The opening night of “Waiting for Godot” at the Hudson Theater was a star-studded affair, drawing A-listers from film and television, alongside a who’s who of Broadway’s finest, all eager to support the celebrated return of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter to the stage.
Reeves, embodying the melancholic Estragon, and Winter, portraying the steadfast Vladimir, captivated the audience. Cheers erupted with every subtle nod to their beloved “Bill & Ted” films, a partnership spanning nearly four decades. A collective ‘aww’ swept through the theater whenever the duo shared a moment of embrace.
The red carpet saw a parade of acting talent, from Kieran Culkin and Ethan Hawke to Chris Pine, Bowen Yang, and Lucas Hedges, who made swift entrances into the theater. Meanwhile, Broadway luminaries such as Jonathan Groff, Bebe Neuwirth, Ben Vereen, Bernadette Peters, and Lin-Manuel Miranda savored the pre-show buzz, chatting with reporters.
Jonathan Groff eloquently described ‘Waiting for Godot’ as a timeless masterpiece that ‘invites interpretation and means something different every time,’ making it a play one could revisit endlessly. He expressed particular excitement for this production, highlighting the deep, enduring friendship between Reeves and Winter. When asked if he was a fan of ‘Bill & Ted,’ Groff’s enthusiastic, expletive-laced ‘yeah!’ left no doubt.
Director Jamie Lloyd emphasized that the enduring bond between Reeves and Winter was “the central ingredient for the recipe of the entire production.” He articulated his vision, stating, “For me, the play is about friendship, it’s about companionship, it’s about finding that one person who can sustain you through difficult times.”
Lloyd pointed out the surprising parallels between the beloved ‘Bill and Ted’ characters and the figures in ‘Godot.’ He noted, “There’s a great groundswell of love for these two men, and it’s very palpable from the moment that the lights come up.”
When questioned about whether he had to discourage the actors from their signature ‘Bill & Ted’ air guitar moves, Lloyd playfully revealed, “Maybe I encouraged them to play air guitar.” Indeed, fans will be delighted to know that the iconic air guitar does make an appearance.
Reeves expressed palpable excitement when asked about the play’s striking set—a massive, circular structure that narrows towards the stage’s rear. He reeled off a colorful array of nicknames it had acquired: “The portal, the phenomenon, the tunnel, the subwoofer, the Habitrail, the trap, the lens, circuits of time.” As for a favorite? A firm ‘no.’
Winter added, with a reflective tone, that “during the night, at some point it becomes all of those things.”
Post-performance, the celebration continued at the Bryant Park Grill’s rooftop, where Reeves quietly gathered with friends, while other cast members mingled amidst the lively crowd.
Understudies Jesse Aaronson (for Vladimir) and Franklin Bongjio (for Estragon) shared their admiration for Reeves and Winter’s rehearsal process. Bongjio remarked, “They’re theater nerds, and it’s so unexpected,” highlighting the duo’s dedication to their craft.
A particularly poignant moment from the preview period resonated deeply with the understudies. Aaronson described it as unforgettable, while Bongjio felt it “represented the magnitude of Broadway itself.”
During a quiet rehearsal, Reeves was lying on stage, gazing upwards.
He called out, “Hey Alex.”
“Yeah?” Winter replied.
“We’re on Broadway.”
And then, in true ‘Bill & Ted’ fashion, the excellent duo shared a hearty laugh.
