On Beckett
An enjoyable evening at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Bill Irwin is a Tony Award-winning actor and master clown. He both conceived and performs On Beckett at the Shakespeare Theatre’s Klein Theatre. He says he has spent a lifetime captivated by Samuel Beckett. There is a video the Shakespeare Theatre has shared you may want to look at to get a feel for him.
This is not a show for everyone, but then it’s rare to find one that is. This is a one-man show. If you know and like Bill Irwin, I would definitely go to see this show. He is without a doubt a very talented actor. Some have said you don’t have to be familiar with Beckett to enjoy this show, I would differ a little bit with that. I think a knowledge of Beckett could surely heighten your appreciation of it. The stage is set with a podium and a bench. And Irwin makes wonderful use of different hats, clown outfits including pants and shoes, which he can add onstage at different points in the show. That is where his talent really shines.
It may be me getting older, or possibly my hearing may not be as great as it once was, but I found when he modulated his voice on the very soft end, it was harder to hear him. I think his microphone should have been better. There was much laughter during the show, but not all the audience laughed at all the humorous parts. I think it could possibly be attributed to their not hearing him very clearly.
Again, one-man shows are not everyone’s thing. Ninety minutes of Bill Irwin talking non-stop, even with the great clowning around, which he is known for, can be a lot for some. But to be fair, overall, the opening night audience clearly loved it and gave him a rousing ovation. The show is 90 minutes with no intermission.
I think the Shakespeare Theatre knows this may not be everyone’s cup of tea and they have announced a two-for-one ticket special as indicated below, good through February 17th. On Beckett will be at the Klein Theatre through March 14th. Tickets are available online.
Your Exclusive Offer: Buy one, get one FREE ticket for any performance of On Beckett with code BOGOBECKETT* when you order by FEB 17.
*Enter code prior to selecting your seats. Promo code BOGOBECKETT subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers or applied to previously purchased tickets. Valid on B, C, and D level seats for all performances. Tickets will appear as 50% off. Limit 4. Offer expires FEB 17.