Party Games Gone Awry
Reviewed by Amber M. Dillard
On the 83rd anniversary of the death of Virginia Woolf, the Flint Repertory Theatre presented their interpretation of Edward Albee’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? directed by Joshua Morgan. The opening night of this production had to be moved in order to accommodate a new lead actress, Emily Townley, and trust me-she does not disappoint!
The story focuses on two couples having a nightcap after a university mixer where Martha’s (Townley) father is the president of the university. Her husband, George, played by Rico Bruce Wade, is none too thrilled with having more guests invited to their home at 2 a.m. The relationship between George and Martha is an important piece of the storyline and Townley and Wade easily invite the audience into their complicated relationship. Even with limited time, the rapport between these two characters is well developed and the necessary quick witted beats in those first moments are flawlessly executed.
Before we know it, the younger couple arrives bringing with them a fresh take to an already brewing situation. Nick, played by Kevin O’Callaghan, and his slim-hipped wife, Honey, played by Amanda Kuo enter into the toxic playground of George and Martha’s home in stylish, over the top, formal black cocktail dress. The four characters easily laugh and drink and get to know each other in a light-hearted way, although it was hard to hear sometimes because the background music was very loud. Three different party games are played into the wee hours of the morning with each game bringing more turmoil and bedlam to each of the characters.
The actors have clearly done the work in developing their own characters, but this reviewer thinks that moments between the characters need more time to grow and evolve as the run of the show continues. The run time for this show is listed as 2 hours and 50 minutes with 2 intermissions, making it well over a three hour production. Be prepared for a story of how one night of havoc and chaos becomes filled with twists and turns that is sure enough to lead the audience to laughter and in a constant state of absurdity. It is a wild ride!
The set is stunning and the lighting and props for this show are spectacular. The staging at the end of the show is not conducive to building the climax to the point of no return because not all of the audience becomes privileged to see it. This could be easily fixed with some blocking changes and hopefully giving the actors a chance to intensify those last climatic moments together. I definitely recommend going to this show and bringing all of your friends-you don’t want to miss it!
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? continues through April 7 at the Flint Repertory Theatre 1220 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503.
Flint Area Theatres 