Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1962 - Articles Page 4

Opened: October 13, 1962

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1962 - Broadway History , Info & More

Billy Rose Theatre
208 W. 41st St. New York, NY 10036

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is a powerful and disturbing drama written by Edward Albee in 1962. It explores the complexities of a troubled marriage through a night of bitter arguments, manipulation, and emotional cruelty



The play centers on a middle-aged couple, Martha, the daughter of a wealthy college president, and George, a frustrated history professor. They invite a young couple, Nick and Honey, for a late-night drink after a faculty party. As the night unfolds, Martha and George engage in a relentless verbal battle, dredging up past resentments, insecurities, and failed dreams. They use Nick and Honey as pawns in their twisted games, ultimately exposing the emptiness and despair at the heart of their relationship.



The play delves into themes of marital unhappiness, the destructive power of secrets, the struggle for dominance, and the illusion of happiness. It explores the ways people can hurt each other, both intentionally and unintentionally.



"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was considered shocking for its time due to its frank portrayal of marital discord, profanity, and sexual themes. The play challenged societal norms and forced audiences to confront the dark side of human relationships. Despite its controversial elements, the play was a critical success. It won the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1962–1963 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. The original stars, Uta Hagen (Martha) and Arthur Hill (George), both received Tony Award nominations.



In 1966, the play was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. While toned down for the screen, the film retained the play's core themes and powerful performances. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" remains a significant work of American theatre. It continues to be produced around the world, sparking discussions about relationships, communication, and the human condition.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1962 - Broadway Cast

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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1962 - Broadway Articles Page 4

Broadway Dims Marquees Tonight in Memory of Iconic Playwright Edward Albee
by BWW News Desk - Sep 21, 2016


The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in Edward Albee's honor tonight, September 21, 2016, at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Broadway to Dim Marquees in Memory of Iconic Playwright Edward Albee
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2016


The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York will be dimmed in Edward Albee's honor on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at exactly 7:45pm for one minute.

Photo Flash: The Road Theatre Company Presents EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY
by Ashlee Latimer - Sep 17, 2016


THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, are thrilled to announce that they will be starring in the first show of its 2016-2017 season, EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY, written by Tony award-winning playwright Edward Albee and directed by Andre Barron, reuniting the three for the first time since the critically acclaimed The Other Place.  EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY will begin previews on Tuesday, September 13 at 8pm; will open on Friday, September 16 at 8pm and run through Saturday, November 5 at the Road Theatre Company's second home, The Road on Magnolia, located in The NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood.

Road Theatre Company to Present THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY This Fall
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 13, 2016


THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, are thrilled to announce that they will be starring in the first show of its 2016-2017 season, EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY, written by Tony award-winning playwright Edward Albee and directed by Andre Barron, reuniting the three for the first time since the critically acclaimed The Other Place.  EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY will begin previews on Tuesday, September 13 at 8pm; will open on Friday, September 16 at 8pm and run through Saturday, November 5 at the Road Theatre Company's second home, The Road on Magnolia, located in The NoHo Senior Arts Colony, 10747 Magnolia Blvd. in North Hollywood.

Winterfall Theatre to Present WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? in June
by Tyler Peterson - May 16, 2016


This June, Edward Albee's classic play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? returns, as ferocious and relevant as ever, to woo a new generation of Melbourne theatre-lovers. The month-long season presents Winterfall Theatre's debut production at their new home at Blackbox Theatre in Kew.

Five Fun Facts About The Pulitzer Prize For Drama
by Michael Dale - Apr 18, 2016


The Pulitzer Prize For Drama was first awarded in 1918, because they didn't consider any play to be worthy in 1917.

USM to Present WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 5, 2016


Would it be much of a surprise if the same play that got a man into a life of theatre would be the same play he would choose to top off his 49-year career of teaching and directing? That's exactly what Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is to the man, USM faculty member William Steele.

Rubicon Theatre Extends THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE Through March 26
by BWW News Desk - Mar 16, 2016


Rubicon Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that its critically acclaimed American premiere of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE by Jethro Compton, adapted from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson that also inspired the legendary John Ford 1962 film, will extend through Saturday, March 26 at the Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura. THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is a classic tale of love, honor, ambition and revenge set against the backdrop of the American West.

BWW Review: Stark Naked Theatre's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Is A Can't-Miss Show
by Natalie de la Garza - Mar 11, 2016


Well, we now know one thing: If the question is, in fact, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, the answer ain't Stark Naked Theatre.

WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? to Run 4/6-16 at Gladstone Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 10, 2016


Bear & Co. is pleased to present Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , the award-winning, torrid tale of seduction and betrayal by Edward Albee. The play runs from April 6-16 at the Gladstone Theatre.

Rubicon Theatre's U.S. Debut of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Mar 5, 2016


Rubicon Theatre Company's 2015-2016 season continues with the American premiere of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE by Jethro Compton. Adapted from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson that also inspired the legendary John Ford 1962 film, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is a classic tale of love, honor, ambition and revenge set against the backdrop of the American West.

Rubicon Theatre to Stage U.S. Debut of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
by BWW News Desk - Feb 23, 2016


Rubicon Theatre Company's 2015-2016 season continues with the American premiere of THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE by Jethro Compton. Adapted from the short story by Dorothy M. Johnson that also inspired the legendary John Ford 1962 film, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE is a classic tale of love, honor, ambition and revenge set against the backdrop of the American West.

