A Delicate Balance (Edward Albee)

Because I attended a conversation with Edward Albee last Friday, I was more alert to Beckett's influence on his plays. The sets may look realistic, and the characters recognizable, but many of his techniques come straight from Beckett and theatre of the absurd.

This brutal, searing 3-hour play requires a production that mesmerizes the audience with perfect timing and powerful performances for every member of the ensemble. All were good--though in being good, Chalfant was disappointing--while Ellen McLaughlin was superb. What a great performance she gave.

Recommend. We saw it opening night; it might merit seeing in another week.