McCarter Presents Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance"

Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, which opened at McCarter Theater on Jan. 25, offers a rare, intimate look inside an upper middle class family's drama. 

Written in 1967, the play earned Albee the first of his three Pulitzer Prizes. It offers a timeless glimpse into the lives of an longtime married WASP couple, whose lives are thrown into turmoil when they find themselves host to unexpected house guests (who plan to stay indefinitely).

McCarter's production is directed by Artistic Director Emily Mann. It stars two-time Obie Award-winner and Tony nominee Kathleen Chalfant, Tony Award-winner John Glover, two-time Tony nominee Penny Fuller, Roberta Maxwell, James A. Stephens, and Francesca Faridany.

The performances demonstrate the gamut of human emotions- anger, rage, jealousy and disappointment about the consequences of our life choices. 

Albee has had a long relationship with McCarter and Mann. Among the collaborations are a performance of Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf in 1963, Albee directing his own Marriage Play in 1992 and Mann directing the world premiere of Albee's Me, Myself and I, a commissioned piece, in 2008.

“One of the great joys of my life is having a working relationship with Edward Albee,” Mann said. "My admiration and respect for him is unshakeable. It’s an incredible privilege to be working on Edward’s masterpiece with him still here and very, very, clear in his needs, feelings, and desires for the place. He and I don’t mince words with each other. We’re honest with each other. We respect each other.

"We have a good banter, a good relationship, and also I learn so much from him. A Delicate Balance is one of the greatest American plays," she said. 

The play runs through Feb. 17.

Set design is by Daniel Ostling, costume design is by Jennifer von Mayrhauser.

Tickets for A Delicate Balance range from $20-$65, and are available online at www.mccarter.org, by phone at (609) 258-2787, and in person at the McCarter Theatre ticket office (91 University Place, Princeton). Student and group rates are also available. 

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