Theater Review by Jeffrey Bruce . . . .
“Everybody Loves Somebody,” (Irving Taylor/Ken Lane) sung by Dean Martin, plays as the lights dim on Theatrical Outfit’s magnificent production of Edward Albee’s acknowledged masterpiece, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Most of the audience knew what was about to happen over the ensuing three hours and the laughs continued for the remainder of Act I.
On October 13, 1962, the play opened on Broadway and made Mr. Albee a star. The play is as relevant today as when I first saw it that many years ago.
A brief synopsis: George and Martha (Washington?) the daughter of the president of the college and an Associate Professor, return home from a faculty get-together at 2 AM. Martha, to George’s chagrin, has invited a new faculty member, Nick, a biologist, and his “slim-hipped” wife Honey, both in their 20s, over for drinks. They arrive and, as per the host’s history, “the games begin.”
The couples are polar opposites. Martha is a loud, braying, pragmatist who tries to pick away at any remains of George’s manhood. George is a bookish, defeated man who, after decades of Martha’s cutting words, has physically aged as a result of her hideous tirades and though six years younger than his wife, could pass for her father. Nick and Honey are the antithesis of their hosts. He is the stocky footballer who, outwardly, is happily married; she is a mousey, beautiful young woman, who has come from a privileged background.
For the next few hours, we are privy to some of the most vile, insulting dialogue between George and Martha; and while it tests the audience’s incredulity, we come to realize that they have lived in their own secret fantasy world. When George ultimately reveals their greatest secret despite Martha’s begging him not to, the play becomes unbearably painful. Finally, pre-finale, Nick realizes what the secret is and the play ends on a most heartbreaking note. We see that they truly do love each other and would have no idea how to function alone. The “games” keep them on their toes and are the glue for their relationship.
Tess Malis Kincaid, as Martha is masterful. From her first entrance, spouting early Bette Davis’s “What a dump,” she is full speed ahead. The insults, the degradation of George, the sexual thrill of a new conquest (Nick), and the superb third act where she and George switch temperaments, Ms. Malis gives a Tony-worthy performance.
As George, Steve Coulter provides most of the laughs with his dry, professorial line readings. I was relieved to see him give up the humor when it counted most and we could see just who was in control of their relationship.
Justin Walker’s Nick, the college quarterback with too many hidden regrets, artfully manages to stay away from a common caricature and lets us see his despair in the situation he has pursued with Honey.
Honey, Devon Hales, is revelatory. A beautiful young woman, she is as tightly wound as the bun at the top of her head. It is difficult to portray drunkenness realistically on stage and Ms. Hales gives a funny, compassionate performance of a difficult role.
Matt Torney directed the play swiftly and allowed the characters to speak over each other and be as genuine as possible. I wish more directors would follow suit.
Technical credits were, as usual for this top-rate company, excellent. Isabel and Moriah Curley Clay’s representation of a New England home, April Andrew Carswell’s costumes, and, especially the subtle lighting by Ben Rawson, were all spot-on.
This terrific production ends this Sunday, June 9. See it if you can. You will be very happy you did.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Through June 9 at Atlanta’s Theatrical Outfit (84 Luckie Street, Atlanta, Georgia). www.theatricaloutfit.org
Photos: Casey G. Ford
