Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1962 - Articles Page 3.4

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 3.4

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

York's The Belmont Theatre to present WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 3, 2017


The Belmont Theatre will present Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf in The Bon-Ton Studio April 28-30 and  May 4-7.

BWW Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, Harold Pinter Theatre
by Marianka Swain - Mar 10, 2017


Much has been written about the snack ban instigated by this Edward Albee revival at the behest of its star, Imelda Staunton. No problems on that score: with performances of such scorching intensity sustained over a shattering three hours, audiences will be unwilling to release a breath, let alone distract with a rustling crisp packet.

BWW Exclusive: A History of Tony Award Winning Plays Becoming Oscar Award Winning Movies
by Katherine Blauvelt - Mar 11, 2017


Late last month, Viola Davis took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rose Maxson in FENCES. Based on the August Wilson play of the same name, FENCES is the story of an African-American family living in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in 1950s.

BWW Review: Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Ford's Theatre
by Jenny Minich - Jan 29, 2017


Albee's characters are shockingly volatile. They curse, they drink and they revel in inflecting pain. It's funny, heartbreaking and yes, slightly familiar. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? may have debuted in 1962 but the truth it provokes still feels relevant.

BWW Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Will Blow Your House Down
by Nancy Grossman - Jan 17, 2017


Edward Albee's 1962 barn-burner at the Lyric Stage Company is an emotional conflagration that rages and consumes everyone in its path. Director Scott Edmiston adheres to the playwright's strict blueprint, but takes full advantage of the singular qualities of his quartet of actors - Steven Barkhimer, Paula Plum, Dan Whelton, and Erica Spyres. Definitely do not miss this one.

Shane Bosher To No Longer Direct Theatron's Production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
by BWW News Desk - Nov 29, 2016


After an in-depth and dynamic rehearsal period, Shane Bosher has had to regrettably step aside as director of theatron's upcoming production of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf that is set to open at the Greek Theatre this week. Bosher cites conflicting work commitments as his reason for leaving the production at this time.

EDWARD ALBEE'S THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY Extends Again at the Road Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Nov 9, 2016


The Road Theatre Company and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, have announced that their critically-acclaimed (LA Times CRITICS CHOICE, Stage Raw TOP TEN) 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, is extending again, now through Saturday, December 10 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.

The Road Theatre Company Presents THE PLAY ABOUT THE BABY
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2016


THE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY and Taylor Gilbert, Founder/Artistic Director together with Sam Anderson, Artistic Director, are thrilled to announce that their critically-acclaimed (LA Times CRITICS CHOICE, Stage Raw TOP TEN) 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, is EXTENDING through SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 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.

BWW Interview: Stage & Screen Legend Lainie Kazan Talks Music, Theatre Career & More!
by Kevin Pollack - Sep 27, 2016


Lainie Kazan is an American actress and singer. She was nominated for the 1988 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for St. Elsewhere, and the 1993 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for My Favorite Year. She had previously received a Golden Globe Award nomination for the film version of My Favorite Year (1982). Her other film appearances include The Delta Force (1986), Harry and the Hendersons (1987), Beaches (1988), My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016). Kazan made her Broadway debut in The Happiest Girl in the World in 1961 followed by Bravo Giovanni (1962).

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.

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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