Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Revival 1976 - Articles Page 1.8

Opened: April 1, 1976
Closing: July 11, 1976

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1976 - Broadway History , Info & More

Music Box Theatre (Broadway)
239 West 45th St. New York, NY

"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.

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Karen MacDonald Stars as Erma Bombeck in AT WIT'S END at MRT
by Stephi Wild - Oct 11, 2019


Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) announced today that critically acclaimed Boston actress Karen MacDonald will star next April in Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End by Allison Engel and Margaret Engel, and Terry Berliner, MRT's Interim Artistic Director, will direct.

Ian Barford, Sally Murphy and More Lead Tracy Letts' LINDA VISTA
by Julie Musbach - May 21, 2019


Second Stage Theater has announced complete casting for the Broadway production of Tracy Letts's Linda Vista. Directed by Dexter Bullard, the production will feature Ian Barford (Wheeler), Sally Murphy (Margaret), Caroline Neff (Anita), Chantal Thuy (Minnie), Jim True-frost (Paul), Cora Vander Broek (Jules) and Troy West (Michael).

Toronto LGBT Film Festival, Inside Out, Announces Lineup
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2019


The 29th annual Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival (Inside Out), championing innovative LGBTQ filmmakers from across the globe, revealed its full feature and short film lineup. The announcement was made today by Inside Out's Executive Director Andria Wilson and the festival's Director of Programming Andrew Murphy. Inside Out, which launched the first ever annual LGBTQ Film Finance Forum, has established itself as an international home and incubator for LGBTQ emerging and established filmmakers. This year's festival will take place May 23 to June 2, 2019.

Stage Manager Malcolm Ewen Named Steppenwolf Ensemble Member
by Julie Musbach - Feb 15, 2019


Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today the addition of longtime stage managerMalcolm Ewen into the world-renowned Steppenwolf ensemble. Ewen has worked at Steppenwolf since 1987 and has stage managed more than 40 shows and taken four Steppenwolf productions to Broadway-including The Grapes of Wrath and Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? both of which won Tony Awards.

Lakeland Theatre Presents FREAKY FRIDAY
by BWW News Desk - Feb 1, 2019


Lakeland's 2018-19 season concludes with the first locally produced production of the musical version of Mary Rodgers' classic Young Adult novel Freaky Today. Freaky Today, which opens on February 1, 2019 and runs for three weeks at Lakeland Community College's Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, is directed by Martin Friedman and under the Musical Direction of Matthew Dolan.

Nadia Quinn, Alice Ripley, JOSEPH, and More Come to Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2019


Next week, FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com/Feinsteins or call (646) 476-3551.

Steppenwolf's LINDA VISTA Opens At Center Theatre Group In L.A. Tonight
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2019


Tonight Center Theatre Group opens Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Linda Vista written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning ensemble member Tracy Letts, directed by Dexter Bullard, who also directed the world premiere at Steppenwolf. The production features Steppenwolf ensemble members Ian Barford, Tim Hopper, Sally Murphy and Caroline Neff with Chantal Thuy, Cora Vander Broek and Troy West.

Lakeland Theatre Presents FREAKY FRIDAY
by Julie Musbach - Jan 8, 2019


Lakeland's 2018-19 season concludes with the first locally produced production of the musical version of Mary Rodgers' classic Young Adult novel Freaky Friday. Freaky Friday, which opens on February 1, 2019 and runs for three weeks at Lakeland Community College's Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, is directed by Martin Friedman and under the Musical Direction of Matthew Dolan.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre Names Executive Artistic Director
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 2, 2019


Arkansas Repertory Theatre announced today that William Trice has been named the theatre's new executive artistic director. Trice, a Little Rock native, has served as Broadway producer in New York since 2010, producing work that has earned him three Tony Awards and five nominations.

BWW Interview: HENRY IV's Versatile Harry Groener Muses on the Mechanics and Love of Theatre
by Gil Kaan - Jun 22, 2018


The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA) currently presents their new distinct take on Shakespeare's classic HENRY IV. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan, SCLA has combined PART I and PART II into a single sitting of theatre, featuring the Los Angeles stage debut of Tom Hanks as Falstaff. We had the opportunity to chat with one of HENRY IV's most talented co-conspirators, actor Harry Groener who plays Northumberland and Justice Shallow.

