Ellen Crawford, best known for her role as Nurse Lydia Wright on "ER," will tackle Edward Albee's monsterous Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, playing the Blank Theatre Aug. 17-Sept. 22. The production, moved up to Los Angeles from San Diego Repertory Theatre, co-stars Crawford's real-life husband, Mike Genovese, as George.

After 23 years of bitter, biting marriage, it only takes a little alcohol to get Martha and George to start tearing at each other's throats in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Their unwilling participants in battle are the smug and handsome Nick and his ditzy wife Honey. Before long, the quiet evening between faculty members turns into war. Albee won three Pulitzer Prizes and two Tony Awards, one for Virginia Woolf? and one for his most recent play, The Goat or Who is Sylvia?.

Joining Crawford and Genovese are Peter Friedrich and Ginger Williams. Williams' credits include "The Majestic" and "Cruel Intentions."

Todd Salovey directs. The San Diego Rep associate artistic director was highly praised for his 1999 50th anniversary production of Death of a Salesman, which featured both Genovese and Friedrich.

Tickets are $25 with a $15 rush ticket for students and seniors. The Blank Theatre plays at the 2nd Stage Theatre in Hollywood. For reservations, call (323) 661-9827. The Blank Theatre is on the web at http://www.TheBlank.com. — By Christine Ehren