Rehearsals Begin: Meet the Cast of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Rehearsals Begin: Meet the Cast of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Opening October 23, 2025 in the Struthers Studio
Kristen Coury, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse, is proud to announce the kickoff of the 2025-2026 season with Edward Albee’s landmark drama, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, running October 21 – November 23, 2025, in the intimate Struthers Studio. Directed by Kristen Coury herself, with casting by Michael Cassara, this production promises to bring one of theatre’s most electrifying works vividly to life—right here in Naples.
The powerhouse cast includes:
Jeffrey Binder (as George) has appeared on Broadway in The Lion King, The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Original Cast), Mary Poppins, and Side Man. At Gulfshore Playhouse, he has starred in acclaimed productions including The Price, The Refugees, and My Fair Lady, and directed last season’s celebrated The Lehman Trilogy.
Beth Hylton (as Martha), a resident company member at Everyman Theatre with more than 25 productions to her credit, has been acclaimed for performances including Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire, Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, and Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists. Gulfshore Playhouse audiences will remember her from A Doll’s House, Into the Breeches and Steel Magnolias.
Becca Ballenger as (Honey) has performed Off-Broadway in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Masterworks and regionally in Steel Magnolias at Geva Theatre Center and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. She has also been seen at Gulfshore Playhouse in Into the Breeches.
Sam Bell-Gurwitz (as Nick) recently appeared on Broadway in Goodnight, Oscar. Regional highlights include The Glass Menagerie at Indiana Repertory Theatre and The Boys in the Band with Windy City Playhouse. This is Sam’s Gulfshore Playhouse debut.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? broke every rule of polite theatre when it debuted on Broadway in 1962, quickly earning its place as one of the most raw, fearless, and controversial plays of the 20th century. Its searing honesty and explosive power continue to make it essential viewing today. As one critic observed at the time:
“Virginia Woolf arrives on Broadway like a Molotov cocktail hurled into the living room.”
Welcome to George and Martha’s, where both whiskey and love are on the rocks.
George and Martha have just drunkenly returned home from a party to await a younger couple for even more drinks. As the alcohol flows, inhibitions melt, and the young couple becomes caught in the crosshairs of George and Martha’s imploding marriage. This modern masterpiece—made famous by the iconic 1966 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton—is a perfect cocktail of dark comedy and intense drama that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the bitter end.
Five Reasons to Experience Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? :
- A Theatrical Earthquake – This play shattered the rules of theatre in 1962 and still packs the same explosive punch today.
- Powerhouse Cast, Intimate Space – Four extraordinary actors bring George, Martha, and their unsuspecting guests to life just steps away from the audience.
- Dark Comedy Meets Raw Drama – Equal parts razor-sharp wit and gut-punching emotion, Virginia Woolf cemented Albee as the most important American playwright of his generation.
- A Legend Reborn – The play that inspired the Oscar-winning Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton film.
- Edge-of-Your-Seat Intensity – In the Struthers Studio, you’re not just watching—you’re inside George and Martha’s living room as the night unravels.
About the Creative Team
The creative team for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is led by Gulfshore Playhouse Founder and CEO Kristen Coury, who is directing this landmark play. Scenic Designer Kristen Martino, whose past Gulfshore credits include The Revolutionists and The Price, is bringing the set to life, while Lighting Designer Dalton Hamilton designs the look and feel of the space, assisted by Mackenzie Scales. Tony-nominated Lindsay Jones (Broadway: Slave Play, Bronx Bombers) provides original music and sound design, and Kristi Dana serves as Dialects Coach. Broadway veteran Erica Mansfield has joined the team as Intimacy Director. Finally, Casting Director Michael Cassara, CSA, known for his extensive Broadway and regional work, has assembled the powerhouse cast.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
LOCATION: The Baker Theatre and Education Center, Struthers Studio, 100 Goodlette-Frank Road South, Naples, Florida 34102.
SHOW TIMES: Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30PM, Wednesday and Saturday at 2PM, and Sunday at 3PM.
TICKETS: Performances run October 23 through November 23, 2025. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at gulfshoreplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 239-261-7529. Tickets are now on sale and start at $40. Discounted tickets are available for patrons under 40; Educators; Families composed of two adults and two children; Military, veterans, first responders, and their immediate families. Tickets can be ordered online (gulfshoreplayhouse.org) or by phone (239.261.PLAY).
IN-PERSON BOX OFFICE HOURS: Patron Services at the Baker Theatre and Education Center is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday Noon-5pm. Additionally, the Box Office, lobby and bars are open 90 minutes before show times.
SPECIAL AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DATES
Creative Conversation: (A behind the scenes talkback with the director and designers):
- October 22, 2025 at 6:45PM
Pre-Show Discussions
- November 2, 2025 at 2:15PM
- November 5, 2025 at 1:15PM
- November 7, 2025 at 6:45PM
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