“Dashed hopes and good intentions. Good, better, best, bested.” George drunkenly lectures the young couple Nick and Honey during their marathon drinking session commencing at 2 AM and lasting until the wee hours of the early morning.

Never has the disillusionment and deception of marriage been so powerful and gripping as in Edward Albee’s infamous play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the dark comedy that cements his position as one of the most beloved playwrights in American history.

George and Martha coerce their guests, Nick and Honey, into playing several boozy “games” including “Get the Guests” and “Bringing Up Baby.” These games, fueled by copious amounts of liquor, cause the revelation of deep, painful secrets that only add to the shocking culmination of the production. George and Martha live in an alternate reality and use untruths to ease the pain of their failures and dashed hopes.

The Chicago-based Stephenwolf production, now playing at the Booth Theatre, adds new life and zest to the show that was first staged in 1962. Beautifully directed by Pam MacKinnon, the all-star cast led by Tracy Letts and Amy Morton add new meaning to the well-known play.

The show will be running at the Booth Theatre until March 24, 2013.