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Gore Vidal's The Best Man Revival 2012

Run Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission
Ages: 12+
Opened: April 1, 2012
Closing: September 09, 2012

Gore Vidal's The Best Man - 2012 Broadway History , Info & More

Gore Vidal's The Best Man (2012 Tony Award nominee, Best Play Revival) is now on Broadway in an all-star theatrical event with two time Tony Award winner James Earl Jones, Tony and Emmy Award winner John Larroquette, Golden Globe Award winner Cybill Shepherd, Emmy Award nominee John Stamos, Emmy Award nominee Kristin Davis, Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays, Obie Award winner Mark Blum and Tony Award winner Elizabeth Ashley.



A play about power, ambition, political secrets and the race for the presidency, GORE VIDAL’S THE BEST MAN will be directed by Michael Wilson, who recently directed the acclaimed epic production of Horton Foote’s The Orphans Home Cycle Part I,II and III at The Signature Theatre Company as well as the recent Dividing The Estate on Broadway. GORE VIDAL’S THE BEST MAN was Vidal’s second play following the success of his international comedy hit, Visit to a Small Planet.




Gore Vidal's The Best Man - 2012 - Broadway Cast

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PREVIEW Gore Vidal's The Best Man - 2012 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Gore Vidal's The Best Man

Mr. Chairman, the Great State of Nostalgia ...
6 / 10

By the time the curtain came down on this starry but sluggish production, and a nominee had been formally announced, I did feel as if I’d endured a particularly fractious and constipated evening at a political convention. Need I add that acquiring this experience has never been one of my great ambitions? ... I’m not sure Mr. Jones’s presence can be classified as color-blind casting.But no matter: this consummate actor digs into his role with a relish you can surely sense from the back row of the balcony. He all but swamps the stage with Hockstader’s hearty bonhomie and zest for the machinations of backroom deal making, but also succeeds in inflecting his character — in the last rounds of a losing battle with cancer — with a moving sense of his mortality. He also earns robust laughs with some of Mr. Vidal’s piercingly funny lines collapsing the distance between the politics of mid-20th-century America and today.

Theater Review: Star-studded revival of ‘The Best Man’ features James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury
6 / 10

The play, like a lot of speeches, is witty but long-winded. At times it’s implausible. At others it’s prescient. ... As blustery ex-President Arthur Hockstader, whose support could sway the tight race, James Earl Jones is as persuasive and captivating as a bullhorn. Just as great is Angela Lansbury in her irresistibly tart and smart turn as Sue-Ellen Gamadge, chairwoman of the women’s division. Don’t let Sue’s ruffles fool you, she’s a shrewd operator. ... The most fascinating thing about “Best Man” is that the author seemingly depicts a surprise development as noble, when it’s anything but. The turn is incredibly cynical.

Angelica Page to Replace Cybill Shepherd in THE BEST MAN
by Nicole Rosky - September 4, 2012


Golden Globe Award winner CYBILL SHEPHERD, who made her Broadway debut when she took on the role of Alice Russell in the 2012 Tony Award nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN, has left the show due to her mother being ill.

THE BEST MAN Recoups on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - August 27, 2012


Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN, the critically-acclaimed revival about dirty tricks and double-dealing at a political convention, recoups its investment just as the 2012 Republican National Convention begins. The play will conclude its limited engagement at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street) right after the 2012 Democratic National Convention on Sunday, September 9, 2012.

THE BEST MAN to Conclude Limited Engagement 9/9
by Nicole Rosky - August 21, 2012


The limited engagement of the Tony-nominated revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN, currently playing at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street), will give its final performance on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 3:00 PM.

THE BEST MAN to Host Project Cuddle Fundraiser, 9/7
by Nicole Rosky - August 3, 2012


Project Cuddle® is thrilled to announce the nonprofit organization heads to Broadway for its fifth annual fundraiser "A Night on Broadway!" Join Project Cuddle and John Stamos for a performance of the 2012 Tony Award nominated play Gore Vidal's The Best Man on Friday, September 7 at 8PM at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street, NYC). Immediately following the play will be an intimate post-show Q&A session.

