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The Best Man Show Poster

The Best Man Tickets

A play about power, ambition, political secrets, ruthlessness and the race for the presidency, Gore Vidal’s The Best Man is set at the national convention where two candidates are vying for their party’s nomination during the primary season. It’s an inside look at the dirt-digging, double-dealing, triple-crossing chicanery of presidential electioneering...and what could be more fun in a Presidential campaign season than these theatrical fireworks.

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Sep. 9, 2012.

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Video & Photos
Venue
Story
Reviews
Cast & Creative

About The Best Man on Broadway

dates
Previews: Mar 6, 2012 • Opening: Apr 1, 2012 • Closing: Sep 9, 2012
Broadway Plays Stars on Stage Drama

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Video & Photos

Venue

Schoenfeld Theatre Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
hearing assistance
Hearing Assistance
Assistive listening, handheld captions, and prerecorded audio devices available, free of charge. Photo ID is required.
wheelchair access
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair seating available in the orchestra section. There are no steps to the designated wheelchair locations.
elevators and escalators
Elevators and Escalators
This theater does not have elevators or escalators.
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Story

What Is the Story of The Best Man?
Set in 1960 at the National Convention in Philadelphia, The Best Man is the story of two presidential candidates hoping to earn their party’s nomination: Secretary William Russell (John Larroquette) and Senator Joseph Cantwell (Eric McCormack). When Cantwell threatens to smear Russell’s reputation with a rumor about his mental health, Russell faces a tough decision. Will he unleash an equally devastating smear on Cantwell to win the presidential ticket, or keep his moral integrity intact even if it means losing the race?

Reviews

critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (5)
A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
USA Today

"John Larroquette brings a mix of gravitas and ruefulness to Russell, whose only apparent shortcoming is trouble remaining faithful to his wife."

USA Today

Elysa Gardner

New York Daily News

"Director Michael Wilson’s cast is like the U.S. flag — stars of every stripe from film, TV and stage."

New York Daily News

Joe Dziemianowicz

New York Post

"Despite smaller parts and stiff competition—this show is starrier than a cloudless mountain sky—Angela Lansbury, Candice Bergen and Kerry Butler shine brightest. "

New York Post

Elisabeth Vincentelli

The Hollywood Reporter

"Shrewdly cast, with a starry ensemble that lands every laugh while bringing sly shadings to their characters."

The Hollywood Reporter

David Rooney

The New York Times

"Ms. Lansbury embodies her character with such style that she is as vivid a presence as any when she’s onstage, and manages to nail a sure laugh merely by lowering a newspaper."

The New York Times

Charles Isherwood

Cast & Creative

Cast

Ex-President Arthur Hockstader
John Stamos
Senator Joseph Cantwell
Mabel Cantwell
Angelica Page
Alice Russell
John Larroquette
Secretary William Russell
Mark Blum
Dick Jensen
Mrs. Sue-Ellen Gamadge
Sheldon Marcus

Creative

Written by
Gore Vidal
Director
Michael Wilson
Set Designer
Derek McLane
Costume Designer
Ann Roth
Lighting Designer
Kenneth Posner
Sound Designer
John Gromada
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