Must-See Theatre at NoHo Arts Center with Classic "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Although alcoholism seems more of a symptom than a cause in Blue Zone Productions' "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" it is a must-see performance for every person who escapes life's woes with a few drinks. In fact, the constant flow of alcohol consumption heightens the cruelty for character assassination at every turn and there are lessons to be learned.

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" opened to unexpected performances at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood.

As Martha, actress Ann Colby Stocking demands attention. The audience is unable to take their eyes off of her when she's on stage because her performance is so natural and in every way, she transforms into Martha. Her performance is seamless and pointed, as her character never seems to think through the effect of the fresh words flowing from her mouth. Her cruel streak is so natural in a war-torn marriage that it doesn't seem to come as any surprise. As a result, the audience laughs at many of the things she says because she has lived her life this way for so long, it rings as authentic. Instead of being shocked by her words, the audience easily accepts and revels in her combative spirit.

Actor Jack Patterson is a much quieter George, as he takes a back seat as a put-upon intellectual. Patterson manages a comfortable rhythm with Stocking, allowing her to score in the brutal banter of a well-worn partnership on its last legs. Patterson captures the struggle of proving himself time and time again as a history professor who is married to the college president's daughter. Anyone who has ever been involved in college politics will identify with the word play, rapid conversation and depth of the thinking man's vocabulary. In a strange twist, Patterson smiles slyly as he pushes the knife in so firmly.

Clearly, Martha and George don't hate each other but instead have fallen into a pattern of anger and alcohol, which brings out the worst in them. One makes a choice to be cruel and from there the dialogue escalates. By the time two other characters enter the fray, many layers reveal a relationship of cruelty and convenience. When the couple joins their lives at 2:00 am after another party, it is clear the American dream of the perfect marriage does not exist.

Actor Paul Haitkin, who portrays Nick, is captivating with a boyhood charm. Haitkin manages to blush on stage, which is nearly impossible after so many rehearsals and performances. His delivery seems fresh and real, as though he's saying his lines for the first time. When he dances with Martha, together they create a fascinating, sexually charged moment. With his dimples and beautiful big eyes, his handsome type belongs on the big screen making the audience swoon. On this stage, he makes the audience want more.

As Honey, actress Teal Sherer delivers as a drunken ingénue. Sherer leaves the audience wondering whether Honey will follow in Martha's footsteps and become an angry childless alcoholic. The constant back and forth baiting of the other characters seems to go over Honey's head, but in the end she sees the uncomfortable truth, revealing that she may not be so naïve after all.

Michael Fitzgerald designed a beautiful living room with several layers of detailed set dressing including globe bookends, stacks of books, vinyl record albums and bottles of booze. The 1960's green and white bar along with the mini-chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were completely time appropriate. Fitzgerald also made good use of every space of the stage, including the hallway behind the main set. A window of light behind a curtain seems to offer a ray of hope and an opportunity to escape the more uncomfortable action on stage.

This play, which was written by Edward Albee in 1962, clearly requires great investment by the performers. Although the script is dialogue heavy, all of the actors delivered the lines with comfort and ease. Credit for the pacing has to be given to Director Sara Botsford. To do this kind of theatre right, attention has to be paid to the timing of every line and blocking, which requires intense rehearsal time. The result is very impressive indeed.

The shining surprise of the show is the lead of Martha as portrayed by Stocking. When Stocking performs elsewhere, count this writer in as an audience member. Her incredible turn at the NoHo begs the questions, where has she been hiding and why haven't we seen her perform in theatre, television or film before? Take note Hollywood: Stocking is disturbingly fun in this part and if given the right opportunity, she would deliver an amazing turn in a character driven piece on the big screen.

Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virignia Woolf?"

The NoHo Arts Center, North Hollywood

A Blue Zone Production

Produced by Danny Murphy and Teal Sherer

Directed by Sara Botsford

Starring Ann Colby Stocking, Jack Patterson, Paul Haitkin, Teal Sherer

Set Design Michael Fitzgerald

Costume Design Curtis C

Lighting Design Sean Conlin

Sound Design CB Brown

For more information visit www.BlueZoneProductions.com or www.TheNoHoArtsCenter.com.

The NoHo Arts Center is located at 11136 Magnolia Boulevard, North Hollywood. The production runs from January 24th to March 1st, 2009.

Pictured from left to right: Actors Ann Stocking, Jack Patterson, Paul Haitkin, and Teal Sherer perform in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

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