Gore Vidal’s ‘The Best Man’ at Adobe Theater
Two candidates wrangle for the nomination of an unnamed political party. But there are no heroes or villains here.
The former secretary of state is a wit and scholar of high liberal principles. The opposing candidate is a ruthless and dirty fighter who lets no scruples block his ambitions.
If this lineup sounds familiar, it’s actually the plot of Gore Vidal’s 1960 play “The Best Man.” The Adobe Theater will perform Vidal’s scathing send-up of presidential politics beginning on Friday, Sept. 30, and running four weekends through Oct. 23.
Both candidates are battling for the endorsement of a past president, who enjoys not telling them whom he will choose.
Turns out, neither candidate is as he appears.
The man of impeccable ethics is a serial philanderer.
The political war rages back and forth, with rising tension and drama until a shocking revelation blindsides everyone.
“It’s not a black hat-white hat piece of writing,” director Joe Feldman said. “Both candidates are incredibly flawed, and both are credible people.”
At the time, audiences recognized that the play was written as a deliberate parallel of the 1961 Democratic Convention. It was a blistering attack on the Kennedys, whom Vidal despised, as well as Richard Nixon. It was also a veiled tribute to Adlai Stevenson, whom the author supported.
“The unscrupulous candidate is Bobby Kennedy,” Feldman said. “He ginned up this fear that the Mafia was taking over the government.”
The bourbon-and-branch drinking past president was modeled on Harry Truman, he added.
The play reflects the moral ambiguities faced by anyone who quests for power.
“The Best Man” opened on Broadway in 1960 starring Melvyn Douglas. It was nominated for six Tony Awards. It was revived in 2012, with James Earl Jones, Angela Lansbury, John Larroquette, Candice Bergen, Michael McKean and Eric McCormack. It was nominated for two Tony Awards.