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Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Presented by Publick Theatre Boston at BCA Plaza Theatre

October 1-October 24, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.1 Stars):
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Edward Albee’s penetrating and harrowing exploration of marital strife and truth versus illusion Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? will feature Tina Packer and Nigel Gore as the iconic Martha and George. Directed by Diego Arciniegas, aging history professor George, and his razor-tongued wife Martha, have returned home from another tedious faculty event at a small New England college. But the night is far from over. Martha has invited a young new professor, Nick (Kevin Cain), and his mousey wife, Honey (Angie Jepson) for late-night cocktails and parlor conversation. Pleasantries dissolve as the liquor flows, and the party devolves into an escalating war of words between George and Martha. The young couple is soon drawn into the volcanic battle, exposing dark secrets within their own marriage. By dawn, no one remains unscathed.

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  • Venue Info

    BCA Plaza Theatre

    527 Tremont Street
    Boston , MA 02118

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets: Tickets: $37.50-$33.00.

    Info Phone: 617.933.8600

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    October 1-October 24, 2009

    Times:
    Performances are Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

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    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Kevin Smith fan?"
      Review posted by: DethWench from Boston, Oct 23, 2009
      

      I am a big Kevin Smith fan, and therefore, I really loved this production. Martha's soliloquies and George's rants, especially with that machine-fire dialogue exchange, was so emotionally raw at... Expand

      I am a big Kevin Smith fan, and therefore, I really loved this production. Martha's soliloquies and George's rants, especially with that machine-fire dialogue exchange, was so emotionally raw at times, one forgets the meaning of the actual words coming out. That being said, Kevin Smith only has to fill 1.5 hours in his movies, and it is a challenge to keep this story from dragging during non-chaotic scenes. Neither here nor there, one gets sucked into the story, cringing unexpectedly quite regularly. I overall enjoyed the experience of being sucked into such a dysfunctional world and spit out 3 hours later. I was left remembering that a dinner-party-turned-drunk-night-that-never-ends *is* a classic setting, and wondering how George and Martha get along on a day to day basis with all this drama in their lives. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      ""
      Review posted by: Mary Curtin from Charlestown, MA USA, Oct 20, 2009
      

      In this production, you do indeed get George and Martha at their feisty best, but you also become completely absorbed in their fragile moments, which are superbly revealed by this terrific cast. In... Expand

      In this production, you do indeed get George and Martha at their feisty best, but you also become completely absorbed in their fragile moments, which are superbly revealed by this terrific cast. In lesser hands, those moments could drag -- but not in this show! In the Publick's version, there is never a dull moment. Bravo! Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Lands with a thud instead of a crash"
      Review posted by: Andrew Broussard from Chestnut Hill, MA, USA, Oct 20, 2009
      

      This was by no means a bad production of Virginia Woolf, but it wasn't a good one either. Tina Packer was a poor Martha, screeching with no real focus. Nigel Gore was an interesting George, with a... Expand

      This was by no means a bad production of Virginia Woolf, but it wasn't a good one either. Tina Packer was a poor Martha, screeching with no real focus. Nigel Gore was an interesting George, with a lot more energy and intensity than he's usually played with. It created an interesting dynamic but severely undercut the ending of the play, which lacked the punch to the gut and instead left me feeling.... well, anxious to get out and get home and get on with my life. This could have been so much better had the George and Martha couple been less about moments and more about the years they've spent together. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Problematic, but skillfully acted"
      Review posted by: Lindsay Eagle from Boston, MA, Oct 17, 2009
      

      The Publick Theatre's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has several problems. The staging, intended to simulate movement in a real livingroom as opposed to onstage, cuts the audience out... Expand

      The Publick Theatre's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has several problems. The staging, intended to simulate movement in a real livingroom as opposed to onstage, cuts the audience out of the play's immediacy, zapping energy and momentum. Some of the directing choices are strange (Packer's use of her native British accent; awkward lighting cues; strange motivations behind some lines), but overall Diego Arciniegas crafts a unique vision of Albee's immortal play. The acting is what makes this production worth seeing. The quartet puts on an explosive show that is emotionally exhausting in the best way possible. Truly a showcase for powerful, passionate acting. For a more detailed review, check out my blog, TheatriGal Boston: http://theatrigalboston.wordpress.com Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Who's afraid of Liz Taylor?"
      Review posted by: Hapi Phace from Cambridge, MA, Oct 16, 2009
      

      The roles of George & Martha may be 2 of the most difficult roles -for multiple reasons- including the provenance of the great actors(LT & RB)who have performed them in Albee-sanctioned performances.... Expand

