The Theater Department of Schoolcraft Community College does two plays annually, one in the fall and another in the winter. This winter they are putting on a show called “Maestro”. Inspired by the daring Mozart, this theatrical story takes place in 18th century Vienna, Italy featuring four artistic characters in a romantic setting. The play is a comedy of manners which highlights a spontaneous and entertaining perspective into upper class lifestyle. The story features many interesting themes such as romance, satire and competition.
Maestro is centered around the climb to become maestro to the king, which was the highest position of musical recognition a composer could receive. All of the elite characters acknowledge the ongoing rivalry to become the next maestro and go through various dynamic shifts in their relationships due to this rivalry.
The play immediately ropes the viewer into this convoluted scheme by introducing the two competing composers, Fabian Müller played by Evan Sartor and Pascal Ingentte played by Titus Eichelberger. Fabian Müller is a distinguished German composer who “is always in his own head” and strives to stand out from the crowd through his work though he struggles to deviate from the classics. Pascal Ingentte is a French composer who follows trends successfully and boasts frequently, while getting on Fabian’s last nerve frequently with his tendencies.
The two meet in a tense exchange of aggressive practice during the preparation of their operas, it is at this moment that they realize they must go head to head. The two key players in Pascal and Fabian’s missions are Fluer Capucine played by Alice Leonard and Marie Darson played by Malayla Shaw. Marie Darson is a renowned violinist from the United Kingdom playing for Pascal’s operas, she has a daunting personality that doesn’t waiver for anyone or anything. Fluer Capucine is a French singer known as the “diva queen” of her time as noted by the director, she has a flamboyant demeanor and snooty sense of humor.
The female characters of this play are just as strong and competitive as their male counterparts, posing their own intentions and goals in nuanced ways. Marie is aware that she is a true prodigy and orchestrates her own pieces which are often overlooked by her peers despite her abundant creativity, yet she never lets anyone stop her from chasing her passions and works closely with Pascal’s opposition Fabian.
Fluer is similar to Marie in the sense that she has outstanding goals and plans, she is prepared to set aside loyalty and commitment to chase her dreams, even if that means leaving Vienna.
These diverse characters are bold, which can create an interesting role for actors to fill. The cast is composed of four incredibly talented actors who fit these bold positions perfectly and put on a spectacular show. Evan Sartor, is used to playing more spontaneous and outlandish characters and enjoys the learning curve of breaking into a more grounded character.
Sartor, a high school student and notes, “I am still in high school and am so proud to be acting in a college play.” He values this experience exponentially.
Titus Eichelberger who claims this is not his first run playing a “fun funky French man” and feels as though it is second nature to him. Eichelberger paid kudos to the director Michael Alan Herman.
“This is another one of Michael’s shows about art, and Michael knows art. He has put together a beautiful show that is more than worth seeing.” said Eichelberger.
Marie Darson, played by Malayla Shaw, feels overjoyed to be in the role her cast members were “un-surprised” to see her get. Shaw knew her role was going to be a rising star with outspoken firm confidence, her initial fears of this role were calmed by her very supportive and uplifting cast.
“This is my first time playing a lead role and I am so grateful my hard work paid off.” said Shaw.
Fluer Capucine, played by Alice Leonard, feels very opposite to the character she plays despite her convincing performance and showmanship.
Leonard has played characters like Fluer before which gave her assurance in her role. “I am used to playing confident characters and like to speak to the audience during the show.”
The director of the Maestro is Michael Alan Herman who has written numerous artistic stories. Herman holds a great pride for this story as he wrote it alongside his wife and feels that it captures the true essence of love. The love in this story ultimately drives the twist ending that leaves the viewer feeling warm and delighted thanks to Herman’s engaging writing. The show was created with the idea of displaying a vibrant, fun and feel-good play that lets the actors shine.
The show had lights, no camera, and all types of action which featured a minimal stage set that made the actors in their colorful costumes pop as they gallivanted across the stage in sweeps of drama, comedy and even sorrow. Herman successfully curated an abstract artsy show thanks to his brilliant talent for writing and directing. The cast did a beautiful job representing the colorful characters making this an exceptional play.
Maestro is a must-see production. Dates and showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students with a school ID. Tickets can be purchased online at schoolcraft.edu/theatre, by phone at 734-462-4596 or at the door before the performance.
