Brian Boland Directs Classic Gore Vidal Drama, The Best Man, at The Players Club of Swarthmore For February Performances. AUDITION DATE: October 29, 2007

The Best Man
by GORE VIDAL
directed by Brian Boland
Classic Drama

AUDITION DATE: October 29, 2007
7:00 PM for sign-in and cuttings from script.
7:30 PM start.
Production dates: Feb. 7 - 23, 2008
PCS is a community theater, all roles are unpaid

It’s the National Convention in Philadelphia. The leading candidates are a principled intellectual who sees at least two sides to every question, and an unprincipled politico who stands foursquare for whatever side is ahead in the polls. Gore Vidal’s 1960 drama has lost none of its edge a dozen presidential campaigns later.

Imagine John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon running against each other in the same party …
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William Russell: 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, and ruthless. Will do anything to win. Smearing is what he does best. Not the brightest, but speakes 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. 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-50s.

Mabel Cantwell: The woman behind the man. Supports him all the way. Ambitious and a bit vulgar, but likeable. Sexy and all Woman. 40s-50s.

Dick Jensen: Russell's campaign manager. Just as smart, former professor. 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 Joe 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. 30s-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. Will double up on other roles.

Dr. Artinian: Small role. First non-Viennese psychiatric doctor role in a play, according to Vidal. Will double up on other roles.

Reporters, Aides, etc.: Need a good group of character actors for these roles.