LAST CHANCE: ‘Virginia Woolf’ ignites Broadway like no other production this season

Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has always been revered as an American masterpiece. This dissection of married couples is as memorable as it gets in the theatrical setting. George and Martha have become archetypes, early products of “dysfunctional” theater — hilarious and heartbreaking. Rediscovering such a staple of the theatrical canon can be difficult. Like the onslaught of Tennessee Williams and Anton Chekov revivals recently, a Virginia Woolf production begs the question, why now?

Steppenwolf, the celebrated group from Chicago, tells us quite effectively that Albee’s piece deserves closer scrutiny. This Virginia Woolf is visceral, energetic and downright fun. Tracy Letts and Amy Morton offer towering performances as George and Martha, and Madison Dirks (Nick) and Carrie Coon (Honey) are just as exquisite. Pam MacKinnon’s directing hits all the right points, making it so easy to become involved in this three-hour narrative.

For those unfamiliar with the story, George and Martha come home after a party at the local college. Their house looks professorial, with books thrown everywhere (even in the fireplace) and comfy chairs never too far away. It’s late, and they want to drink. Alcohol loosens their edge, and they begin a verbal war of insults back and forth. The dynamic changes when Nick and Honey, a young couple new to town, arrive for some drinks and conversation.

Alcohol is poured, and then it’s poured again. And again.

Much of the plot in Virginia Woolf is built around expertly chosen dialogue. The conversations that abound, many of them laced with aggressive language, help to define each character. George, we find out, lives in the shadow of Martha’s father, the president of the college. His failed book project is still a source of ire, and Martha knows right where to stick her barbs. This husband and wife love hurting each other, almost in a sadistic way.

Martha is smart and critical, choosing topics throughout the evening that she knows will upset George. The one subject that produces the highest blood pressure is their son. They blame each other for the failings of parenthood, and both of them refuse to budge an inch on their beliefs.

At first, Nick and Honey sit on the sidelines, making sure they stay away from the tornadoes. But their efforts prove pointless; eventually they are sucked into the high-stakes conversation, revealing secrets about themselves and finding faults in each other.

The acting is of such high quality that it never feels like acting. Morton and Letts are in full “embodiment” mode, clearly knowing their characters and their shared pain.

Albee wrote a masterpiece, and this production does the text justice.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is the best show in an otherwise tepid Broadway season.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

• By Edward Albee

• Directed by Pam MacKinnon

• Starring Tracy Letts, Amy Morton, Madison Dirks and Carrie Coon

• Running time: 180 minutes with two 10-minute intermissions

• Currently playing at the Booth Theatre at 222 W. 45th St. in Manhattan. Performances continue until March 3. Click here for more information.

• Rating: