Waiting for Godot

If you're watching a play and nothing really happens in it, are you really interested? Does the babble of its two lead characters – both men – keep you rapt and engaged? It could, even if you're not particularly sure of the plot, or the point, but sufficient talent can make anyone stand up and take notice. "Waiting For Godot" is such an exercise in drama, or comedy if you like. Playwright Samuel Beckett's text has been the subject of much speculation over the years by not just actors looking for their motivations but critics as well.

But whether or not anyone can explain the implications of such an important and often produced work, "Godot" does entertain with only five characters. Gogo (Richard Donelly) and his constant companion Didi (Tom Gleadow) are waiting for someone named Godot by a tree in a desolate country setting. Gogo suffers from memory loss and often falls asleep, Didi is more philosophical in nature and wakes Gogo several times to relate a story or a lost memory. Happening upon a master Pozzo (Brandon Whitehead) and slave Lucky (Zachary Gibb) they both muse about the strange relationship between the two men.

Lucky is stooped and out of breath; around his neck a noose with a long rope held by Pozzo who barks orders sharply. After dining on chicken and wine, Pozzo answers questions about Lucky's situation by asking the two men to watch him "think" and "dance." Lucky obliges by dancing and follows with a disjointed and incomprehensible monologue. He also seems rather unhappy with his situation and his tears aren't unnoticed by Gogo who tries to wipe them away but is kicked in the shin despite trying to help. After they leave, both men return a day later, but Pozzo is blind and Lucky inactive and even more submissive. There is also an appearance boy (Paige Barlow, Hayley Pezza), who claims to be a messenger of Godot to Didi, that adds much more speculation about the mysterious man they've been waiting to see.

From the very first lines, director Fred Sullivan shows he's chosen the right actors for this piece, both Donelly and Gleadow are staples of Rhode Island's rich theatre community and here they glow with artistic enthusiasm. Gleadow's talent for comedy is the perfect foil for Donelly's cranky Gogo who has a gleam in his eye throughout. Whitehead and Gibb are both great physical actors; much needed for the master and slave roles. Pozzo is a larger blustery man who relishes his theatrical gestures, Lucky hunched over and breathless until he's asked to perform for our protagonists. Both men own their scenes admirably. It is touches like this that make this "Godot" so watchable; a play in which nothing happens has never been so entertaining or seem so fresh. Wilbury keeps bringing the talent to its productions, and here is another winning combination.

"Waiting for Godot" is running through October 20th at The Wilbury Theatre Group 40 Sonoma Court, Providence, RI 02909. For information or tickets call 401-400-7100 or visit www.thewilburygroup.org.