What do all of you think of this play in terms of it attracting an audience?  We have cast the play and the director has started read throughs although we have not finalized any schedule.  They -(meaning the director and the four cast members) speak as though it will go off in March.  The two actors who will play Martha and George are very "in to" this play.  They are practically obsessed with it.  The Honey and Nick actors are dedicated but not planning their entire theater season around this play.  The director "loves" it.  I am supposed to be (as usual) doing everything but the acting but I find it difficult to design the sets or even start sketches for the costumes.  I know I will find it almost impossible to book the theater space.  I just don't like the play.  Don't get me wrong..I am in awe of the writing and understand why almost any actor would love to try these roles....but it is an awful play.  I feel like leaving as soon as they start reading...all the nasty comments and shouting and pain....and when the reading is finished I am left feeling depressed and a little sick.  If I can't stand to sit through the rehearsals who on earth is going to pay money to see this?  My prediction is that we will have good sales for two, maybe three nights but we will not find enough audience to make the play possible.  I have seen the play performed by other companies and seen the Burton/Taylor movie...yes -   it is terrible and wonderful and great drama but I think most people will stay away...any experiences with VW to share? 

I was fortunate to be George in our version.  We had a very strong cast and a superb director.  It was still a lot of work and intensity, but extremely rewarding in all aspects.

One thing our director emphasized is that no one wants to sit through a three hour scream-fest.  We spent a lot of time on comedic moments (yes there are quite a few opportunities to do so) and character interplay (one-upsmanship, marital bantering for all four, psychoses driving motivations).  And, yes, when we screamed, it was a knock-down drag-out.  Our houses were full, though not bursting at the seams, and we received nothing but good reports (and believe me, our patrons are quick to tell us what they don't like).

I was quite surprised to see that Bill Irwin was in the role of George.  He is a long time favorite of mine, and primarily knowing him from his comedic endeavors, I would love to have seen his interpretation.