GOING OUT WITH A BANG

28. August 2011 by admin.

F. J. Hartland

Edward Albee’s classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is the final offering in Duquesne University’s Summer Company for 2011.

And the season goes out—not with a whimper—but a bang!

T.J. Fierno makes an impressive main stage directing debut, tackling this lengthy (three acts)  and intense drama.

George, a college professor, and his wife Martha (daughter of the college president) have invited a new faculty member Nick) and his wife (Honey) to their home, following a campus cocktail party.  Nick and Honey have no idea what a hornet’s nest of mind games and deception they are walking into.

While it is a powerful and emotional drama, there are also some wonderful laughs.  But be warned.  It is a biting brand of humor; the kind that draws blood.

As Nick and Honey, Matt Robinson and Lisa Cummins look like the ideal, clean-cut couple from the Mid-west.  These two performers start out a little stiff, but both soon warm-up.

John E. Lane, Jr. gives a remarkable performance as George.  It is simply not to be missed.  He excels at the script’s witty banter but also shows incredible moments of anger and pathos.

Anne Brannen (as Martha) starts off well, matching George’s venomous wit barb-for-barb.  Overall, though, her performance does not match the high level of Lane’s.

The set design (also by Fierno) is beautifully detailed.  There isn’t an empty space that hasn’t been crammed with books or art or knick-knacks. It really does look like a college professor’s home, circa 1962.

Costumes also look very period—but could have been tailored better.  There are a few ill-fitting items.

Overall, it is an emotional roller coaster ride worth taking, especially to see Lane’s masterful performance.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? continues through September 3 at the Peter Mills Auditorium on the campus of Duquesne University.

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