      The roles of George & Martha may be 2 of the most difficult roles -for multiple reasons- including the provenance of the great actors(LT & RB)who have performed them in Albee-sanctioned performances. This was an able cast & I especially enjoyed Nigel Gore's portrayal of George. His understated performance brought out the subtle tones of wit & broad humor of Albee's script. Perhaps the best performance was given by the actress playing the smallest role; Angie Jepson’s Honey was sublime. With powerhouse actors such as the pair that played Martha and Nick, it can be easy for Honey to fade a bit, but this actress attenuated her stage presence quietly keeping shoulder with the two brasher more colorful performers. I'll have to go back & look at the stage directions, but I don't remember Nick and Martha actually playing 'hump the hostess.' I wanted to like both of these actors more in these roles. Staging/blocking got in the way at times, but all in all it was a solid production. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Paradoxically Entertaining and Horrifying"
      Review posted by: Lawrence Kessenich from Watertown, MA, Oct 13, 2009
      

      "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is one of the most powerful plays in the English language, a kind of modern Shakespearean tragedy in its clever use of language and amazing insight into flawed human... Expand

      "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is one of the most powerful plays in the English language, a kind of modern Shakespearean tragedy in its clever use of language and amazing insight into flawed human beings. Nigel Gore and Tina Packer, as George and Martha, give performances of a lifetime, circling one another like wounded animals and using words like claws to rip at one another. What's amazing is that, at the same time, they convey their deep affection for one another, not only by recognizing each other's skill in combat but by, in the end, comforting each other in their mutual affliction. Paradoxically, they also make us laugh at times. Kevin Kaine and Angie Jepson as Nick and Honey, post-party visitors to George and Martha's house, begin as bewildered bystanders but are gradually sucked into the vortex of competition and pain that their hosts create. But they, too, provide comic relief at moments. It is both horrifying and strangely entertaining. In short, it's great art. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "An Amazing Show"
      Review posted by: John W Beck from Cambridge, MA, Oct 05, 2009
      

      I have heard of this play all my life, and finally got a chance to see a fine performance of it. It is a tricky and entertainingly dark view into the lives of 2 couples, and the lies and drama that... Expand

      I have heard of this play all my life, and finally got a chance to see a fine performance of it. It is a tricky and entertainingly dark view into the lives of 2 couples, and the lies and drama that hold each of them together. I have to make special mention of Tina Packer as Martha. All the actors are in top form for this, and she is marvelous. I am still sorting out the story in my own head - towards the end of the story the younger man says something like "I see now what you're all about!" and I thought "I'm glad somebody does!" Having better manners than Joe Wilson at a Presidential address though, I did not yell that out. If you've heard of this show all your life, and been curious about it - now's your chance to see a superb production of it. If you've seen it before, and want more time yourself to sort the story out, here is a great opportunity. Collapse

• Media
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    Video | Images Images

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Kevin Smith fan?"
      Review posted by: DethWench from Boston, Oct 23, 2009
      

      I am a big Kevin Smith fan, and therefore, I really loved this production. Martha's soliloquies and George's rants, especially with that machine-fire dialogue exchange, was so emotionally raw at... Expand

      I am a big Kevin Smith fan, and therefore, I really loved this production. Martha's soliloquies and George's rants, especially with that machine-fire dialogue exchange, was so emotionally raw at times, one forgets the meaning of the actual words coming out. That being said, Kevin Smith only has to fill 1.5 hours in his movies, and it is a challenge to keep this story from dragging during non-chaotic scenes. Neither here nor there, one gets sucked into the story, cringing unexpectedly quite regularly. I overall enjoyed the experience of being sucked into such a dysfunctional world and spit out 3 hours later. I was left remembering that a dinner-party-turned-drunk-night-that-never-ends *is* a classic setting, and wondering how George and Martha get along on a day to day basis with all this drama in their lives. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      ""
      Review posted by: Mary Curtin from Charlestown, MA USA, Oct 20, 2009
      

      In this production, you do indeed get George and Martha at their feisty best, but you also become completely absorbed in their fragile moments, which are superbly revealed by this terrific cast. In... Expand

      In this production, you do indeed get George and Martha at their feisty best, but you also become completely absorbed in their fragile moments, which are superbly revealed by this terrific cast. In lesser hands, those moments could drag -- but not in this show! In the Publick's version, there is never a dull moment. Bravo! Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Lands with a thud instead of a crash"
      Review posted by: Andrew Broussard from Chestnut Hill, MA, USA, Oct 20, 2009
      

