Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

        Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is now a 50 year old period piece, however it is still as vibrant and topical as the day it was first written. Before seeing the current revival on offer at The Booth Theater, I had never been exposed to the play before. I was aware of it as a classic, and aware of the Burton/Taylor film of course, but I had never read it or seen the movie.

        For those of you who are in the same boat that I was in, get yourself down to The Booth before March 3rd! If you HAVE seen the play before, or the film, GET YOURSELF down to the Booth theater before it shutters on March 3rd!

        This is truly a masterpiece, and a masterful production of a masterpiece at that. What we're being given is a very naturalistic approach to the play. The actors do not seem to be intimidated or influenced at all by the famous names who have inhabited these characters before them. Each person is tailoring the skin of each character to adapt to their own.

        Tracy Letts as George is truly frightening. Because he is mostly quit and subdued for the entire production, but tempers this passive regularity with moments of aggressive violence, you are left with the feeling of a man at the end of his tether who is about to snap at any moment. The feeling is truly terrifying and a joy to watch.

        Amy Ryan as Martha is acerbic, sexy, witty, genuine, and painful. Martha could easily be played as a broad archetype of an unhappy housewife. Amy Ryan makes Martha so much more than that. There are layers, upon layers, upon layers to this particular Martha and you will revel in seeing each one peeled back to reveal what lies beneath.

        In their supporting roles of new professor and new professors wife - Madison Dirks and Carrie Coon are able to match this George and Martha knock for knock as, respectively, Nick and Honey. Ms. Coon is likable from the start, and offers moments of surprising depth and honesty. Mr. Dirks is equally able to bring more to the character than a lesser actor might. All four actors are giving the types of performances that any person who has ever studied acting should see.

       Pam MacKinnon has adeptly and smoothly directed the piece so that it flows with a fluidity that balances the tight rope between being too slick and just evenly paced perfectly. It's a long play, but due to the vibrant direction and performances - it doesn't FEEL long.

      Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Is an American Classic to be sure. This will certainly not be the last Broadway revival, nor the last in my life time. Though the likely hood if it being revived again, and being this close to perfection is slim. GO SEE THIS PLAY!