REVIEW: Muddy Waters Theatre Closes Their Season of Albee with a Powerful Production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

If you've only ever seen the 1966 film adaptation of Edward Albee's masterwork, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, then you really haven't seen it at all. The Hollywood stunt casting of ElizaBeth Taylor and Richard Burton derails the movie, and in the process, dilutes Albee's potent social commentary. So, it's a revelation to witness this play with a cast that understands their roles so thoroughly and completely, finding all the humor and sadness that dwell within the text. Muddy Waters Theatre ends their season of Albee with an absolutely superb production of this classic play.

George is an associate professor of history who's married to Martha, the daughter of the president of the university that employs him. Although they've been together for over twenty years, there appears to be some sort of festering hostility that's grown between them. One night, after a party, Martha invites a new young professor (Nick) and his wife (Honey) over to their house for drinks. Before the pair arrive we get a glimpse of the sarcastic tone that pervades their conversations with one another; there doesn't seem to be any love left in their relationship. The arrival of this idyllic looking couple only exacerbates their bad behavior. As the night passes into the wee hours the liquor flows freely, and tongues loosen to reveal secrets that end up breaking down the facades of all the participants.

Alan Knoll does some of his finest work as George. His portrayal truly captures the heart and humor that are submerged within this seemingly emasculated character. And, with Knoll's keen sense of comic timing, every one of Albee's biting and bitter punchlines hit their mark. There's a complexity to George that may not be readily evident at first, and it's fascinating to watch Knoll slowly peel off these layers of deception as he plays "fun and games" with his guests. Albee has made George the star of this play, and Knoll adroitly takes on the challenge.

Knoll is matched step for step by MeMe Wolff as his acid-tongued wife, Martha. On the surface she seems to be nothing more than foul-tempered harridan who delights in berating and humiliating her husband. But, Woolf gives us little glimpses into the pain that causes Martha to drink excessively, and behave lasciviously. Woolf throws herself into the part with abandon, and her approach ratchets up the already palpable tension that permeates the play.

Joshua Thomas is very good as the new biology teacher Nick. You can sense his discomfort and nervousness over the situations he and his wife encounter from the moment they make their entrance. Paris McCarthy does stellar work as his wife Honey. It's kind of a thankless part, but McCarthy makes the most of this frail woman who's prone to fits of illness, both real and imagined.

Director Jerry McAdams does excellent work keeping these actors focused and intense throughout this long night's journey into day. This production really comes to life under his guidance. He's helped out by Nora Palitz's lived-in scenic design, which keeps it real down to the stains on the carpet. April Scott's lighting is well conceived, and Nancy Crouse crafts believable costumes for the cast. Her leopard print cuffed number for Woolf is a retro scream.

Muddy Waters Theatre's riveting presentation of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? continues through November 22, 2009 at the Kranzberg Arts Center.

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