, and a helluva professional photographer who has graciously donated some of his captured work for this piece. What a talented guy!
Aaand Clinton Brandhagen who plays The Stagehand. We all call him "Grumpy," but he isn't really. He is a mush. Canadian mush, and a helluva professional photographer who has graciously donated some of his captured work for this piece. What a talented guy!
Alexandra Silber
Then of course there is Tyne Daly. Yeah. She's pretty phenomenal. You can catch her face on that poster above our amazing theatre!
Then of course there is Tyne Daly. Yeah. She's pretty phenomenal. You can catch her face on that poster above our amazing theatre!
Alexandra Silber
Enter our fearless leader, Director Stephen Wadsworth, covering up everyone's names on the billboard. He is a master of detail, depth and leading a company with humor and love.
Enter our fearless leader, Director Stephen Wadsworth, covering up everyone's names on the billboard. He is a master of detail, depth and leading a company with humor and love.
Alexandra Silber
There is always the potential for things to get a little ugly when it comes to the billing... tragic, really.
There is always the potential for things to get a little ugly when it comes to the billing... tragic, really.
Alexandra Silber
... and of course our playwright! Terrence McNally stops by to say hi!
... and of course our playwright! Terrence McNally stops by to say hi!
©clinton brandhagen
Understudies Brian Cali, Leah Edwards, Dan Kurland and Jacqueline Antaramian!
Understudies Brian Cali, Leah Edwards, Dan Kurland and Jacqueline Antaramian!
Alexandra Silber
And yours truly! Me, myself, Alexandra (or "Al" as everyone calls me) Silber as the one, the only, Sophie De Palma! <br><br>[::confetti::]
And yours truly! Me, myself, Alexandra (or "Al" as everyone calls me) Silber as the one, the only, Sophie De Palma!

[::confetti::]
Alexandra Silber
So! Now that you've met everyone, let's take a look at some insider stuff. This is our very first day of rehearsal! Sierra and I had already met in London and by Day 1 were pretty much in it together for good.
So! Now that you've met everyone, let's take a look at some insider stuff. This is our very first day of rehearsal! Sierra and I had already met in London and by Day 1 were pretty much in it together for good.
Alexandra Silber
Jeremy Cohen and I, who appeared in the Kennedy Center production last year, are pictured here FREAKING THE HECK OUT out on Day 1 of rehearsals for our Broadway debut!
Jeremy Cohen and I, who appeared in the Kennedy Center production last year, are pictured here FREAKING THE HECK OUT out on Day 1 of rehearsals for our Broadway debut!
Alexandra Silber
Sierra Boggess: Hot Goddess.
Sierra Boggess: Hot Goddess.
Alexandra Silber
This is Garrett in his very first moments on a Broadway stage. Awesome.
This is Garrett in his very first moments on a Broadway stage. Awesome.
Alexandra Silber
... and then he started to sing.
... and then he started to sing.
Alexandra Silber
Sierra is the best "Broadway Big Sister." She is filming everyone and starting the enthusiasm off RIGHT.
Sierra is the best "Broadway Big Sister." She is filming everyone and starting the enthusiasm off RIGHT.
Alexandra Silber
Our director Stephen Wadsworth, Stage Manager extraordinaire Susie Corden and Jeremy Cohen.
Our director Stephen Wadsworth, Stage Manager extraordinaire Susie Corden and Jeremy Cohen.
Alexandra Silber
Garrett taking it all in. This was an almost indescribable shared moment for all of us. Such a unique cast, with so many debuts. I extol on the moment a bit more here: http://alexandrasilber.blogspot.com/2011/05/today-was-best-rehearsal-day-i-have.html
Garrett taking it all in. This was an almost indescribable shared moment for all of us. Such a unique cast, with so many debuts. I extol on the moment a bit more here: http://alexandrasilber.blogspot.com/2011/05/today-was-best-rehearsal-day-i-have.html
Alexandra Silber
This is our cast on the set of MTC's production of <i>Good People</i>, speaking aloud in the theatre for the first time. And that would be Sierra, NOT taking our vocal warm-up seriously... Sheesh!
This is our cast on the set of MTC's production of Good People, speaking aloud in the theatre for the first time. And that would be Sierra, NOT taking our vocal warm-up seriously... Sheesh!
©clinton brandhagen
SHE IS DISTRACTING ME FROM MY ART!!
SHE IS DISTRACTING ME FROM MY ART!!
Alexandra Silber
... aaaaaaaand we've both lost it.
... aaaaaaaand we've both lost it.
Alexandra Silber
According to an 8-ball we asked, as well as our gut instincts, we have apparently known one another for three lifetimes already. So it is good to have found each other this trip around... at last!
According to an 8-ball we asked, as well as our gut instincts, we have apparently known one another for three lifetimes already. So it is good to have found each other this trip around... at last!
Alexandra Silber
This is us when we saw our dressing room for the VERY FIRST TIME! (We had *BIG* plans for it... just you wait!)
This is us when we saw our dressing room for the VERY FIRST TIME! (We had *BIG* plans for it... just you wait!)
Alexandra Silber
Sophie and Sharon kitting out their "dorm room" with operatic memorabilia...
Sophie and Sharon kitting out their "dorm room" with operatic memorabilia...
Alexandra Silber
Next Slide  
In repose during tech. Planning our World Domination. Totes.
In repose during tech. Planning our World Domination. Totes.
Alexandra Silber
So our innocent-looking Jeremy is a bit of a poker shark. He comes upstairs during the monologues and takes everyone's money in about 4 minutes.
So our innocent-looking Jeremy is a bit of a poker shark. He comes upstairs during the monologues and takes everyone's money in about 4 minutes.
Alexandra Silber
Heya Soph! A particularly great shot of Sophie and Sharon's "dorm room."
Heya Soph! A particularly great shot of Sophie and Sharon's "dorm room."
Alexandra Silber
Understudy Buddies!
Understudy Buddies!
Alexandra Silber
Jeremy/Manny serenades us all during tech.
Jeremy/Manny serenades us all during tech.
Alexandra Silber
"It's gonna be okay, Tony!!" Mild-to-moderate in-character anxiety attack pre-Callas confrontation.
"It's gonna be okay, Tony!!" Mild-to-moderate in-character anxiety attack pre-Callas confrontation.
Alexandra Silber
A Sophie Visual Collage
A Sophie Visual Collage
Alexandra Silber
Jeremy Cohen and I say this to each other every day:<br> "Manny <i>loves</i> Sophie!"<br> "Sophie <i>loves</i> Manny!"<br><br> Ohhhhhh how we do!
Jeremy Cohen and I say this to each other every day:
"Manny loves Sophie!"
"Sophie loves Manny!"

