Take a classic Tony Award-winning play (1965), provide it with tight, tense direction (Steve Kidd) create a realistic, functional set (Jessica Hill Kidd) and find four of the best actors to fill difficult roles (Tony Estrella, Jeanine Kane, Gunnar Manchester and Gabrielle McCauley), and you have a winning production that should not be missed.

Over the years, we have seen several productions of Edward Albee’s three-act, three-hour play, plus the Award-winning movie. Gamm’s interpretation of the classic is the best we have ever seen.

Martha (Kane) has invited the new couple at the local college over after a party, unbeknownst to husband George (Estrella).

Nick (Manchester) has joined the biology department. He is young, handsome and seems to have it all together. His wife Honey (McCauley) is a a silly, naïve companion.

George and Martha feed the couple drinks and stories, frightening poor Honey, while doing everything in their power to intimidate Nick.

There is continuous reference to their son, who may be an illusion and a pawn in their volatile relationship.

Martha throws barbs at George, becoming meaner as the night goes on. George counterattacks, revealing secrets and drawing the overwhelmed couple into confrontations.

The play is brilliantly constructed, with different characters on stage at various moments.

Estrella and Kane have previously acted opposite each other and have a connection that makes their relationship seem so real.

We have watched Manchester grow in small parts to this brilliant portrayal of the protective husband who reaches his boiling point. We’ve seen MacCauley once before in a completely different role and see a bright future for this RIC graduate.

Put them together and you have one powerful ensemble that you can’t take your eyes off of.

There is so much to take away from this mind-bending play, filled with humor, pain, tension, illusion and vitriol.

The final scenes will leave you breathless.

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is at Warwick’s Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., through February 18. Call 723-4266 for reservations or visitgammtheatre.org.