Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – About the Show
Highlights of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Must-See Moments
This landmark American play, which won six Tony Awards at its 1962 premiere but famously lost the Pulitzer Prize due to its provocative language, returns to the Broadway stage! What makes this production truly remarkable is how the escalating verbal battles between two couples gradually strip away the facades of their hypocritical relationships, offering a raw look at human nature and the tension between illusion and truth.The relentless stream of biting insults is uniquely American, delivering a human drama unlike any other. A groundbreaking piece that condenses searing conflict into the length of a Broadway show, it is an innovative “argument musical” you should experience at least once.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Show info
Show details of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
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Theater location： Booth Theatre 222 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 (Map) |
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Performance Run: Preview: March 3, 2020 Opening: March 3, 2020 Closing: March 11, 2020 |
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Show Links: |
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Type of the show: Adapted into a Movie Fun |
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Story
The Plot / Summary of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
After returning home drunk from a party hosted by Martha’s father, the couple falls into one of their usual arguments. Just then, a younger couple, Nick and Honey, arrives. George and Martha attempt to play the role of gracious hosts, but fueled by alcohol, their simmering resentments soon erupt. As the quarrel escalates, George turns his criticism on Nick. Although Nick appears to be a handsome young professor, George knows he married Honey for her family’s wealth and has always despised him.
Secrets that should have remained private begin spilling out. George reveals things Honey had confided to him, and soon all four characters are lashing out at one another. When Honey collapses from drinking, Martha seduces Nick and disappears with him into another room. Enraged, George declares that the couple’s imaginary sixteen year old son has died, a shocking revelation that shatters what little stability remains.
By dawn, the bitter exchanges descend into complete chaos, leaving the four characters exposed and broken as the new day begins.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Movie
The YouTube trailer of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
This is a video of the Broadway musical “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”. You can see footage from the stage during the 2013 revival production at the Tony Awards.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Explore, FAQ
Behind the Scenes of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
A Classic Since Its 1962 Broadway Premiere
Playwright Edward Albee’s three act drama “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” premiered on Broadway on October 13, 1962 at the Billy Rose Theatre (now the Nederlander Theatre). It went on to win six Tony Awards including Best Play, as well as the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. However, due to its provocative language, it was denied the Pulitzer Prize despite being considered a frontrunner.
Later revivals were also highly acclaimed. The 1977 production received two Tony nominations, while the 2013 revival earned six nominations and won three, including Best Revival of a Play. In Japan, the play was staged in 2006 by SIS Company with a star studded cast including Shinobu Otake, Goro Inagaki, Rie Tomosaka, and Yasunori Danta. It won the Yomiuri Theater Award for Best Production and was so well received that it was revived in 2019 with the same cast.
The First Hollywood Film to Use the Word “Fuck”
Famous for its sharp and aggressive dialogue, the play was adapted into a film in 1966 directed by Mike Nichols. It became the first Hollywood film to include the word “fuck” in its dialogue. This milestone broke taboos in American cinema and theater. The movie went on to earn 13 Academy Award nominations and won five, solidifying its place in film history.
Directed by the Visionary Behind “Wicked”
This groundbreaking play, with both a celebrated and controversial history, was directed by Joe Mantello, who also staged the hit musical “Wicked.” Mantello is a two time Tony Award winner for Best Direction (for “Assassins” and “Take Me Out”) and has been nominated five times in total.
The demanding role of Martha was played by Laurie Metcalf, an acclaimed actress with five Tony nominations and two wins, including Best Actress and Best Featured Actress. With her extraordinary talent, the production brought fresh depth to this classic work.
Main Characters of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Here are the main characters of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Learning about them beforehand will help you enjoy the play even more.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Martha | The wife of George, an associate professor. After 23 years of marriage, their relationship has grown cold. Her father is the university president. |
| George | An associate professor of history. In a bitter twist, he tells Martha that he has killed their imaginary son. |
| Nick | A new biology instructor. Recently married to Honey, he is intelligent but financially struggling. |
| Honey | Nick’s wife. Quiet, reserved, and from a wealthy family. |
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? tickets.
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How much are tickets for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? start at $69 with our discounted prices. See more details for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? tickets.
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Is the English in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? are introduced in the Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Reviews
Review from Shirako:
Excited to See It
The acting in this play is truly overwhelming. It is one of the greatest classics, and while I have seen both the film and stage versions before, this will actually be my first time experiencing it on Broadway. After missing the chance several times, I am finally able to see it and my long held wish is coming true.
February 15, 2020
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