Review: THE BEST MAN is Politically Pleasing at Stagecrafters

The Best Man comes to life at Stagecrafters at the perfect time of year. Gore Vidal's play about the 1960 race for the Democratic presidential nomination is performed effortlessly by the cast and while it takes the audience back to a specific era, themes ring true that allows them to think and relate to what we as a nation have been observing this past election season.

The Best Man takes place in July 1960 in a Philadelphia Hotel during the Democratic National Convention where two hopefuls have emerged as frontrunners for the presidential nomination. The audience watches what happens in the hotel suites of the frontrunners with their wives and campaign managers as they battle with the choices that they have to face in politics. Vidal's play takes place in 1960, but the choices the characters have to make and the themes ring true for today in 2016.

Ron Otulakowski plays the role of Ex-President Arthur Hockstader and completely shines in the production. He is a phenomenon to watch on stage with a stage presence that is unlike any other. When Otulakowski enters, all eyes are on him, he steals the show without even meaning to take it. He truly embodies Hockstader in every way that it makes the audience feel like they have known him forever. He is such a joy to watch that he is missed when he is not there. Bravo on such an outstanding performance!

Aaron Kurilik plays the role of Secretary William Russell and John Nowaczyk plays the role of Senator Joseph Cantwell and could not be more right for roles against one another. When the two of them get on stage together and battle with their words it is quite a sight to take in. Kurilik and Nowaczyk are such opposites with their characters and choices, but yet they work so well together due to that fact. The differences between them allow them to carry the show strongly through the brilliant words penned by Gore Vidal.

The rest of the cast is Ed Berger (Senator Clyde Carlin), Greg Corcoran (Reporter), Bill Dixon (Dr. Artinian), JM Ethridge (Mrs. Sue-Ellen Gamadge), Dale Feldpausch (Don Blades), Laure Lacor (Reporter/Dramaturg), David Lusk (Reporter), Joe Munem (Dick Jensen), Danielle Peck (Catherine), Steve Raphael (Reporter), Laurel Stroud (Mabel Cantwell), and Beth Tetrault (Alice Russell). Special cameo appearances as Reporters by Kyle Dubuc (11/12-11/13), Jim Ellison (11/17-11/19), and Mike Fournier (11/10-11/11). Special audio appearance as News Commentator by Devin Scillian.

Playing its final weekend, the talented cast of The Best Man will take the audience back to 1960 to show how little has changed from our political campaigning in the past fifty-five years. This production is both for people who are interested in politics and for those who just like good theatre.

The Best Man is currently running now until November 19th at Stagecrafters in Royal Oak. For more information or tickets, visit www.stagecrafters.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.