Seascape

Although Edward Albee's Seascape deals with the complex relationships between two couples, one older and one younger, it does not necessarily bring to mind his masterpiece Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at first glance. No, this show clearly isn't George and Martha on the Beach.

In fact, when formidable leads George Grizzard and Frances Sternhagen were asked to describe the show, they both broke into gales of laughter. "People ask what I'm doing, " says Sternhagen. "I say Seascape and that's as far as the conversation gets." When director Mark Lamos tells friends about the show, he prefers to be blunt. "I just say it's a play about an older couple on a beach that meet two lizards," he says. "And then watch their faces." Yes, you read that correctly. Lizards. Frederick Weller and Elizabeth Marvel have the honor of donning the reptile costumes in the Lincoln Center Theater revival.

This production serves as a reunion for Grizzard and Sternhagen, who first met at the Arena Stage in 1952. "It feels like we have been married a long time," remarks Grizzard. "We haven't worked together since then, though." Grizzard is also reuniting with Lamos, with whom he worked on a production of Seascape at Hartford Stage Company in 2002. And, of course, this is another reunion for Grizzard and Albee, who began their collaboration when Grizzard originated the role of Nick in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in 1962. Grizzard also starred in Albee's A Delicate Balance on Broadway in 1996..

Still giggling over the lizards? You may be surprised. "It's a very moving and very funny play," says Grizzard. Just don't bother trying to describe it. "It's one of those things you kind of just have to experience," Lamos notes.

SEASCAPE WHERE: Booth Theatre, 222 West 45th Street WHEN: Starts October 28, opens November 21