New City Actor Appears in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf"

John Ade of New City makes his debut with  (BCP) presentation of one of the most enduring masterpieces of American theater, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee, a dark comedy about a dysfunctional couple confronting the self-deceptions and raw pain of their marriage while hosting a chaotic, hilarious cocktail hour.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will be performed at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell through Nov. 12, with shows at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays.

On the quiet setting of a New England campus, George and Martha host a late night cocktail hour where they humorously provoke and prod each other, building to the climactic end of refused truths and realized personal failures. Audience members will be touched by the display of the honest tribulations that can ultimately corrupt a relationship, despite the efforts to remain together.

Winner of three Tony Awards (including Best Play of 1963) and later turned into a landmark film with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the play is groundbreaking in vocalizing the real-life disappointments that face every marriage. Director Jacqueline McElroy-Poquette of Westwood, who has enjoyed a long career of success at BCP by directing and acting in over 35 productions, cautions that Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? contains adult language and themes.

The four leading actors are highly experienced and excited to be performing on the BCP stage. George and Martha, the married couple whose marital troubles dominate the play’s plot, are played by new members making their debut at BCP, John Ade of New City, NY and Victoria Steele of West Caldwell. John’s previous theater credits include plays Elmwood Playhouse and Antrim Players, both in Rockland County, NY. Victoria has been honored with Perry Award nominations for her roles in Layers and First Night.

Nick and Honey, the naïve and newly married couple who become unwitting witnesses to the savage marital war, are played by Matthew Rofofsky of Fort Lee, making his BCP mainstage debut, and Allyson Stevenson of Westwood, a seasoned actor who has performed in the BCP productions The Little Dog Laughed and Moonlight and Magnolias.

Providing support behind the curtain are Rhea Smith as Producer (Oradell), Marisa Dolkart as Stage Manager (Dumont), Anne Giesemann on Props (Dumont), Ruth Morley on Costumes (Ridgewood), Kevin Hammerran on Décor (Westwood), Ray Poquette on Lighting Design and Operation (Westwood), Tim Larsen on Sound Design (Glen Rock), Michael Smith on Set Design (Oradell), and Sarah Weiss on Publicity (New Milford).

Ticket and Schedule Information

• All performances take place at The Little Firehouse Theatre at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, home to the Bergen County Players since 1949. Performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.
• Tickets for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? are $19 for Friday and Saturday performances and $16 for Sunday matinee performances, and can be purchased online at www.bcplayers.org, by calling 201-261-4200 or by visiting the box office at 298 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell during regular box office hours. Visa, Master Card, and American Express are accepted.
• Those interested in Group Sales or benefit theater parties can call (201) 262-0515.
• As it has for the past few seasons, the Players will continue to offer a Q & A (“Questions & Artists”) discussion following select performances. The Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Q&A will kick off immediately following the Friday, October 28th performance. Admission is included in the cost of the ticket.
• Student Rush tickets are available for $5 for students age 25 and under with valid ID, 30 minutes prior to curtain. One ticket per ID. Cash only. Students can also guarantee their seats in advance through the box office for the special student price of just $14.00.
• Parking is free for our patrons at the Park Avenue municipal lot, across the street, one-half block north of the theater.

Further information can be found at www.bcplayers.org.