The reviews are in for Jungle Theater's 'Waiting for Godot'

Posted at 11:36 AM on August 30, 2012 by Marianne Combs
Filed under: Theater

Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' is simultaneously one of the most impenetrable and one of the most acclaimed works of theater. It's a show in which nothing happens - twice.

The Jungle Theater's production of "Waiting for Godot" is receiving rave reviews from critics who stress you don't have to understand what's going on to enjoy the show.

Jim Lichtscheidl as Vladimir and Nathan Keepers as Estragon in Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot"

From John Olive at HowWasTheShow.com

...this Waiting For Godot is the best-acted show currently running.

As hardly needs to be said about a Jungle play, the design is exquisite in its simplicity. The set (by Boehlke) uses the entire Jungle space. The tree is perfect, and ditto the lighting (Barry Browning) and the ragged costumes (Amelia Cheever).

Don't go to Waiting For Godot expecting it to make coherent sense. Do expect to be transported.

Jim Lichtscheidl, Charles Schuminski, Allen Hamilton and Nathan Keepers in the Jungle Theater's production of "Waiting for Godot"

From Dominic P. Papatola at the Pioneer Press:

Beckett's morose sense of comedy becomes clearer in these performances -- these are jokes punctuated by weary observation as well as a keen sense of timing. But both Lichtscheidl and Keepers have reputations as fine comic performers who also know their way around drama and, together, they become a formidable force in this version of "Godot," balancing the tone between resignation and desperation. They don't fear the humor in the script, nor do they overplay it. In fact, the characters often seem unaware of their own wit, which adds another layer of depth to the proceedings.

Charles Schuminski as Lucky and Jim Lichtscheidl as Vladimir

From Graydon Royce at the Star Tribune:

Actors Jim Lichtscheidl and Nathan Keepers spare none of the antic fun that are staples of "Godot" productions. But ultimately, we walk away caring for Didi and Gogo -- hoping they will be OK and that the world will notice them.

Nathan Keepers and Jim Lichtscheidl in Waiting for Godot

From Ellen Burkhardt at Minnesota Monthly:

Waiting for Godot is not a play with answers--it's a play with questions. Who are you? What drives your actions? Who controls your destiny? How do others see you? It's the kind of play that embeds itself within your mind; one you find yourself mulling over while staring out the window at a stoplight. It feels too real at one moment, far-fetched at another. While your takeaway will almost certainly be different than mine, one thing is certain: you won't find a cast of characters better suited to simultaneously make you think and entertain you. So: what are you waiting for?

The Jungle Theater's production of "Waiting for Godot" runs through September 30.
Have you seen "Waiting for Godot?" If so, what's your review?

All photos by Michal Daniel