Theater Talk Rebroadcasts Interview with Playwright Gore Vidal, 8/3-6
by BWW News Desk - August 3, 2012


THEATER TALK remembers the late novelist, playwright, historian and political pundit Gore Vidal in a rebroadcast of an interview recorded in October 2000 and updated for the current Broadway run of his 1960 play, The Best Man. The interview was related to the play's first-ever revival on Broadway in 2000.

Theater Talk Rebroadcasts Interview with Playwright Gore Vidal, 8/3-6
by BWW News Desk - August 1, 2012


THEATER TALK remembers the late novelist, playwright, historian and political pundit Gore Vidal in a rebroadcast of an interview recorded in October 2000 and updated for the current Broadway run of his 1960 play, The Best Man. The interview was related to the play's first-ever revival on Broadway in 2000.

Photo Flash: First Look at Elizabeth Ashley, Cybill Shepherd & More in Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN!
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2012


Candice Bergen, Eric McCormack, Kerry Butler, Michael McKean, and Angela Lansbury have now been replaced in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN by Cybill Shepherd, John Stamos, Kristin Davis, Mark Blum, and Elizabeth Ashley, respectively. Original cast members James Earl Jones, John Larroquette and Jefferson Mays will remain with the production through its final performance on Sunday, September 9, 2012. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the new cast of THE BEST MAN on stage in the photos below!

Angela Lansbury Departs Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN Today, July 22
by BWW News Desk - July 22, 2012


Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury leaves her role as Mrs. Sue-Ellen Gamadge in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN today, July 22, 2012. Original cast members Candice Bergen, Eric McCormack and Kerry Butler also departed the production this month.

Photo Flash: 'Little Vader' Meets 'Big Vader': Max Page Visits James Earl Jones at THE BEST MAN
by Jessica Lewis - July 11, 2012


Yesterday afternoon Max Page, the boy who played "little Darth Vader" in the Volkswagen commercial last year, visited New York and had the chance to meet James Earl Jones back stage at Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN. During the visit, Max Page asked James Earl Jones all about his career and the two talked shop about theatre, film, and voiceovers!

Cybill Shepherd, Kristin Davis, John Stamos Join THE BEST MAN Tomorrow, 7/10
by Nicole Rosky - July 9, 2012


Golden Globe Award winner CYBILL SHEPHERD and Emmy Award nominee KRISTIN DAVIS will make their Broadway debuts while Emmy Award nominee JOHN STAMOS makes his Broadway straight play debut when they join the cast of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 7:00pm.

Confirmed! Kristin Davis, Cybill Shepherd, John Stamos & Elizabeth Ashley to Join THE BEST MAN in July
by Jessica Lewis - June 12, 2012


Golden Globe Award winner Cybill Shepherd, Emmy Award nominee John Stamos, Emmy Award nominee Kristin Davis and Tony Award winner Elizabeth Ashley will join the cast of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN this July when original cast members Candice Bergen, Eric McCormack, Kerry Butler and Angela Lansbury depart the production.

Mark Blum to Permanently Replace Michael McKean in THE BEST MAN
by Nicole Rosky - June 4, 2012


Producers of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN have announced that Obie Award winner MARK BLUM will permanently assume the role of Dick Jensen, the role regularly played by MICHAEL McKEAN. Blum, who originated the same role in the 2000 Broadway revival, appeared off-Broadway this past year in Paul Weitz's Lonely, I'm Not at Second Stage and We Live Here by Zoe Kazan at Manhattan Theatre Club.

Twitter Watch: Annette O'Toole-Michael McKean's 'Surgery Went Great'
by BWW - May 27, 2012


On Twitter Watch, Annette O'Toole wrote of Michael McKean 'Surgery went great. He took 4 steps just now. Sitting in chair. Very good attitude. Sends his love.'

