Opening night for ‘Waiting for Godot’ at the iconic Hudson Theater was nothing short of a star-studded spectacle. A dazzling array of celebrities from both the big screen and Broadway royalty gathered to celebrate the much-anticipated return of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter to the stage.
Reeves, portraying the melancholic Estragon, and Winter, embodying the more grounded Vladimir, captivated the audience. Every subtle nod to their legendary ‘Bill & Ted’ films – which united them nearly four decades ago – brought cheers, and their on-stage embraces elicited heartfelt ‘awws’ from the delighted crowd.
The red carpet buzzed with activity as film favorites like Kieran Culkin, Ethan Hawke, Chris Pine, Bowen Yang, and Lucas Hedges made their appearances before heading inside. Broadway icons, including Jonathan Groff, Bebe Neuwirth, Ben Vereen, Bernadette Peters, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, savored the moment, lingering to share their excitement.
Jonathan Groff, a renowned theater veteran, remarked on the timeless appeal of ‘Waiting for Godot,’ stating, “You can see it over and over again because the material invites interpretation and it means something different every time.” He expressed particular enthusiasm for this production, highlighting the unique bond between Reeves and Winter. When playfully asked if he was a ‘Bill & Ted’ fan, Groff’s enthusiastic (and expletive-laced) “Yeah!” left no doubt.
The festive atmosphere of opening night was evident, with photos capturing the joyous attendance of stars such as Bowen Yang, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ethan Hawke, and Danielle Brooks.
Director Jamie Lloyd emphasized the profound impact of the actors’ bond: “Their friendship really is the central ingredient for the recipe of the entire production.” He further elaborated, “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.”
Surprisingly, Lloyd noted the striking parallels between the iconic ‘Bill & Ted’ duo and the characters of ‘Godot.’ He observed a powerful “groundswell of love for these two men,” palpable from the moment the curtain rose.
When questioned about whether he had to curb their famous ‘Bill & Ted’ air guitar moves, Lloyd playfully grinned, hinting, “Maybe I encouraged them to play air guitar.” (And for the fans, yes, the air guitar makes a glorious appearance!)
The excitement extended beyond the celebrity guests, with dedicated ‘Bill & Ted’ fans creating a truly festive atmosphere, proudly showcasing their appreciation for the franchise.
Jamie Lloyd, the director, elaborated to the press on the significance of reuniting Reeves and Winter, reiterating, “Their friendship really is the central ingredient for the recipe of the entire production.”
Reeves, visibly delighted, responded to a question about the play’s striking set design – a massive circular structure narrowing towards the rear of the stage. He reeled off various nicknames for it: “The portal, the phenomenon, the tunnel, the subwoofer, the Habitrail, the trap, the lens, circuits of time.” As for a personal favorite? A firm ‘No’ from the star.
Winter added thoughtfully, “For me during the night, at some point it becomes all of those things.”
Later, at the bustling after-party on the rooftop of the Bryant Park Grill, Reeves was seen in a quiet huddle with friends, while his fellow cast members mingled energetically with the attendees.
Jesse Aaronson (Vladimir’s understudy) and Franklin Bongjio (Estragon’s understudy) shared their admiration for Reeves and Winter’s rehearsal process. “They’re theater nerds and it’s so unexpected,” Bongjio revealed.
Additional notable figures present at the premiere included Kieran Culkin, Bernadette Peters, Chris Pine, alongside fellow cast members Eric Williams and Zaynn Arora.
The understudies fondly recalled a memorable moment from the show’s previews – a scene Aaronson described as unforgettable, and which Bongjio felt truly “represented the magnitude of Broadway itself.”
During one serene rehearsal moment, Reeves lay on the stage, gazing upwards.
“Hey Alex,” he called out.
“Yeah?” Winter responded.
“We’re on Broadway.”
And with that, the legendary ‘dudes’ shared a most excellent laugh.
The after-party at the Bryant Park Grill was clearly a hit, with Shoshana Medney, Marisha Wallace, Christopher Ketner, Marty Lauter, Ayazalya Ellis, Brandon Burks, Sis Thee Doll, and Jasmine Amy Rogers among those captured enjoying the celebratory atmosphere.