Theater Review: “Waiting for Godot”

Lindsay E. Schoonover
Lindsay E. Schoonover
April 21, 2011

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Cropped-Godot

If they say good things come to those who wait, then the characters from Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” must be waiting for something really good.

Estragon and Vladimir, played by Bob Jones and Bob Nelson respectively, are waiting in vain for someone by the name of Godot. It could be argued that “Waiting for God” is a play that is much ado about nothing. Estragon and Vladimir banter back and forth among many topics to pass the time while they patiently wait for Godot. Vladimir’s longing for Godot’s impending arrival is balanced by the almost childlike questions from Estragon.

The timeline of “Waiting For Godot” is broken up with the loud arrival of Pozzo and his quiet slave Lucky carrying Pozzo’s luggage in tow, played by Foster Solomon and Jerome Weiss respectively. Pozzo and Lucky have not heard of the mysterious Godot that Estragon and Vladimir keep waiting for day and night. There’s a certain sadness within the play and it pulls at the heartstrings of humanity. Who are we waiting for? What are we waiting for?

The stage set at Henley Street Theatre for “Waiting for Godot” is very sparse albeit a moon in the sky paired with a rather sad looking tree and a rock that you often find Estragon sitting upon.

According to my research, this is how the play’s scenery should be set and Henley Street Theatre managed to capture that essence of sparseness very well. If you are looking for a happy go lucky play, “Waiting for Godot” may not be your cup of tea.

That being said, if you are seeking to revel in the means of life paired with a dash of comedic acting, “Waiting for Godot” might be the play you’ve been waiting for.

“Waiting for Godot” is directed by James Ricks and runs through April 30th by the Henley Street Theatre Company at Pine Camp Arts Center.  For tickets and showtimes, click here.

    Lindsay E. Schoonover is a fashion-beauty-life-event blogger at RVAfashionista.com, LGBT supporter, and social media enthusiast from Richmond, VA. You can also find her on Twitter at @RVAfashionista.