      This was by no means a bad production of Virginia Woolf, but it wasn't a good one either. Tina Packer was a poor Martha, screeching with no real focus. Nigel Gore was an interesting George, with a... Expand

      This was by no means a bad production of Virginia Woolf, but it wasn't a good one either. Tina Packer was a poor Martha, screeching with no real focus. Nigel Gore was an interesting George, with a lot more energy and intensity than he's usually played with. It created an interesting dynamic but severely undercut the ending of the play, which lacked the punch to the gut and instead left me feeling.... well, anxious to get out and get home and get on with my life. This could have been so much better had the George and Martha couple been less about moments and more about the years they've spent together. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Problematic, but skillfully acted"
      Review posted by: Lindsay Eagle from Boston, MA, Oct 17, 2009
      

      The Publick Theatre's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has several problems. The staging, intended to simulate movement in a real livingroom as opposed to onstage, cuts the audience out... Expand

      The Publick Theatre's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has several problems. The staging, intended to simulate movement in a real livingroom as opposed to onstage, cuts the audience out of the play's immediacy, zapping energy and momentum. Some of the directing choices are strange (Packer's use of her native British accent; awkward lighting cues; strange motivations behind some lines), but overall Diego Arciniegas crafts a unique vision of Albee's immortal play. The acting is what makes this production worth seeing. The quartet puts on an explosive show that is emotionally exhausting in the best way possible. Truly a showcase for powerful, passionate acting. For a more detailed review, check out my blog, TheatriGal Boston: http://theatrigalboston.wordpress.com Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Who's afraid of Liz Taylor?"
      Review posted by: Hapi Phace from Cambridge, MA, Oct 16, 2009
      

      The roles of George & Martha may be 2 of the most difficult roles -for multiple reasons- including the provenance of the great actors(LT & RB)who have performed them in Albee-sanctioned performances.... Expand

      The roles of George & Martha may be 2 of the most difficult roles -for multiple reasons- including the provenance of the great actors(LT & RB)who have performed them in Albee-sanctioned performances. This was an able cast & I especially enjoyed Nigel Gore's portrayal of George. His understated performance brought out the subtle tones of wit & broad humor of Albee's script. Perhaps the best performance was given by the actress playing the smallest role; Angie Jepson’s Honey was sublime. With powerhouse actors such as the pair that played Martha and Nick, it can be easy for Honey to fade a bit, but this actress attenuated her stage presence quietly keeping shoulder with the two brasher more colorful performers. I'll have to go back & look at the stage directions, but I don't remember Nick and Martha actually playing 'hump the hostess.' I wanted to like both of these actors more in these roles. Staging/blocking got in the way at times, but all in all it was a solid production. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "Paradoxically Entertaining and Horrifying"
      Review posted by: Lawrence Kessenich from Watertown, MA, Oct 13, 2009
      

      "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is one of the most powerful plays in the English language, a kind of modern Shakespearean tragedy in its clever use of language and amazing insight into flawed human... Expand

      "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is one of the most powerful plays in the English language, a kind of modern Shakespearean tragedy in its clever use of language and amazing insight into flawed human beings. Nigel Gore and Tina Packer, as George and Martha, give performances of a lifetime, circling one another like wounded animals and using words like claws to rip at one another. What's amazing is that, at the same time, they convey their deep affection for one another, not only by recognizing each other's skill in combat but by, in the end, comforting each other in their mutual affliction. Paradoxically, they also make us laugh at times. Kevin Kaine and Angie Jepson as Nick and Honey, post-party visitors to George and Martha's house, begin as bewildered bystanders but are gradually sucked into the vortex of competition and pain that their hosts create. But they, too, provide comic relief at moments. It is both horrifying and strangely entertaining. In short, it's great art. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      "An Amazing Show"
      Review posted by: John W Beck from Cambridge, MA, Oct 05, 2009
      

      I have heard of this play all my life, and finally got a chance to see a fine performance of it. It is a tricky and entertainingly dark view into the lives of 2 couples, and the lies and drama that... Expand

      I have heard of this play all my life, and finally got a chance to see a fine performance of it. It is a tricky and entertainingly dark view into the lives of 2 couples, and the lies and drama that hold each of them together. I have to make special mention of Tina Packer as Martha. All the actors are in top form for this, and she is marvelous. I am still sorting out the story in my own head - towards the end of the story the younger man says something like "I see now what you're all about!" and I thought "I'm glad somebody does!" Having better manners than Joe Wilson at a Presidential address though, I did not yell that out. If you've heard of this show all your life, and been curious about it - now's your chance to see a superb production of it. If you've seen it before, and want more time yourself to sort the story out, here is a great opportunity. Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?
      EDGE Boston - Oct 10, 2009
      By Kay Bourne

