A
THE BEST MAN
by
Gore Vidal
Directed
by Alexander Kulcsar
Performance Schedule:
Thursday,
October 2nd at 8:00
PM
Friday,
September 26th, October 3rd, and October 10th
at 8:00 PM
Saturday,
September 27th, October 4th, and October 11th
at 8:00PM
Sunday,
September 28th, October 5th, and October 12th
at 2:00 PM
Classic Political Drama,
It's the National Convention in Philadelphia, and two candidates are fighting for their party's Presidential nomination: a principled intellectual who sees at least two sides to every question, and a highly ambitious, ruthless politico who stands for whatever is ahead in the polls. In 2008, Gore Vidal's 1960 drama has lost none of its edge!
AUDITION DATES: July 21 and 22
7:00 PM sign-in; sides from the script will be provided.
7:30 PM auditions start.
Production dates: September 26 - October 12, 2008, dress rehearsal with an audience September 25.
Breakdown:
William Russell: Governor, Secretary of State. Erudite, very experienced, true to himself and his own beliefs. He is a thinking man who sometimes deliberates a bit too long but has a clear moral compass. Known as a womanizer. The party's favorite. 40s-50s.
Joe Cantwell: A self-made man, Senator, former prosecutor. Will do anything to win. Speaks to the common man's fears. Self-righteous. 40s-50s.
Art Hockstader: Former President. Trumanesque. Plain spoken and an old time back-room politician. Holds the cards as to who will win the nomination with his endorsement. 60s-70s.
Alice Russell: William's wife. Their marriage has cooled, but she is behind him to win. She is comfortable with who she is. Mature and educated. 40s.
Mabel Cantwell: The woman behind the man. Supports him all the way. Ambitious and a bit vulgar, but likable. Sexy, Southern, all Woman. 40s.
Dick Jensen: Russell's campaign manager. Smart, energetic, believes in Russell and will go the distance. Understands the world of politics better than Russell. 30s-50s.
Don Blades: Cantwell's campaign manager. A rival to Jensen. Willing to do what The Boss says and appreciates dirty politics. 30s-50s.
Mrs. Gamadge: Leader of the current woman's movement. Sassy, smart and knows her own power. Uses it and flaunts it. A bit of a terror for Russell. 40s-50s.
Sheldon Marcus: Awkward nebbish. Holds the info to destroy Cantwell. Great character role. 40s-50s.
Senator Carlin: Clueless politician whose loyalty is for whoever is current. Good character role. 40s-60s. May double up on other roles.
Dr. Artinian: Small role. First non-Viennese psychiatric doctor role in a play, according to Vidal. May double up on other roles.
Reporters, Aides, etc.: Need a good group of 4 - 5 character actors who will play multiple roles.
Auditions will be held at Westport Community Theatre, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport; for more information, leave a message at the Box Office, (203) 226-1983; for directions go to www.westportcommunitytheatre.com
Westport Community Theatre is a community theatre, all roles are unpaid.
