Broadway | No Man's Land & Waiting for Godot

It was back to Broadway for me this past weekend when I finally saw my first shows of 2014! My friend was in town, and we made plans to rush No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot at the Cort Theatre to see none other than Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart on stage. Our rush experience was interesting – read all about it HERE – but we were able to snag front row seats to both shows. Was it worth the three hour wait in the cold? You bet! 

It might be helpful to explain a bit about how this Broadway experience differs from other plays. Instead of performing the same show eight times a week, the cast is putting on "two plays in rep" and performing No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot four times each per week. Audience members can catch both shows in one day on Wednesdays and Saturdays by attending both the matinee and evening performances. So if you're in town for just the weekend, have no fear – you won't have to choose one play over the other! 

On Saturdays, No Man's Land is up first for the matinee, with Waiting for Godot on at night. Both plays are quite different, yet have parallel themes running throughout. They're mysterious, they're funny, and they make you think. The experience of seeing McKellen and Stewart perform together live is truly magical. Along with cast mates Billy Crudup and Shuler Hensley, they put on a performance that demonstrates the art of acting to the fullest. 

I won't say much about each show as I don't want to divulge much about the story lines, but I will say that you will leave the theatre entertained and wanting more. Being in the presence of such renowned actors is a privilege, and I will always cherish my memories of seeing these shows from the front row, just feet (sometimes inches!) away from McKellen and Stewart. 

If you're wondering about the Stage Door experience, here's the good news: the actors all graciously come out and will sign Playbills. McKellen will pose for a picture with you (and Stewart allows you to take photos of him). The bad news is the barricades get filled up quickly, and if you've rushed the show you may have to sacrifice an autograph for the front row. Unfortunately we missed out on Crudup's signature, but got autographs from the rest of the cast. 

Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart signing Playbills

For more information on No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot, visit the official website HERE. The show is finishing its limited engagement on March 30, 2014.