Well, humanity has finally peaked. It has taken millennia to accomplish but sure enough, we as a people have plateaued. And what grand accomplishment have we reached to put us at this point? What crowning achievement have we attained that will never be surmounted? It’s the establishing of the most inspired casting in the history of Broadway with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, Bill and Ted themselves, taking the lead roles in “Waiting for Godot.”
Written by Samuel Beckett and premiering in 1953, “Waiting for Godot” was a landmark play in terms of surrealism and absurdism. The premise itself is simple, two men named Vladimir and Estragon are waiting around for a man named Godot. What follows are two acts of banter and dialogue that break the fourth wall, delve into existentialist thought, and could mean everything and nothing simultaneously. Its impact is so resounding that its been referenced in sitcoms ranging from “Home Improvement” to “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
It’s almost not surprising then that the idea of Bill and Ted being in “Waiting for Godot” struck a chord with someone or a group of people. The fact that it’s actually happening is almost as surreal as the play itself. Winter actually has had previous experience on the theatrical stage dating back to the late 1970s with performances in “Peter Pan” and “The King and I.” This would be the Broadway debut for Reeves in his upcoming portrayal of Estragon. Winter, by proxy, is playing Vladimir.
If you’re familiar with the play, then you’ll note we’ve made no mention thus far of the roles of Pozzo, Lucky, or the Boy. Those casting details haven’t been released yet. However, we’re clinging to hope that Al Borland himself, Richard Karn will play Pozzo. After all, in that episode of “Home Improvement” mentioned above, Al does boast about having played Pozzo. Sadly, a YouTube search for these clips does not yield any relevant results.
If you’re eager to see Winter and Reeves exchange barbs about boots, erections, and contemplations about ever having met Godot, you’re going to have to wait a bit. The Broadway revival of “Waiting for Godot” isn’t scheduled until the fall of 2025.