      Diego Arciniegas’s clarity of direction unleashes high voltage performances from a cast of four led by Tina Packer, whose Martha (to borrow from Dylan) makes love - and havoc - like a woman but breaks like a little girl. Fortuitously, Arciniegas als… Expand

      Diego Arciniegas’s clarity of direction unleashes high voltage performances from a cast of four led by Tina Packer, whose Martha (to borrow from Dylan) makes love - and havoc - like a woman but breaks like a little girl. Fortuitously, Arciniegas also assuredly reins in these same actors enough so they stay on track to deliver Edward Albee’s play with all its fierce intelligence and jabbing wit. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: This 'Woolf' has bite
      The Patriot Ledger - Oct 09, 2009
      By Iris Fanger

      No less lethal now than at its earlier incarnations, including the Broadway premiere in 1962, starring Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill, and the 1966 film with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as sparring partners, the Publick Theatre production at the B… Expand

      No less lethal now than at its earlier incarnations, including the Broadway premiere in 1962, starring Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill, and the 1966 film with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as sparring partners, the Publick Theatre production at the Boston Center for the Arts is a reminder that the play is now a classic because of its ability to plow deeply beneath a viewer’s skin. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: The Publick's 'Virginia Woolf' is a mesmerizing thrill ride
      Boston Theater Examiner - Oct 09, 2009
      By Donn Saylor

      Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is running a limited engagement through October 24. And the best advice I can give you is this: Go see it. After it dismantles you, it will move you in the most unexpected ways. This is theater at its best. Expand

      Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is running a limited engagement through October 24. And the best advice I can give you is this: Go see it. After it dismantles you, it will move you in the most unexpected ways. This is theater at its best. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: Tina Packer Headlines 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'
      Broadwayworld.com - Oct 08, 2009
      By Nancy Grossman

      After all the drama of whether or not the show would go on, go on it did… and in grand style. Faced with last-minute licensing issues, the Publick Theatre Boston production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? received permission to open on schedule wi… Expand

      After all the drama of whether or not the show would go on, go on it did… and in grand style. Faced with last-minute licensing issues, the Publick Theatre Boston production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? received permission to open on schedule with the proviso that a program insert state that it was not approved by the playwright Edward Albee. However, within moments of the actors taking the stage, the caliber of their performances and the intensity of the play under the direction of Diego Arciniegas swept away The Remains of the nasty business beyond the fourth wall. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: The games people play
      The Phoenix - Oct 07, 2009
      By Carolyn Clay

      "...Gore is a relaxed yet forceful George, nailing both his acerb and his bitterly reflective arias. Angie Jepson’s Honey is hilariously insolent when emboldened by brandy, yet piquantly pained when her secrets are betrayed. And square-shouldere… Expand

      "...Gore is a relaxed yet forceful George, nailing both his acerb and his bitterly reflective arias. Angie Jepson’s Honey is hilariously insolent when emboldened by brandy, yet piquantly pained when her secrets are betrayed. And square-shouldered, thick-haired Kevin Kaine is a near-perfect Nick Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: 'Caretaker, 'Who's Afraid' master art of dark humor
      Boston Herald - Oct 06, 2009
      By Jenna Scherer

      What Diego Arciniegas’ production lacks in Elizabeth Taylor sexiness it more than makes up for in brains and bloodletting. Tina Packer and Nigel Gore are an absolutely explosive Martha and George, tearing into each other like hungry hounds. Kevin Kai… Expand

      What Diego Arciniegas’ production lacks in Elizabeth Taylor sexiness it more than makes up for in brains and bloodletting. Tina Packer and Nigel Gore are an absolutely explosive Martha and George, tearing into each other like hungry hounds. Kevin Kaine and Angie Jepson make a worthy pair of foils as the couple’s unwitting audience. Collapse

    • Event Name: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf
      Article: An Unnerving and edgy 'Virginia Woolf'
      The Boston Globe - Oct 06, 2009
      By Terry Byrne

      In Albee’s ode to dysfunction and codependence, director Diego Arciniegas never lets the audience off the hook. Arciniegas’s choices, and the layered performances he draws from his actors, give the Publick Theatre’s first-rate production, playing at… Expand

      In Albee’s ode to dysfunction and codependence, director Diego Arciniegas never lets the audience off the hook. Arciniegas’s choices, and the layered performances he draws from his actors, give the Publick Theatre’s first-rate production, playing at the Boston Center for the Arts’ Plaza Theatre, a refreshingly unnerving tone. Collapse