Ohhhhhh how we do!
Alexandra Silber
Our director takes notes with the "umbrella pencils" I made everyone for opening night! They actually write!
Our director takes notes with the "umbrella pencils" I made everyone for opening night! They actually write!
Alexandra Silber
Manny and Sophie!
Manny and Sophie!
Alexandra Silber
Leah Edwards & Jacqueline Antaramian give us some vowel action! I think this is the place to mention that Leah and I have known each other since we were 13. Went to high school together and I first lived with her when I moved to New York. Small world!
Leah Edwards & Jacqueline Antaramian give us some vowel action! I think this is the place to mention that Leah and I have known each other since we were 13. Went to high school together and I first lived with her when I moved to New York. Small world!
Alexandra Silber
This is me freaking out 5 seconds before our first preview on June 14th. Sierra was so excited for me to step out onto a Broadway stage in front of an audience for the first time that she left the room at the 5 to give me "a moment to take it all in."
This is me freaking out 5 seconds before our first preview on June 14th. Sierra was so excited for me to step out onto a Broadway stage in front of an audience for the first time that she left the room at the 5 to give me "a moment to take it all in."
Alexandra Silber
HERE WE GO! GLASSES READY!
HERE WE GO! GLASSES READY!
Alexandra Silber
This is me the next day in a totally different costume. I have to say I think the "Cosby Sweater" touch is a stroke of pure genius. Way to go [amazing costume designer] Martin Pakledinaz!
This is me the next day in a totally different costume. I have to say I think the "Cosby Sweater" touch is a stroke of pure genius. Way to go [amazing costume designer] Martin Pakledinaz!
Alexandra Silber
You might be wondering why I'm wearing so many different outfits. Sophie (in)famously "doesn't have a look"- and it takes some trial & error to figure out what that means exactly. So Soph went through a few incarnations, only constant being the GLASSES!
You might be wondering why I'm wearing so many different outfits. Sophie (in)famously "doesn't have a look"- and it takes some trial & error to figure out what that means exactly. So Soph went through a few incarnations, only constant being the GLASSES!
Alexandra Silber
Pictured here with our Stagehand "Grumpy" (actor Clinton Brandhagen). He isn't *reeeeally* Grumpy, that is just his legal name.
Pictured here with our Stagehand "Grumpy" (actor Clinton Brandhagen). He isn't *reeeeally* Grumpy, that is just his legal name.
Alexandra Silber
... right. Well. maybe we got a little carried away...
... right. Well. maybe we got a little carried away...
Alexandra Silber
Sierra prepares.
Sierra prepares.
Alexandra Silber
The boys dressing room gets a lot of socializing action.
The boys dressing room gets a lot of socializing action.
Alexandra Silber
Tenors!
Tenors!
Alexandra Silber
Tenor sandwich. Or technically Sophie sandwich, Tenor bread...
Tenor sandwich. Or technically Sophie sandwich, Tenor bread...
Alexandra Silber
Clint and I come up with a little offstage improv backstage every night for the part where Jeremy comes offstage to "do something about the temperature."
Clint and I come up with a little offstage improv backstage every night for the part where Jeremy comes offstage to "do something about the temperature."
Alexandra Silber
This was my opening night card for everyone! [*marvels at her own craftiness and squeals with delight*]<br><br> You are welcome.
This was my opening night card for everyone! [*marvels at her own craftiness and squeals with delight*]

You are welcome.
Alexandra Silber
We always stay after our bows to clap and clap and scream for Tyno... aren't we just the cutest?
We always stay after our bows to clap and clap and scream for Tyno... aren't we just the cutest?
Alexandra Silber
Tyne makes a special appearance for a group photo. We are all so in love! Check back shortly for more fun photos from me and my castmates... and come see us sometime soon at <i>Master Class</i>.
Tyne makes a special appearance for a group photo. We are all so in love! Check back shortly for more fun photos from me and my castmates... and come see us sometime soon at Master Class.
Alexandra Silber
Pictured here with our Stagehand "Grumpy" (actor Clinton Brandhagen). He isn't *reeeeally* Grumpy, that is just his legal name.
Pictured here with our Stagehand "Grumpy" (actor Clinton Brandhagen). He isn't *reeeeally* Grumpy, that is just his legal name.
Alexandra Silber
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According to MTC, "Terrence McNally's play about Maria Callas (Tyne Daly) 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."

Stephen Wadsworth directs a cast that also features Olivier Award nominee Sierra Boggess (as Sharon Graham), Clinton Brandhagen (as Stagehand), Jeremy Cohen (as Emmanuel Weinstock), Drama Desk Award winner Alexandra Silber (as Sophie De Palma) and Garrett Sorenson (as Anthony Candolino).

For tickets, call (212) 239-6200 or visit www.Telecharge.com. For more information about MTC, visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.

 
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