TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE: “The Best Man”
Angela Lansbury & Candice Bergen in "The Best Man". Photo by Joan Marcus.
Gore Vidal’s 1960 behind-the-scenes drama, about a contested political convention, campaigns for another shot at Broadway with a cast of big names including John Larroquette, Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones and Candice Bergen.
“Unfortunately a thin veneer of currency isn’t sufficient to revitalize a drama that feels positively quaint, despite Mr. Vidal’s winking cynicism about the political arena and his undeniable prescience about future trends in American politicking.” New York Times
“Gore Vidal’s 1960 chestnut may center on three powerful male politicians, but it’s the ladies hovering on the periphery who steal this new Broadway revival.” New York Post
“Far from being dated, this profoundly cynical play could be the universal blueprint for any political election, especially in Michael Wilson’s classy production top lined by…thesps to die for.” Variety
“Vidal’s play remains remarkably well-constructed (and the cast will doubtless improve the pacing, which moseys occasionally, as they grow into their roles).” Entertainment Weekly
