WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Opens 4/22 at City of Fairfax Theatre Company

The City of Fairfax Theatre Company will present Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" on April 22 - May 8, 2016. Performances will take place in the Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax. "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" won the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play and established Edward Albee as the most important playwright of his generation.

The play revolves around George, a middle-aged professor of history at New Carthage, and Martha, his wife, the daughter of the college president. Innocent newcomers, Nick and Honey arrive for a nightcap after a faculty soiree, having no idea of the games, twists, and turns that the evening holds in store.

The cast is led by Karen Jadlos Shotts and D. Scott Graham as Martha and George, with Michael Rudden and Stephanie Ramsey as Nick and Honey. The production team includes Director Ed Zakreski, Scenic and Lighting Designer Scott Graham, Costume Designer Heather Jackson, Movement Coach Erich DiCenzo, Stage Manager Amanda Herman, and Producer Kirsten Boyd.

Zakreski is a Fairfax City resident, who works as the Chief Development Officer at DC's renowned Shakespeare Theatre Company. He directed CFTC's Doubt in March 2015, and is excited to be back at the helm of another drama.

"The play is a horrifying and compelling collision of comedy and tragedy. As these two couples spend the late hours together, we begin to dissect which couple has a relationship rooted in honesty, and which has a marriage built upon lies. In one view, the play is a beautifully written comedy of language; from another view, it contains heartbreaking tragedy and cathartic emotional interactions, " Zakreski said.

For Graham, George is a dream role in a play that examines the "complexity of these relationships and what they say about our culture and society. Human nature - to be able to heal, to be able to get back up. That's part of the big thing for me and George."

Undeniably, the central force of the play is Martha, played by veteran actor Karen Jadlos Shotts, in her first role with CFTC. Bitter, biting, and on the hunt - Martha strips away all safety and pretense throughout the play. "No matter how bizarre it is, it has to be honest and come from a place that's organic," Shotts said of playing the historically challenging role.

In conjunction with the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, CFTC is transforming Old Town Hall in Fairfax City into a theatre. A grant from the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts will underwrite the theatrical lighting equipment necessary for this transformation. "This intimate staging brings you directly into George and Martha's living room. I want the audience to feel as if they are in the same room with these four great characters," Zakreski said.

The City of Fairfax Theatre Company offers high quality theatre experiences to people of all ages through stage productions, summer camps, and workshops. CFTC builds a creative and collaborative environment to encourage artists of all ages and backgrounds to discover and develop their performing arts talents. CFTC believes in providing a multitude of opportunities, including family-friendly performances, camps and workshops, for young people and adults in the City of Fairfax and surrounding communities.

The City of Fairfax Theatre Company's production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is supported by a grant from the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts and is part of the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts.

Tickets for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf are $20. Remaining seats, if available, will be sold at the door one hour prior to performance times. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening performances begin at 7:30 PM. All performances will take place in Fairfax City's Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA. Free parking is available. The production runs approximately 3 hours, including two intermissions. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf contains adult language and situations.

Tickets are available online and can be purchased at www.fairfaxcitytheatre.org. More information about City of Fairfax Theatre Company can be found by visiting fairfaxcitytheatre.org or by emailing fairfaxcitytheatre@gmail.com.

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