Steppenwolf Announces Full Casting And Directors For First Four Shows Of 2018/19 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 20, 2018


Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce the complete casting and directors for the first four shows of its 2018/19 season: Downstate by Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble member Bruce Norris; Familiar by Danai Gurira; La Ruta by Isaac Gomez; and A Doll's House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath. Directors Danya Taymor (Familiar) and Robin Witt (A Doll's House, Part 2) are added to the 2018/19 director lineup. Single tickets for Downstate and Familiar will go on sale Friday, August 10 at 11am. Single tickets for La Ruta and A Doll's House, Part 2 will go on sale Friday, October 19 at 11am. Classic, Black Card, Red Card and Directors Circle Memberships are currently on sale through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Photo Flash: Rajiv Joseph's GUARDS AT THE TAJ In Rehearsal At Steppenwolf
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2018


Now in rehearsals, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is thrilled to present Guards at the Taj, a stunning tale about the search for beauty in desperate circumstances, written by acclaimed playwright Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo). As previously announced, ensemble member Amy Morton directs this Chicago premiere, featuring the original cast members, Omar Metwally (Humayun) and Arian Moayed (Babur), who were last seen on Steppenwolf's stage together in Homebody/Kabul. Morton directed the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway world premiere, which won the 2016 Obie Award for Best New American Play.

HAMILTON Breaks Olivier Nomination Record; Audra McDonald, Andrew Garfield, and More Nominated; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2018


Today, Elaine Paige and Alexandra Burke announced the nominations for the Olivier Awards 2018 with Mastercard, UK's most prestigious stage honours. The 2018 awards are set to be an exciting occasion with original new work dominating the categories and a significant number of artists receiving their first ever Olivier nominations. Catherine Tate will host the Awards at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 8 April and they will be broadcast to the UK and worldwide.

Amy Morton to Direct Steppenwolf's GUARDS AT THE TAJ
by Julie Musbach - Mar 2, 2018


Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere production of Guards at the Taj by acclaimed playwright Rajiv Joseph, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton. A stunning tale about the search for beauty in desperate circumstances, the Steppenwolf production will feature the original cast members, Omar Metwally (Humayun) and Arian Moayed (Babur), whom Amy Morton directed in the Off-Broadway world premiere which received rave reviews when it premiered in 2015 and won the 2016 Obie Award for Best New American Play.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Announces 2018/19 Season, A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2, TRUE WEST, and More
by Julie Musbach - Feb 28, 2018


Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and Executive Director David Schmitz proudly unveiled today the 2018/19 Season.

Greenhouse Theater Center's Hit ROSE to Return This Winter
by BWW News Desk - Jan 12, 2018


Following its hit production of MACHINAL, Greenhouse Theater Center will continue its 2017-18 season with the return of Laurence Leamer's critically acclaimed drama ROSE.

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.

Photo Flash: Greenhouse Theater Center Revives ROSE
by Julie Musbach - Jan 9, 2018


Following its hit production of MACHINAL, Greenhouse Theater Center is pleased to continue its 2017-18 season with the return of Laurence Leamer's critically acclaimed drama ROSE. Recently honored with a 2017 Equity Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Solo Performance, celebrated Chicago actress Linda Reiter reprises her role as matriarch Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in this intimate piece directed by Steve Scott. ROSE will play January 12 March 11, 2018 at the Greenhouse Theater Center (Downstairs Main Stage), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Season Flex passes are also available. The press opening isMonday, January 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm.

Greenhouse Theater Center's Hit ROSE to Return This Winter
by BWW News Desk - Dec 14, 2017


Following its hit production of MACHINAL, Greenhouse Theater Center will continue its 2017-18 season with the return of Laurence Leamer's critically acclaimed drama ROSE.

Greenhouse Theater Center presents ROSE
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 31, 2017


Following its hit production of MACHINAL, Greenhouse Theater Center is pleased to continue its 2017-18 season with the return of best-selling author Laurence Leamer's critically acclaimed drama ROSE. After a sold-out run during last season's Solo Celebration! Series, celebrated Chicago actress Linda Reiter reprises her Joseph Jefferson nominated performance as matriarch Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in this intimate piece directed by Steve Scott. ROSE will play January 12 March 11, 2018 at the Greenhouse Theater Center (Downstairs Main Stage), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Single tickets go on sale Monday, November 13, 2017 at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Season Flex passes are also available. The press opening is Monday, January 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm.

University of Washington School of Drama Announces New Faculty Appointments
by BWW News Desk - Sep 29, 2017


The University of Washington School of Drama, under the leadership of Executive Director Todd London, is announcing several new faculty appointments.

Carla Harting and Steven Lone to Star in ROZ & RAY at San Diego REP
by BWW News Desk - Sep 13, 2017


San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced final casting for "Roz & Ray," the second offering of its 42nd season.

Cast Complete for Tracy Letts's World Premiere THE MINUTES at Steppenwolf; Stars Also Set for BLKS and More!
by BWW News Desk - Sep 12, 2017


Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces full casting for its upcoming productions of BLKS by poet Aziza Barnes (December 7, 2017 - January 28, 2018); You Got Older by Clare Barron (January 25 - March 11, 2018); and Steppenwolf for Young Adults' production of The Burn by Philip Dawkins (February 14 - March 3, 2018).

Carla Harting and Steven Lone to Star in ROZ & RAY at San Diego REP
by BWW News Desk - Sep 7, 2017


San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced final casting for "Roz & Ray," the second offering of its 42nd season.

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.

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