Versai Knight and Ian Gabriel Photo courtesy of Broken Chain

He is expert at finding the absolute right talent and for his meticulous attention to every detail of production. In short, he is a terrific director–for the actors and for the overall production.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is Edward Albee's dissection of American marriage. It premiered in 1962 and won the 1963 Tony Award and the 1962-63 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. It was chosen to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, but the award's advisory board overruled the jury due to the play's content. The 1966 film adaptation, directed by Mike Nichols, had similar problems with the language.

There have been many productions since the play's debut, and this production by The Vortex Theatre is a worthy addition. The somewhat abbreviated version features two acts, not the three of the original, and has a running time of two hours and twenty minutes with intermission. The action is fast-paced, the lavish dialogue eloquent and exuberant, and the impact immediate and visceral. This is a very well-acted and tight production.

The cast of four actors is excellent and includes those who have worked with Mr. Cady before plus a worthy newcomer to the New Mexico scene. The ladies are played by Merritt C. Glover and Versai Knight, as Martha and Honey. In last year's Orley Awards (Albuquerque's annual theatre awards), both won for outstanding actress and supporting actress. Merritt is a very accomplished actress who inhabits Martha almost completely. Her interpretation, however, lacks some of the raw and crude sexual appeal inherent in the role. Versai Knight is ideally suited for the vacuous Honey. She also brings a lithe physicality to the role.

Both men, Aaron Black as George and Ian Gabriel as Nick, also deliver remarkable performances. Aaron Black is nearly perfect as George orchestrates the games of the evening. Ian Gabriel is just cocky enough as Nick. Their scenes together demonstrate excellent team acting.

The creative artists for this production have also done an excellent job. George and Martha's living room practically screams "academia" and is cozy and messy at the same time. Kudos to Mary Rossman for the excellent set design with multiple entrance and exits and effective playing areas.

Costumes by Rhonda Backinoff are well done, with the exception of Martha's too stiff and guarded look. When Martha changes into a caftan, we should see her let herself go. Literally, she needed to let her hair down. This would have helped the actress find the sexy nature of the role. Some of what she wears needs to be sloppy as she gets sloppy drunk.

The sound by Riley Lewis incorporating background music at just the right times is very well done. Property manager Maureen Trujillo handles all the drinking paraphernalia well, including the ice. There is nothing superfluous to distract.

Jim Cady has kept his eye on all the details and stage manager Donna Marie Barra keeps the production on its toes. If you have never seen Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, this is an opportunity to see an exemplary production that is first-class in every way. Congratulations to the cast and crew on delivering a superlative theatrical experience.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? runs through April 12, 2026, at The Vortex Theatre, 2900 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. And Sundays at 2:00 pm. General Admission tickets are $26.00, Discounted tickets are $21.00. For tickets and information, please visit www.vortexabq.org or call 505-247 8600.

Directed by James Cady, Set Designer-Mary Rossman, Lighting Designer-Riley Lewis, Costume Designer-Rhonda Backinoff, Stage Manager-Donna Marie Barra.

The Cast: Aaron Black, Merritt C. Glover, Ian Gabriel, Versai Knight.