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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Revival

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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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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Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? History

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
2026   West End
West End

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - 1976 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners are highlighted with a background.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — awards and nominations
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1977 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Ben Gazzara
1977 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Colleen Dewhurst
1976 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Play Ben Gazzara
1976 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Director - Play Edward Albee
1976 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival 0
1976 Theatre World Awards Performance Richard Kelton

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