Review: W;T at TAFE: Theatre Arts For Everyone

TAFE: Theatre Arts for Everyone is celebrating Women’s History Month with the production of “W;t” from March 1st to 3rd under the direction of Vicki Schneider.  Written by the American playwright, Margaret Edson, “W;t” chronicles the main character’s emotional battle with ovarian cancer.  The play originally premiered at the South Coast Repertory in 1995 and received a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and "Best New Play" award from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle in 1999.

Erica Collison played the literature professor, Vivian Bearing.  She tackled the daunting task of walking the audience through the life of a cancer patient receiving experimental treatment for stage 4 ovarian cancer.  She was able to emotionally connect with the audience by breaking the 4th wall.  “W;t” is much like a monologue, and Erica was flawless in her performance as our tour guide through Vivian’s emotions, regrets, and acceptance of her last few hours of life.

Vivian’s doctors were played by Kevin Alvarnaz and Sebastian Williams, and her nurse was played by Theresa Strange.  These 3 characters demonstrated the contrasting level of care and humanity experienced in the hospital setting.  Vivian’s grad school professor and mentor was played by Deb Volker.  The ensemble included Jess Haag, Nancy Orf-Keith, Ira Schneider, and Bryn Walker.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys

36.5% of votes

2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

11% of votes

3. John Shivers - Chess

7.2% of votes

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