Lakeland to Stage WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 14, 2015


On September 18, 2015 the Tony Award Prize-winning drama of 1963, 2005 and 2012, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, opens at Lakeland Community College's Rodehorst Performing Arts Center. Initially selected for the 1963 Pulitzer Prize for Drama by the Pulitzer's advisory board, later- the trustees of Columbia University - objected to the play's then-controversial use of profanity and sexual themes, and overruled the award's advisory committee, awarding no Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1963. Featuring Gregory Violand (AEA) as George and Molly McGinnis (AEA) as Martha, Lakeland's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf will be the first professional production in many years. The roles of Nick and Honey feature Dan Simpson and Katie Nabors. Woolf is directed by Martin Friedman, with sets and lights by Kristin Williams, costumes by Jordan Cooper and sound design by Eric Simna.

Photo Flash: First Look at The Edge Theater's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jul 24, 2015


The Edge Theater presents 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' tonight, July 24, through August 16 at 1560 Teller Street in Lakewood. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Theatre Exile to Present WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Plays and Players Theater
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 10, 2015


Marital strife has never been so wickedly fun -- or dysfunctional. Following two sold-out and critically acclaimed productions, Theatre Exile ends their 18th season with Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Plays and Players Theater (1714 Delancey Place). Pearce Bunting (Boardwalk Empire), Catharine Slusar, Emilie Krause and Jake Blouch take the stage in this cultural landmark that has been riveting audiences for over 50 years and ruthlessly tears down the facade of the American family. Previews begin on Thursday, April 16, 2015 and opening night is Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 8:00pm. The show runs for a total of 32 performances through Sunday, May 17, 2015. Tickets are on sale now for $10.00 to $40.00 at www.theatreexile.org or by phone (215) 218-4022.

Los Altos Stage Company to Present WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 27, 2015


The Los Altos Stage Company will present Edward Albee's Tony Award winning masterpiece, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The hilariously dark martial war of words opens April 9 and runs through May 3, 2015.

The Players' Ring Presents Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Starting 2/13
by Tori Leiber - Jan 29, 2015


The Players' Ring presents the Edward Albee classic WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? The show runs February 13, 2015 – March 8, 2015 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sunday, February 15 and 22 at 7 pm, and Sunday March 1 at 1 pm.

FLASH FRIDAY: A Mike Nichols Remembrance - Brilliance On Broadway, In Hollywood & Far Beyond
by Pat Cerasaro - Nov 21, 2014


In honor of his death, today we salute one of the most renowned and respected directors on Broadway, in Hollywood and far beyond, the one and only Mike Nichols.

The Ustinov Studio, Bath Announces Autumn Season
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 12, 2014


The Ustinov Studio, Bath is delighted to announce its Autumn 2014 season, which will comprise three black comedies from some of the greatest names in European drama: Friedrich Durrenmatt's Play Strindberg, Florian Zeller's The Father and Eugene Ionesco's Exit the King.

Martha Henry to Receive Stratford Festival's 2014 Legacy Award
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 12, 2014


The Stratford Festival will present its 2014 Legacy Award to Martha Henry. Her extraordinary contributions to the Festival and to the performing arts in Canada will be celebrated at a gala at Toronto's Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, September 29.

Clare Higgins, Tim Pigott-Smith & More to Lead Theatre Royal Bath's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF; Full Cast ANnounced
by Tyler Peterson - May 21, 2014


The Theatre Royal Bath has announced the full cast for the first production in its 2014 Summer Season. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf will open on 18th June, starring Clare Higgins, Tim Piggot-Smith, Nathan Wiley and Iris Roberts, and directed by Adrian Noble.

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend - 2/22-2/23/2014
by - Feb 23, 2014


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, February 23, 2014 - Sunday, February 23, 2014.

BWW CD Reviews: Masterworks Broadway's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Excellently Preserves a Broadway Gem
by David Clarke - Feb 23, 2014


There is no conceivable way that anyone had any idea how Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? would change the face of the theatre. It opened on October 13, 1962, and it went on to win both the 1963 Tony Award and New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. Now, for the digital age, Masterworks Broadway has re-released the 1963 Columbia Masterworks original Broadway cast recording, letting a whole new generation experience the classic play with its brilliant original cast.

Photo Flash: First Look at Maryland Ensemble Theatre's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Diana Heisroth - Feb 19, 2014


Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to present Edward Albee's Tony Award winning masterpiece, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The hilariously dark martial war of words will run every Thursday through Sunday at Maryland Ensemble Theatre now through March 9. Scroll down for a first look at the production!

Theatre Royal Bath Sets WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF?, HAY FEVER & More for 2014 Summer Season
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 17, 2014


The Theatre Royal Bath has announced its 2014 Summer Season, comprising four productions and starring Clare Higgins, Tim Pigott-Smith, Alison Steadman and Felicity Kendal. Beginning on 18th June with Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, the season continues with KAFKA'S DICK by Alan Bennett, followed by THERESE RAQUIN by Emile Zola, and concludes on 6th September with Noel Coward's HAY FEVER.

Other Productions of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

1962   Broadway
Broadway
1976   Broadway
Broadway
2005   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2012   Broadway Steppenwolf Theatre Company Production
Broadway
2017   West End West End Revival
West End
2020   Broadway Broadway Revival Production
Broadway

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1962 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1963 New York Drama Critics Circle Awards Best Play Edward Albee
1963 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Playwright of the Season Edward Albee
1963 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Staging Alan Schneider
1963 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Play Alan Schneider
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Arthur Hill
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Melinda Dillon
1963 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Uta Hagen
1963 Tony Awards Best Play Edward Albee
1963 Tony Awards Producer (Dramatic) Richard Barr
1963 Tony Awards Producer (Dramatic) Clinton Wilder
1963 Tony Awards Producer (Dramatic) Theatre 1963

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