What is it about a play that’s about nothing and goes nowhere, with characters that seemingly just sit and wait — for years? The fascination with Waiting for Godot is neverending. Acclaimed actors like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen extol its virtues and find more to explore with each of their performances in it. Keanu Reeves is making his Broadway debut in the show this fall. In an interview, Stewart noted that renowned playwright and author Samuel Beckett enjoyed broad Vaudeville comedy, Laurel and Hardy, and Buster Keaton. Comedic touches abound in Waiting for Godot (pronounced GOD-oh), along with achingly touching humanity, in Scena Theatre’s production with an Irish and American cast.
As we know from past productions, the minimalist story features hapless characters in their endless waiting for an important countryman who at one point apparently assured them he would meet them at a desolate spot on the road. As noted in the program, “the play explores themes of time, uncertainty, and the human condition, raising questions about the purpose of life and the search for meaning. Despite their constant waiting, the characters’ situation remains unchanged, leaving the audience to reflect on the futility and absurdity of existence.” So there you have it.
Interestingly, a show about waiting with nothing particularly happening can actually be quite busy and even fascinating with the right casting, and Scena’s production has it all. Seeing Artistic Director Robert McNamara back on the boards, taking the reigns of Pozzo even as he directs the show, was a treat. He is wonderfully matched with Barry McEvoy and Joe McGucken as Estragon (Gogo) and Vladimir (Didi), who are also worth waiting for. McEvoy and McGucken have an easy rapport, talking whimsically, pondering their destiny, waiting, looking out for and with each other, and even sharing preciously choreographed movements in a near pas de deux.
Ian Blackwell Rogers adds an unfathomable element as the mute servant/slave (absurdly named “Lucky”) at Pozzo’s beck and call for even the most menial tasks. He stands and stares to the point where we wonder what if anything is going on in his head. When in the second act he suddenly spouts erudite scholarly passages, loudly, without ceasing, the wonders escalate — who is this fellow and what is going on?! That’s all part of the absurd wonder of Beckett’s Waiting. We wait and wonder and wait some more. Four talented youngsters share the role of the Boy, whose character adds more wonder and charm to the talented mix.
Costume designer Alisa Mandel reflected the dire conditions with dusty bowler hats, ragged shoes, and threadbare clothing pieces that looked so beaten and wretched they nearly reeked. The set design by Michael C. Stepowany consisted of stone bench seating and a sturdy but bare tree that sprouted a couple of scrawny leaves to reflect the passage of time between acts. Lighting designed by Marianne Meadows cast delicate shadows and moon glow to transition between day, twilight, and night.
In this age of mindless, frantic, nearly obscene busyness, aided by all kinds of pervasive devices, this might be the perfect time to sit, ponder, and watch fellow countrymen do the same. Considering that Waiting has been around since the 1950s and is still going strong, there’s apparently something to it.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission.
Waiting for Godot plays through April 13, 2025 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm), presented by Scena Theatre performing at Source Theatre, 1835 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets ($55 and Pay What You Can) at the door or online. For more information, call 202.462-7833 or email scenamedia@gmail.com.
Contains mature language and themes, loud sound effects, and explosion scenes.
COVID Safety: Masks are encouraged but not required.
Waiting for Godot
By Samuel Beckett
Directed by Robert McNamara
CAST
Barry McEvoy as Estragon
Joe McGucken as Vladimir
Robert McNamara as Pozzo
Ian Blackwell Rogers as Lucky
Arlo McEvoy, Kolby William Niederstrasser, Nico Cabrera, and Hendry Kasdan (rotating in the role of Boy)
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Director and Scena Artistic Director: Robert McNamara
Lighting Design: Marianne Meadows
Costume Design: Alisa Mandel
Set Design: Michael C. Stepowany
Fight Director: Paul Gallagher
Movement Coach: Kim Curtis
Stage Manager (USA): Liv Tyndall
Stage Manager (Ireland): Grace Woulfe
