Production Overview
The original text of this masterpiece was written in French between 1948 and 1949. Later, Beckett himself translated his work in English. The play was first adapted for stage in 1953 and it premiered at the Théâtre de Babylone in Paris. Waiting for Godot made its Broadway debut in 1956 which spawned various Off-Broadway productions in the following years. From 1971-2006, the show opened for a number of times and remained equally popular with the audiences.
In 2009, it once again hit the Broadway stage. Produced by the Roundabout Theatre, the new production of the play featured Bill Irwin and Nathan Lane. It gathered raving reviews from the critics and was nominated for three Tony Awards. 2013 marks the latest revival of the play where it will be performed on Broadway this fall.
Cast and Creative Lads
Waiting for Godot is written by one of the most influential novelists and playwrights of the 20th Century, Samuel Beckett. Beckett is a Nobel Prize winner writer whose insightful repertoire includes acclaimed works such as Happy Days, End Game, Krapp’s Last Tape, Molly and The Unnamable. The current production is directed by the theater genius Sean Mathias. He is famous for his award-winning projects like Design for Living, Talking Heads, Les Parents terribles and Uncle Vanya.
The play involves a cast of four active members which consists of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Billy Crudup and Shuler Hensley. Continuing their long-term stage partnership, Stewart and McKellen are once again ready to captivate their fans with their perky performances. Playing Vldimir in the play, Sir Patrick Stewart will bring his signature style and energy to the stage.
Sharing the title role of Estragon, Sir Ian McKellen will prove his artistic valor through his compelling deliverance and stage presence. He is joined by the two extremely talented performers, Billy Crudup and Shuler Hensley. Both of these gentlemen are Tony winning celebrities and have established their repute in their respective fields. Backstage credits include Peter Kaczorowski as the lighting designer and Stephen Brimson Lewis as the set and costume designer.
The Plot
Besides being a tragicomedy of two acts, Waiting for Godot has lots of philosophical, social and political subtexts. The play sheds light on the lives of two travelers through humor and seriousness as they meet each other on the country road near a tree. Waiting for a never-appearing mysterious character ‘Godot’, they are joined by two other men who reveal their details as the show progresses. Longing, frustration and chase are beautifully presented in one of the most revealing works of Beckett.
Double Deal
Playing in repertory with the Pinter’s play No Man’s Land, this limited Broadway engagement gathers four great performers in two of the most cherished plays. Waiting for Godot tickets are selling out fast as the fans look forward to see their favorite entertainers in this most anticipated production. Enjoy watching the latest revival of this classic Broadway drama with your beloveds.