Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1962 - Articles Page 2.6

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 2.6

Everything You Need to Know About the 2019-2020 Broadway Season!
by Linnae Medeiros - Jul 17, 2019


The 2019-2020 Broadway season is in full gear! Thirty-eight productions have been announced so far to hit the Great White Way this season, so there is plenty for theatergoers to look forward to! With all such a variety of musicals and plays, new works and revivals, we're getting you prepared by giving you a peek at each of the productions announced to arrived on the Great White Way this season! Take a peek at all the excitement!

Breaking News: Laurie Metcalf and Eddie Izzard to Star in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Revival
by Robert Diamond - Apr 13, 2019


Just in! Two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Laurie Metcalf and two-time Emmy Award winner Eddie Izzard will star on Broadway next season...

BWW Review: ABIGAIL'S PARTY is One Drinks Party You Simply Cannot Miss
by Jeffrey Ellis - Feb 3, 2019


What better way to spend a Saturday night - or any other night of the week, for that matter - than at Abigail's Party, the latest theatrical offering from Verge Theater Company? Featuring a wonderfully engaging ensemble of actors, Abigail's Party is now onstage through February 17 at The Barbershop Theater.

Albee's Classic WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLFF Plays The Palm Canyon Theatre October 18-21
by David Green - Oct 17, 2018


 In a haze of reality and misguided fantasy, four characters present the critically acclaimed play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? on the Palm Canyon Theatre stage October 18-21. First staged in 1962, writer Edward Albee promptly won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play (1962-63) and the Tony Award for Best Play (1963). The play happens over the course of one night and includes games of marital torment and verbal tirades with hints of infidelity and deception sprinkled throughout an unconventional encounter.

BWW Review: Superb WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? @ Beck Center
by Roy Berko - Oct 14, 2018


Edward Albee, author of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf,' now in production at Beck Center for the Arts, is one of the best known Theatre of the Absurd American writers. This form of theatre, which was at its apex shortly following World War II, is based, in part on philosophical existentialism, which asks 'what is the purpose of existence?'

Custom Made Theatre Edward Albee's THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA Begins Today
by BWW News Desk - Sep 20, 2018


Winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Play, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? is about a profoundly unsettling subject: the irrational, confounding, and convention-thwarting nature of love. Martin-a hugely successful architect who has just turned fifty-leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. But when he confides to his best friend that he is also in love with Sylvia, he sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters. Albee's boundary-pushing play is puzzling, powerful, bawdy, and disturbing.

Custom Made Theatre Edward Albee's THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA Begins 9/20
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 14, 2018


Winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Play, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? is about a profoundly unsettling subject: the irrational, confounding, and convention-thwarting nature of love. Martin-a hugely successful architect who has just turned fifty-leads an ostensibly ideal life with his loving wife and gay teenage son. But when he confides to his best friend that he is also in love with Sylvia, he sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters. Albee's boundary-pushing play is puzzling, powerful, bawdy, and disturbing.

Casting Announced For Interrobang Theatre's THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?
by Julie Musbach - Aug 7, 2018


Interrobang Theatre Project is pleased to announce casting for the first show of its 2018-19 season: THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?, Edward Albee's provocative portrait of a marriage in flux, directed by Co-Artistic Director James Yost*.

Interrobang Theatre Presents THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?
by Julie Musbach - Jul 11, 2018


Interrobang Theatre Project is pleased to launch its ninth season, exploring "identity/crisis" with THE GOAT, OR WHO IS SYLVIA?, Edward Albee's provocative portrait of a marriage in flux. Directed by Co-Artistic Director James Yost*, THE GOAT will play September 7 - October 6, 2018 at ITP's new resident home, Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge Ave. in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.

Interrobang Theatre Project Announces 2018-19 Season
by Julie Musbach - Jul 2, 2018


Interrobang Theatre Project is pleased to announce its ninth season, featuring three knockout dramas presented at its new resident home, Rivendell Theatre, 5779 N. Ridge Ave. in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. This season, Interrobang explores "identity/crisis," with three plays featuring characters on the edge of something new, battling old demons and making room for fresh starts.

Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre Announces 2018/19 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2018


Pinch 'N' Ouch Theatre is a contemporary Theatre & Film production company dedicated to bringing exciting new works to Atlanta. Named after a phrase coined by the legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner, 'pinch and ouch' offers an enthusiasm for provocative storytelling that is grounded in realistic performances. Since the company's arrival to Atlanta in 2010, PNO has already carved out a niche for edgy fare and has set a high standard in delivering impassioned, sharp productions from some of the most important writers working today. PNO also offers a variety of acting classes, and is involved in the development of new plays and writers.

Sarah Paulson to be Honored at Women In The Arts; Tracy Letts Joins Conversation
by Julie Musbach - Jan 9, 2018


On Monday, January 22, 2018, Steppenwolf Theatre Company proudly hosts Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Sarah Paulson as the 2018 Honoree at the annual Steppenwolf Women in the Arts fundraising luncheon.

