The Centre Theatre
and
and
Iron Age Theatre
What are you Waiting For?
Godot is Coming, turning the Centre Theatre on its ear this November
On a deserted road, in a vast wasteland, two men wait. And wait, for the elusive Godot. "Waiting For Godot," by Samuel Beckett is a comic masterpiece in the tradition of vaudeville, Charlie Chaplin, Abbot and Costello and the Marx Brothers. The play is a stark comedic meditation on friendship, death, and existence. The play will touch anyone moved to laughter or tears by clowns.
The show runs through November at the Centre Theatre, 208 DeKalb Street, Norristown. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 and $14. Call 610-279-1013 for information, or visit the web at www.ironagetheatre.orgTickets can be purchased at www.ticketleap.com
"Waiting for Godot" is a slapstick comedy, a celebration of determination, a cry of despair, and a reflection on living in the modern world. In a ravaged, and remote landscape with lone tree, two befuddled and beleaguered friends, Vladimir and Estragon, quarrel, reconcile, remember, forget, play, and otherwise occupy the time as they wait for the mysterious Mr. Godot. Like the great comedy teams of American cinema, Vladimir and Estragon struggle with the confusion of language and misunderstanding as they encounter two intruders, Pozzo and his heavily laden manservant Lucky.
A seminal work of twentieth-century drama, "Waiting for Godot" is considered one of the most influential plays of the twentieth century. Predating "Sienfeld," critics labeled it 'a strange little play in which nothing happens.' Godot has been translated into more than 20 languages and performed across the globe. The critic John Calder wrote, "Beckett is probably the greatest writer of his time with a message of humanity and decency that is much needed in this selfish age."
Samuel Beckett changed the way audiences see the world and the way the world sees theater. His stark depictions of human isolation and the struggle for worth captured the attention of the artistic world. Beckett continually broke through theatrical convention to create stunning, comical, and agonizing portraits of individuals trying to deal with existence. He influenced dozens of contemporary playwrights, including Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard, Edward Albee, and David Mamet. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He died in Paris in 1989.
"Our audiences are used to their role and position in our theatre." Said Director John Doyle. "With this play we are going to challenge them to see the world, and our theatre, anew. The play is a very funny comedy, but Becket wants us to think while we laugh. It is called a classic, but people shouldn't be afraid of that. It's as current as the best comedy out there in the movies or on T.V. today."
David Fiebert, a veteran comic actor and master puppeteer, plays the soulful Vladimir. Adam Altman plays Estragon, Vladimir's mirthful, absent-minded partner. Both starred in last spring's revisionist western drama "Fathers and Sons."
Rounding out the stellar comic cast is Chuck Beishl playing the proud and tyrannical aristocrat Pozzo. David Yashin is Lucky, the burdened manservant of Pozzo. Yashin has starred in many Centre Theatre shows including the popular sensation "High School Musical" and the dark Irish comedy "The Cripple of Inishmaan." Playing The Boy is Ryan Kevin Sene in his first professional production.
The Centre Theatre and Iron Age Theatre are one of the most critically acclaimed companies in the Philadelphia area. They received a Barrymore Nomination for Best Lead Actor for "The Elephant Man" in 2005. Their 2003 show "Terra Nova" was nominated for a Barrymore Award for outstanding ensemble. The company also produced the critically acclaimed revival of Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," and the East Coast premier of the World War Two drama "Sky Girls." Iron Age has been touring its production of Marx in Soho nationally for four years. Iron Age is will continue its exploration of Irish comedy with "The Lonesome West" this spring.
The Centre Theater is in the Montgomery County Cultural Center at 208 DeKalb Street in Norristown. It is easily reached from Routes 202, I-76, I-476 and Ridge Pike. There is plenty of free parking and the theatre is one block from Septa's Norristown Transit Center, R6 line.