Life is in a constant state of contradiction, or (if one is so inclined to say) a state of balance. When there are tears in the Gold Coast, there is laughter in Montemartre. While one wins a Golden Globe, another loses the palme d'or. And while one troupe chooses not to undertake a play whose illustration of life ranges from vulgarity to hilarity to despair, another ensemble (in this case, Signal Ensemble Theatre) undertakes the challenge and breathes virile, potent life into it.
Directed by Ronan Marra, Samuel Beckett's "Waiting For Godot" explores class, gluttony, poverty and poetry through the eyes of four men: Estragon (Christopher Prentice), Vladimir (Aaron Snook), Lucky (Charles Schoenherr) and Pozzo (Joseph Sterns).
"Godot" focuses on the determined, if not somewhat ridiculous, vigil of two vagrants, Vladimir ("Didi") and Estragon ("Gogo"), awaiting the arrival of the mysterious Godot. The material is thick, at times complicated and frustrating, but always saturated with social commentary laced with threads of comedy. This is not a show to which one brings a less than mentally capable date, but a must-see production if you crave conversation material for erudite social circles.
Costuming by Laura M. Dana makes for a tangible visualization of the vulgarity, musty despair and rich characterization of each character. The ease with which Prentice, Snook, Schoenherr, Stearns and Benton Reynolds ("Boy") display their craft and present such unconventional material is both magnetic and admirable. It is far from what one would think a troupe of young men could undertake, but they attack it rather well and the performances, from voice to costume to characterization, are fleshy and substantial.
The theme of the show is the fear of being forgotten or left behind. Should Signal Ensemble continue to inject such passion and vigor into its theatrical efforts, it needs not fear such a fate.
Signal Ensemble Theatre at the Chopin Theatre; 1543 W. Division; (773) 347-1350; $12-$15. Through Feb. 20; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday.
