reviewed by Paula Citron
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Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf
Soulpepper
Written by Edward Albee
Directed by Diana Leblanc
Starring Nancy Palk, Diego Matamoros, Tim Campbell and Diana Donnelly
At Young Centre until Oct. 24
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Edward Albee’s 1962 megahit Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a very difficult play to pull off.
The four-hander is about a vicious, alcoholic-infused, late night get-together at the home of George (Diego Matamoros) and Martha (Nancy Palk). She’s the daughter of the president of the small New England college, and he’s the bog in the history department. Their guests are the new biology lecturer Nick (Tim Campbell) and his delicate wife Honey (Diana Donnelly).
Director Diana Leblanc is a deft hand with dialogue and tension, although we need more build up to George’s declaration of total war. However, Matamoros’ connection to George’s text is wonderful. Palk is a little too braying, so her vulnerability is not as sharp as it should be. The revelation is Campbell and Donnelly who both flesh out what could be cipher characters. They both show some steel.
Cavils aside, Soulpepper gets A for effort.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf continues at the Young Centre until Oct. 24.