'Frost/Nixon' Intrigues at The Paramount

Why go see the Paramount's production of "Frost/Nixon" when the movie version just came out on DVD this week?  Because it's LIVE theater and in this live theater production you can practically feel the tension emanating from Stacy Keach's amazing performance. 

For those that cannot figure it out from the title, Peter Morgan's riveting play covers British talk show host, David Frost's legendary interview with former President Richard Nixon.  Not only do we get a slice of the interviews themselves but we get an inside look at the days leading up to the interview and the prep work involved.  Watching the two camps, Nixon's and Frost's, gearing up to ensure that they come out of the interview on top.  Nixon, to make sure people didn't think so badly of him and Frost, of course, to try and coerce some kind of admission of guilt over the Watergate scandal. 

The world's fascination with this moment in history is easy to understand as it was one of the most public and widely known government disgraces in the history of the modern world.  It's especially relevant in today's society where we're not always sure about our own government's integrity.  And Morgan's Tony nominated script lays it out brilliantly giving an absolutely riveting night of theater.  All put together for us by Michael Grandage's adept direction which also garnered him a Tony Nomination. 

Alan Cox is spot on as Frost with his quirky style and playboy attitude.  But the stand out is, of course, veteran actor Stacy Keach as President Nixon.  The man just seems to disappear in the role and never once gives the stereotypical impression of Nixon.  He portrays him as just a man.  Yes, he has the mannerisms but he is never a cartoon.  And this really shows through in contrast to one moment in the play where another character does do the typical Nixon impression.  Keach is nothing less than superb in the role. 

An incredible and simple script, a stunning cast.  What more can you ask for?  So, go out and catch the wonderful live performance of this completely engrossing play.  You can always catch the movie later. 

"Frost/Nixon" plays at The Paramount Theatre through May 10^th.  For tickets or information call the box office at 206-682-1414 or visit them online at http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Seattle.

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