Abrons Arts Center Announces Spring 2018 Season
by Stephi Wild - Dec 19, 2017


On February 12, 1915, the Abrons Arts Center's Henry Street Settlement Playhouse opened its doors on the Lower East Side. Since that day, it has remained a vital cultural resource, providing audiences with artistically bold work while offering artists opportunities to dynamically grow. The OBIE Award-winning institution has drawn a diverse audience to its historic home at the Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side and has garnered a wealth of critical acclaim across artistic disciplines. The work Abrons presents reflects the social and political challenges of our times in ways that are programmatically integrated into broader conversations that affect New York City and beyond.

Mark Rylance-Led FARINELLI AND THE KING Begins Tonight on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Dec 5, 2017


The critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance, begins tonight, December 5, 2017 in advance of an opening night on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Broadway's Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street).

Cast Complete for Mark Rylance-Led FARINELLI AND THE KING on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Sep 6, 2017


Producers Sonia Friedman, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Blackare have announced complete casting for the critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of Farinelli and the King, starring three-time Tony Award-winner (Twelfth Night, Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies) Mark Rylance.

Photo Flash: First Look at Kim Zimmer and Robert Newman in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? in Nantucket
by BWW News Desk - Sep 6, 2017


Theatre Workshop of Nantucket welcomes Kim Zimmer, Robert Newman, Olivia Howell and Grant Tambellini in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, directed by Dan Foster. The production opens tonight, September 6, for a run through September 30 at Bennett Hall, 62 Centre St. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

VIDEO: Kathleen Turner Remembers Edward Albee Ahead of Sotheby's Auction
by BWW News Desk - Aug 23, 2017


In the video below, Kathleen Turner recalls her memories of Edward Albee ahead of Sotheby's September auction of his fine art collection, which will be sold to benefit his namesake foundation.

VIDEO: Sally Field Remembers Edward Albee Ahead of Sotheby's Auction
by BWW News Desk - Aug 15, 2017


"It was one of the gifts of my life to work with Edward Albee." Watch as Academy Award winner Sally Field remembers her time working with the celebrated playwright. This September, The Collection of Edward Albee will be offered in a dedicated auction in New York. View the collection here.

B Street Theatre Announces WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
by Julie Musbach - Aug 8, 2017


Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is Edward Albee's first Broadway production and is considered now to be a contemporary American classic. Opening on Broadway on October 13, 1962, and starring Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill, the original productions received both critical acclaim and public scorn for its confrontational characters, bitter philosophy on love, and realistic quality on an aging couple with a dark past.

Diverse Cast to Bring WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? to Life at Pulse Theatre Chicago
by BWW News Desk - Aug 4, 2017


Pulse Theatre Chicago, a non-Equity professional theatre, will feature a diverse cast in its upcoming production of Edward Albee's classic drama 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' The production runs August 4-20 at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago.

Diverse Cast to Bring WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? to Life at Pulse Theatre Chicago
by BWW News Desk - Jun 12, 2017


Pulse Theatre Chicago, a non-Equity professional theatre, will feature a diverse cast in its upcoming production of Edward Albee's classic drama 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' The production runs August 4-20 at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago.

Afraid of VIRGINIA WOOLF? Not at the Belmont, but Maybe Elsewhere?
by Marakay Rogers - Jun 9, 2017


A recent successful local production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF is almost overshadowed by the discovery that Edward Albee's greatest play is racially restricted.

Mark Rylance to Reign on Broadway in FARINELLI AND THE KING This Winter
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2017


Mark Rylance, three-time Tony Award winner (Jerusalem, Boeing-Boeing, Twelfth Night) and Academy Award-winner (Bridge of Spies), will return to Broadway in the critically acclaimed Shakespeare's Globe production of FARINELLI AND THE KING, a new play with music by author and composer Claire van Kampen, it was announced today by producers Sonia Friedman, Shakespeare's Globe and Paula Marie Black.

San Diego Theatre Connection Announces THREE THRONG THEATRE-A-THON
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 28, 2017


Three leading community theatres and two of San Diego County's premier charities come together for a CA$H MOB to help homeless youth and people living with HIV/AIDS and cancer. Every dollar counts to provide music education through the Doors Of Change music and art program for homeless youth 12-24 years of age.

BWW Interview: Director, Jack Hartman of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at The Belmont Theatre
by Rich Mehrenberg - Apr 20, 2017


WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at The Belmont Theatre April 28-May 7 For tickets https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=ylt

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? have there been?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has had 8 productions including Broadway which opened in 1962, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2005, Broadway which opened in 2012, West End which opened in 2017, Broadway which opened in 2020 and which opened in 2020.
What Tony Awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? been nominated for?
Best Play , , Best Direction of a Play for Alan Schneider , Producer (Dramatic) for Richard BarrProducer (Dramatic) for Clinton Wilder and Producer (Dramatic) for Theatre 1963 .
What Tony Awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won?
Best Play, Best Direction of a Play for Alan Schneider Producer (Dramatic) for Richard Barr Producer (Dramatic) for Clinton Wilder, Producer (Dramatic) for Theatre 1963 , .
What awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? been nominated for?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has been nominated for several awards. It was nominated for Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Edward Albee, the playwright, was nominated for Best Playwright of the Season at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Additionally, Alan Schneider was nominated for Best Staging at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
What awards has Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won?
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has won several awards, including Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. Edward Albee, the playwright, was recognized as the Best Playwright of the Season at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Additionally, Alan Schneider received the award for Best Staging at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. These accolades highlight the exceptional quality of the play and the talent of its creators.

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