Meryl Streep to star in Master Class Maria Callas Film

Meryl Streep is to star as opera legend Maria Callas in a film adaptation of Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning play Master Class.  Director Mike Nichols will helm the project which will begin filming in January.

Nichols and Streep have worked together in the past on projects including Silkwood, Heartburn, Postcards From the Edge,and Angels in America.

Set at the Juilliard School in 1971 Master Class follows renowned opera diva Maria Callas as she teaches her admiring students while simultaneously recalling moments from her own career.  

Master Class debuted on Broadway in 1995 starring Zoe Caldwell in the leading role. A Broadway revival was mounted in 2011 with Tyne Daly in the leading role and Sierra Boggess as Sharon.