George and Martha Throw one Heck of a Party! Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Citadel

This past week I took in the Edward Albee classic, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Citadel. It seems odd to use the word classic because the play, particularly this well-acted and well-directed production, seems so crisply current.  It was simply an amazing night at the theatre. The 3 hours whip past you at a break-neck pace and keep you engaged the whole time. The two intermissions are nice for a breath and to stretch your legs, but WOW what a show!

I've seen the play twice before - both good productions with solid casts - this production was totally worth seeing it again.  It was like seeing the play for the first time. Tom Rooney, as the bedraggled George, plays it subtle and sneaky.  Brenda Robins, as the seemingly dominant Martha, brays and plays with an electric energy.  The younger couple, Nick and Honey, played by Jay Clift and Ava Jane Markus, are wonderfully lost in the chaotic world of George and Martha's living room. All in all, it is a delightful cocktail on the stage!

I can't find anything to fault - the acting is terrific, it's funny, it's charged, the pacing and direction is sharp and smart. If you like theatre - go see it!  If you are an actor or director - go see it!  If you want to feel better about your own relationship - go see it!

If you're not sure about my opinion, here are a few others you can check out:
Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal
Jenna Marynowski - After the House Lights
Graham Hicks, Hicks Biz Blog

They all think you should go too!

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? runs to February 13th at the Citadel.  Tickets start at just $30+GST.

Photo: Tom Rooney and Brenda Robins
Photo Credit: EPIC Photography



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