Writen by Anthony P. Pennino, Toby is a play about two New York actors both named Toby. They find themselves stuck in an open ended contract of a production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Increasingly cut off from the outside world, they carry on performing in rural Vermont because it is all they have and there is...nothing to be done.

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from
THE MAPLE MAIL

Waiting for Godot Comes to Northern Vermont
May 23, 2009
by Walter Lionel Finch, Editor

Summer's round the corner and that means our fair community's favorite warm-weather activity – after the goat toss, of course – is the opening of The Cheddar Theatre's newest production. This year, Howard Howarth, the Cheddar's esteemed producer and local philanthropist, has announced that the show will be Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, famous foreigner.

Waiting for Godot concerns Gogo and Didi, two men, who are waiting for Godot. And, oh boy, do they wait. Mr. Howarth promises fun and excitement for the whole family. "It is an important play," the aging oligarch told The Maple Mail. "It is an important play, and people should see it. The play really is a reaction to the fact that the world stood on the precipice of nuclear Armageddon." On opening night, children under 12 will get free balloons.

The Maple Mail sat down with the two lead actors, both deliciously named Toby. The shorter Toby is lithe and handsome, with a debonair charm and wit, a twinkle in his eye and a dimple on his cheek. There is a taller Toby too. What follows is our fascinating conversation – caught during a break in rehearsals at the Cheddar -- with these prominent New York thespians:

THE MAPLE MAIL: So, I understand you're Toby Donnelly.
TOBY McDONNELL: No, that's him. I'm Toby McDonnell.
MM: Oh, I'm so sorry.
TM: Don't worry. It happens all the time.
TOBY DONNELLY: Actually, I understood we were going to be interviewed by someone named Pamela Cartwright.
MM: Um, yes, you were. Our features reporter. But she hasn't shown up to work for a couple of days. Strange really. So, how do you find our fair little community?
TM: Oh, well, it certainly is…quiet. And at night, oh, boy, can you see the stars. Can't do that in Astoria…
TD: New York City.
TM: Right, New York City. And the people here are real friendly.
TD: And by people we mean the women. The ladies, especially, are very, very…kind.
TM: Absolutely. Not like women back in New York City. At all.
TD: At all.
TM: And there's Bernie's Burger Barn. Gotta love that Bernie's.
TD: You just gotta. Say, Walt, what is that smell?
MM: Smell?
TD: Yeah, when the wind blows from the west?
MM: Oh, there are some dairy farms out that way. That's the smell of over 400 cows.
TD: Nice.
MM: You'll get used to it in about three weeks. So, I know the town is all abuzz to have two celebrities like yourselves here for the summer.
TD: Well, thank you. But we're just regular joes.
TM: Regular guys who just like to throw back a pint.
TD: We're definitely flattered by the attention.
TM: Yes. We're co-honorary marshals for the goat toss next month.
TD: Actually, I'm the honorary marshal, and you're the co-honorary marshal.
TM: Isn't that the same thing?
TD: No, it isn't. Because one – me – is the marshal. The other- - you – is the co-marshal.
TM: Oh. Oh. I'm the co-marshal, and he's the marshal.
MM: What have you been in that folks here might recognize?
TM: Well, I was a corpse on Law & Order. You know, the victim they find before the credits. Very important role.
TD: Right, and I, um, had an under-5 on The Sopranos?
MM: All of this show business lingo. Under-5? What does that mean?
TD: It means that I had just under five hours of on-screen time.
TM: Toby…
TD: Sssh.
MM: That's very impressive.
TD: Thank you.
MM: Can you do something from the show?
TD: Excuse me?
MM: You know, one of your lines.
TD: Um, sure. "I'm gonna whack you up the, um, ass. Yo."
MM: I feel like I'm in the pit of New Jersey already.
TD: That's great acting, my friend.
MM: Tell us a little about the play and your guys' work in it.
TD: Well, we're the leads, of course. The stars. Our names over the title.
TM: The play is really about man's struggle against an endless and uncaring universe. And how these two individuals – Gogo and Didi – find love and hope despite the odds.
TD: That's what you got out of it? You're kidding right?
TM: I've haven't read the end yet.
TD: You haven't read….
TM: I've been saving it.
TD: It's your basic existentialist drama. We're all doomed yada yada yada. Let's go grab some drinks after the show.
MM: And your co-stars…
TM: Hank and Hal. That's them over there. Hi, guys!
MM: They didn't wave back.
TD: Yeah, they really aren't wavers-back.
MM: So, what about you?
TM: Me?
MM: Yes. Do you have any fansites? Or posters? Or autographed pictures of yourself?
TM: Well, I've got some headshots.
MM: Really? Will you put them onsale at the concession stand?
TM: I hadn't really thought….
TD: Of course, he will. Look, we've got to get back. We're starting Act Two.
MM: It was good meeting you, Toby.
TM: Thank you.
MM: And you as well, Toby.
TD: Ciao.
TM: Are you going to let go of my hand?

So, The Maple Mail encourages you to run down and see Waiting for Godot, starring a virile dynamo of an actor named Toby McDonnell and another actor named Toby too. Next week, this column will bring you a report straight from the syrup gathering up on Mount Gargoyle.