Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Play Details
Edward Albee’s
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Directed By Denis Moore
June 14th - July 10th 2016
Directed by Denis Moore
Set and Costume Design by Christina Logan-Bell
Lighting Design by Rebecca Etchell
Lighting and Sound Operation by Adam J. Marsh
Cast
Chris Connelly- George
Jordan Fraser-Trumble- Nick
Cassandra Magrath- Honey
Michele Williams-Martha
Review Samples
“The strength of Michele Williams and Chris Connelly lies not only in their opposing dynamics but in their real chemistry which was wholly apparent- there was such an authentic sense of trust, connectedness and embodiment that made their multi-faceted interplays so pleasurable to watch.”
- Natasha Boyd, Theatre People June 18th, 2016
“Winterfall Theatre presents Albee’s play to a new generation, and I thought an exact and vigorous interpretation was brought to the stage.
Excellently directed by Denis Moore, (who was nominated for a Green Room Best Actor award in 2012), this is some of the best acting I have seen in live theatre to date.
The actors (Chris Connelly, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Cassandra Magrath and Michele Wiliams) managed to recapture so powerfully all the deep, dark, ferociousness of Albee’s characters. With the combination of dialog, body language, the staging, the very essence of the original play was brought to life right there in three parts, so accurately, so emotionally and unnervingly precise.
Albee’s two famous couples, George and Martha, Nick and Honey are back on stage. I could almost go as far as to say that it closely matched the extreme passion of the 1966 film adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
The intensity was greatly felt in the interaction between Chris Connelly (as George) and Michele Williams (as Martha), two damaged and scarred souls fighting for the deepest of love now at breaking point, clinching to dreams that have passed and driven by the desperate despair of marital breakdown.
Equally convincing were Jordan Fraser-Trumble (as Nick) and Cassandra Magrath (as Honey), not one of the four ever showing a slip out of their character, they immersed themselves and became those individuals, perfectly intertwining."
Lisa Romeo, TAGG Magazine, June 25th, 2016
“Michele Williams and Chris Connelly are superb as Albee’s famous couple, Martha and George.
Jordan Fraser-Trumble gives a marvellous performance as Nick, while Cassandra Magrath is stunning in the role of Honey.”
Australian Stage June 23rd, 2016
“Denis Moore has directed an excellent production of Albee’s most famous play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Chris Connelly and Michele Williams as George and Martha – two better actors for these roles could not be found. The pair convincingly portray a marriage that spans decades, filled with mutual disappointments, sorrow, and an unwavering love.
Jordan Fraser-Trumble was outstanding as the supercilious Nick…
Cassandra Magrath perfectly captured his ornamental wife, Honey.”
Time Out, June 26th, 2016
“It is impossible to fault this production directed by Denis Moore. This is fine ensemble acting where each actor must be credited…
Cassandra Magrath gives a magnificent, believable portrayal as Honey…
Jordan Fraser-Trumble is brilliant in the role of Nick…
Chris Connelly gives a bravura performance as George…
Michele Williams’ portrayal as the unhinged Martha was compelling and captivating … Her bead-like, almost expressionless eyes gave the haunting impression of a woman who died inside long ago; her dry delivery of certain lines was equally as intriguing.
She is clearly in her element on stage, capturing both her character's vulnerability and strength. Her physical composure even in the most trying of circumstances remains intact, despite visibly crumbling both emotionally and mentally.”
5 out of 5”
Radio Monash June 18th, 2016
“Full marks to all the actors – Chris Connelly, Jordan Fraser- Trumble, Cassandra Magrath and Michele Williams- in delivering a highly polished and smooth performance…
With credit to the director Denis Moore and all the production team, designer Christina Logan-Bell and lighting designer Rebecca Etchell...highly recommended"
Bohemian Rapsody social club, June 23rd, 2016
“Chris Connelly, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Cassandra Magrath and Michele Williams deliver the best acting I’ve seen in live theatre.”
Toorak Times, June 16th, 2016
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a stunning production by Winterfall Theatre Company. Director Denis Moore’s eye to detail has enabled the four actors to work together in a finely tuned performance.
George and Martha struggle with alcohol, reality and each another. Theirs is a long and complex relationship where extremes of love and loathing are brilliantly created by Edward Albee in what can safely be called a work of genius. This is a three-and-a-half-hour-long play with two intervals, and the actors sustain the audience’s attention every moment they are on stage.
Chris Connelly (as George) and Michele Williams (as Martha) give extraordinary, layered performances. The chemistry between these two experienced, polished actors is electrifying. They work off one another with a complete level of trust, enabling a masterful acting experience.
They are wholly supported by the authentic performances of Jordan Fraser-Trumble and Cassandra Magrath as Nick and Honey respectively."
Artshub, June 19th, 2016
“Denis Moore’s expert direction succeeds in every aspect. Set and costume design by Christina Logan-Bell and lighting design by Rebecca Etchell attended perfectly to the era and mood.
Michele Williams and Chris Connelly give riveting performances as Albee’s famous couple, Martha and George. These are two of the most difficult roles in the history of theatre, demanding a switch from naturalism to an absurdist style reminiscent of Samuel Becket.
Chris Connelly fleshes out the cardigan cladded academic George, who argues vehemently for the accurate preservation of history. Connelly effortlessly handles the escalation into a surreal, nightmarish territory which ends with him reciting a large part of the Latin Requiem Mass, in Latin! It was thrilling to watch this performance.
Michele Williams was astounding in the role of Martha. Her acting at the start of Act 3 was magnificent in its colour and shade, her fragility was heartbreakingly moving…
Jordan Fraser-Trumble was terrific in the role of Nick. He personified the ambitious, all-American boy/man, determined to climb the ladder to academic success.
Cassandra Magrath perfectly embodied the young married woman of the 1950’s- forced to present the image of blissful happiness while clearly suffering inside…”
ABC Radio, June 21st, 2016
"Real chemistry - such an authentic sense of trust, connectedness and embodiment.”
Natasha Boyd, Theatre People
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