BWW Reviews: St. Louis Actors' Studio's Stunning Production of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

Most people are familiar with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, undoubtedly playwright Edward Albee's masterpiece, from the film that starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (released in 1966). But, seeing the play up close and personal is an extraordinary occurrence, and one that's incredibly worthwhile, if harrowing at times. The St. Louis Actors' Studio is currently presenting an excellent production of this work that features strong performances and insightful direction. You'll forget all about the movie once you experience this show in the flesh.

George is an associate professor of history who's married to Martha, the daughter of the president of the university that employs him. They've been together for over twenty years, but there appears to be a palpable sense of hostility between the pair. After a party, Martha invites a young professor (Nick) and his wife (Honey) over to their house for drinks. But, before they come over we're witnesses to the sarcastic tone that fills their conversations with one another. The arrival of this idyllic looking couple only acts to compound their bad behavior. As the night progresses and the liquor flows, secrets are revealed that will tear down the facades presented by all of the participants.

William Roth's portrayal of George truly conveys the depth of emotion hiding beneath what we initially view as a totally emasculated character. He exhibits the complexities within George that aren't readily evident from the wicked sense of humor he uses as a kind of defense mechanism. Roth is matched by Kari Ely's work as his acerbic wife, Martha. On the surface she seems to be a caustic harridan who takes pleasure in humiliating her husband. But, we also get glimpses of the reasons behind her shrewish behavior, and that acts to humanize her in a way that Ely exploits with maximum efficiency. Michael Amoroso does a fine job as the new biology teacher Nick, and you get a real sense of his discomfort over the situations that he and his wife are privy to the minute they arrive. Betsy Bowman contributes nicely as his wife Honey, and even though it's a fairly thankless role in many respects, Bowman rises to the occasion.

John Contini's superb direction makes this ensemble sparkle, and he's aided in his efforts by Patrick Huber's amusing scenic design (check out the portrait that hints at another famous George and Martha), the period props provided by Carla Landis Evans, and Teresa Doggett's costumes.

Be prepared for the onslaught that is Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; it's certainly not your typical Valentine's Day entertainment, but it stays with you long after the lights dim. This stunning production by the St. Louis Actors' Studio continues through March 1, 2015.

Photo credit: John Lamb