Paul Rainville’s performance elevates “Virginia Woolf”

Photo:Andrew Alexander. Paul Rainville (left), Ian Farthing (right)

If you’ve never seen the stage version of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Edward Albee’s acerbic portrait of a dysfunctional marriage, here’s your opportunity. Although perhaps not as shocking today as in the early 60s, the relationships between the characters and Albee’s wonderful word-play and cynical humor are not the least bit dated. The difference perhaps, is that today a young couple either witnessing or becoming the brunt of such vicious verbal attacks would excuse themselves, leave and call social services.

The characters of George and Martha have become part of the cultural landscape as symbols of destructive battling spouses. In spite of their fierce sniping, the play is basically a love story – a love story of co-dependents. We can see the seeds of a similar relationship in the young couple as well. The play examines the fundamental question of what is truth and what is illusion; more importantly, what illusions are necessary in order to live.

It’s worth a trip to the Gladstone to see Paul Rainville’s masterful performance as George. He and director Ian Farthing have found every bit of humor in the role. Granted, Albee’s humor is often scathing, but it’s funny and too often neglected. I challenge anyone other than Mr. Rainville to get a laugh on the line, “Let’s sit down and talk.”

He gives us a George that’s a complete human being, by turns stoical, angry, whimsical, cruel, and always intelligent. Unfortunately Rachel Eugster’s Martha is no match or foil for this complex George. Her emotional range seems to move between petty nastiness and anger. Even at the peaks of her anger, she displays no physical tension. It’s all vocal.

Cory Thibert as Nick and Grace Gordon as Honey are not quite up to Mr. Rainville’s level, but they both do well in Act II, especially Honey. During the church mouse scene, she believably disintegrates beneath the gentle prodding of George’s subtle cruelty.

David Magaldry has designed a good and playable living room set with white hanging frames outlining windows and doors. His lighting is very effective. Composer Melissa Morris’ music is outstanding and enters our awareness with subtle stealth.

Ian Farthing has done a fine job of directing and staging. Although the play runs almost 3 hours with 2 intermissions, the pace never lags. Despite the uneven cast, the play retains its essential power and Paul Rainville’s portrayal of George elevates the production to a high level.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Bear & Co. Production through April 16

The Gladstone Theatre tkts: 613-233-4523