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= Waiting for Godot: The Musical! = For the Samuel Beckett play, see Waiting for Godot.

Waiting for Godot: The Musical! is two hours of humdrum squeezed into twenty-five minutes of toe-tapping fun. The musical originated at the University of Pennsylvania, with the script and lyrics crafted by Luke O. Clements, and music by fellow student Elias Kotsis. It follows characters Gogo and Didi as they wait for Godot, contemplate the worth of their lives, and sing of their plight. The one act differs greatly from the original show in that it is a musical, and Godot does arrive in the end.

Background
The show began as an inside joke between director Susanna Jaramillo and playwright Luke Clements that ran for two years before he wrote a show about it. The musical draws inspiration from the original show, but wildly diverts with the short run time and the comedic undertones.

Productions
Waiting for Godot: The Musical! premiered at the renowned Alternative Theater Festival at the University of Pennsylvania, and was met with rave reviews. After that, it was proposed to the Theater Arts Council at the university for the Winter One Acts, and was accepted for the 2018 jamboree. The productions are similar, with the same director (Jaramillo) and music director (Kotsis). Clements altered the script slightly during the interim, notably adding at least five more "hellos". Kotsis added a pit and orchestrations, including a trumpet, clarinet, piano, and cello. The performers were also mic-ed in the One Act production, enhancing the musical experience.

Synopsis
The show opens with a message from the Playwright, Luke O. Clements, who assures the audience that the performance––although still being workshopped––will be wonderful and that investors are welcome to reach out. Then the musical begins, lighting on Gogo, who is dejectedly trying and failing to remove his boot. His companion, Didi, laments that he cannot pee ("Nothing to be Done"). The two wait for Godot, and upon realizing that he still is not there, decide to take another course of action and hang themselves (Let's Hang Ourselves"). However, they fear that the branch will not hold them both, so they resume their waiting. Gogo asks Didi for a carrot, and Didi gives him a turnip, sparking outrage ("The Carrot Song"). Unexpectedly, Pozzo and Lucky enter, giving Didi and Gogo hope that Godot has finally arrived. They learn they are wrong, but also learn Pozzo's name ("My Name is Pozzo"). After this celebration, Didi and Gogo ask after Lucky, a "boring and confusing fellow." He tap dances and sings for them ("Lucky's Lament"). At the end of the song, Pozzo falls, and cannot get up. During his plight he realizes that is he is madly in love with Lucky, and sings to him in earnest ("Help Me, I've Fallen"). The two kiss and exit, leaving Didi and Gogo to continue waiting. They decide to hang themselves again, but first Gogo removes his boot and Didi goes pee. Suddenly, Godot enters, and all three are free to find a new dream ("Let's Hang Ourselves [Reprise]").

Music
There are seven songs in the show.

Musical numbers
"Nothing to be Done" –– Didi and Gogo

"Let's Hang Ourselves" –– Didi and Gogo

"The Carrot Song" –– Didi and Gogo

"Pozzo" –– Pozzo, Didi, and Gogo

"Lucky's Lament" –– Lucky

"Help Me, I've Fallen" –– Pozzo and Lucky

"Let's Hang Ourselves (Reprise)" –– Didi, Gogo, Pozzo, Lucky, Godot

Critical reception
The production has received very positive reviews for the low-budget performances that have been executed. One critic noted that the sequined vests were "truly stunning, in every sense of the word. I mean every sense. We lost good men at the festival." Praise has been given to every cast member for their immense talent to take something silly and take it so seriously, and the lilting music that carries the show ties it all together. Go team!

Awards
While the production is still aiming to advance to Broadway to enter the running for Tonys, it has already won the hearts and minds of the masses that collect for it and the undying love and affection of stage manager Clara Phillips.