Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1962 - Articles Page 3

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

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

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).

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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