James Lecesne Replaces Injured Michael McKean in THE BEST MAN on Broadway
by Robert Diamond - May 23, 2012


Producers of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN have announced that Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Academy Award winner JAMES LECESNE will step into the role of Dick Jensen, the role regularly played by MICHAEL McKEAN. McKean was recently injured when struck by a car at the intersection of West 86th Street and Broadway on the Upper West Side.

Michael McKean Struck by Car on Upper West Side
by BWW News Desk - May 22, 2012


NBC's New York 4 reports that actor Michael McKean has been struck by a car on the Upper West Side.

THE BEST MAN Extends Again Through September 9!
by Nicole Rosky - May 16, 2012


Producers of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN have announced that the critically-acclaimed production, which was originally scheduled to play through July 8, 2012, has been extended a second time, now through Sunday, September 9, 2012. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.

STAGE TUBE: John Larroquette Gives Actors Fund Speech at THE BEST MAN
by Nicole Rosky - May 14, 2012


Yesterday, May 13, Broadway's THE BEST MAN gave a special performance benefitting the Actors Fund. In the video below, John Larroquette thanks the audience for their support, and shares how The Actors Fund helped him early in his career. Check it out below!

THE BEST MAN Extends Through July 22
by Kelsey Denette - May 9, 2012


Producers of the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN have announced that the production has officially been extended through Sunday, July 22, 2012. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.

STAGE TUBE: BEST MAN's Eric McCormack Visits COLBERT REPORT
by Nicole Rosky - May 8, 2012


Stage and screen star Eric McCormack, who is currently starring in Broadway's THE BEST MAN at the Schoenfeld Theatre, visited 'The Colbert Report' last night wher he chatted about the play, playing a gay man on TV, and Stephen's new sitcom- 'Pussy Hound.' Check out the full appearance below!

BWW Exclusive STAGE ART- THE BEST MAN!
by BWW - May 5, 2012


This week- it's all about THE BEST MAN! The show opened April 1st, at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, starring James Earl Jones, John Larroquette, Candice Bergen, Eric McCormack, and more!

Theater Talk Re-Airs October 2000 Gore Vidal Interview This Weekend
by Kelsey Denette - April 27, 2012


With Gore Vidal's The Best Man enjoying a new run on Broadway, THEATER TALK this weekend will repeat an interview with the renowned playwright, recorded in October 2000 when the first-ever revival of the 1960 play was also on Broadway.

Photo Flash: Candice Bergen Talks THE BEST MAN on Live! With Kelly
by Kelsey Denette - April 20, 2012


Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN began previews on Tuesday, March 6th, 2012, prior to an April 1 opening night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Candice Bergen chatted about the show this morning during her visit to LIVE! With Kelly. View a photo below!

Stars and Director of THE BEST MAN Set for Discussion Evening at 92nd Street Y, May 30
by James T Harding - April 20, 2012


The stars of Gore Vidal's The Best Man James Earl Jones, John Larroquette, Eric McCormack, Michael McKean and Jefferson Mays will be joining the play's director Michael Wilson at 92nd Street Y on Monday April 30 at 8pm for a talk event about this fascinating, prescient work, which Vidal wrote in an era when the impact of television and public discussion of politicians' sex lives had yet to be felt. Caryn James, the film and culture critic and author, moderates the discussion.

Gore Vidal's The Best Man History

Other Productions of Gore Vidal's The Best Man

1960   Broadway
Broadway
2000   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2012   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2018   West End West End Limited Engagement
West End

Gore Vidal's The Best Man - 2012 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Angela Lansbury
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival of a Play Bonnie Comley
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival of a Play 0
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design in a Play John Gromada
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Angela Lansbury
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award John Larroquette
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Revival of a Play 0
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play James Earl Jones
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Angela Lansbury
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Revival of a Play (Broadway or Off-Broadway) 0
2012 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play James Earl Jones
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Gore Vidal's The Best Man
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Jeffrey Richards
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Jerry Frankel
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play INFINITY Stages
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Universal Pictures Stage Productions
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Barbara Manocherian
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Michael Palitz
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Play Bonnie Comley

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