It would be nice to live in the set for PlayMakers Repertory Company’s latest production of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
There’s a floor-to-ceiling wall of bookshelves, a fully stocked bar, and — judging by the ease with which Brett Bolton’s Nick and Julie Fishell’s Martha put them to romantic use — some pretty comfortable chairs.
But despite these amenities, the set still conveyed the simmering conflict that lies at the heart of the play.
The red floor, red ceiling and general redness that emanates from the stage is appropriate to Albee’s play because, essentially, it’s about four angry people.
The neatness and order of the set also reflects the care these characters put into maintaining a public facade of happy and healthy relationships, though these facades are quickly ruptured, as is one of many liquor bottles at the end of the first act.
The set is also ripe with comedic opportunities. A balcony provides the ability for Martha and Ray Dooley’s George to bellow at one another from different levels, heightening their bickering to hilarity.
Fortunately, the set’s quality matches that of the performance to create a sidesplitting yet layered production that envelops the audience into its dysfunctional, captivating world.
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