Washington D.C. power brokers may be far away, but the Actors Studio of Newburyport brings their ambitions right to our backyard with Gore Vidal’s The Best Man playing this weekend.
Set at a deadlocked presidential nominating convention in Philly, the 1960 play follows two candidates and their respective teams as they scrape for President Hocksteader’s all-important and elusive endorsement, played in a blistering aptitude by Michael Novak, a man grimacing in near-death pain. Faces twist and sweat, mud is slung; only the supplicants are spared.
This sharp, verbose political rivalry offers a live wire of energy: sparkling dialogue, formidable tempers, and a heady clash between polar opposites: the high-brow elitist Bill Russell, a towering figure in actor Don Goettler, and a self-made, grassroots populist Joe Cantwell, played to subversive handsomeness by Stefan Tsiplakis. I was starstruck by the glowing talent.
Much needed comic relief came in the package of Mabel Cantwell, played disarmingly by Madeline Sherwood in a Texan drawl. Her polar opposite was, appropriately, Alice Russell, played steadfastly by Susan Van Drie as “a woman who don’t wear makeup.” So while their politician husbands spit-spared, their respective wives made their own subtle digs, befitting the manner of their more civil demeanor, like a tidy blue purse with a snapping clasp. Set design and costumes were vintage 1960s and charming.
Beneath the political maneuvering lies a question that refuses to grow old: can a moral, decent person win an election without surrendering the principles that made that person worth voting for? When the slandering starts, where does it end? What price, honor? High stakes bring low compromise. Duplicity breeds contradiction. It’s all there.
Director David Houlden’s thoughtful approach embraces the humanity beneath the political labels. His emphasis on flawed people rather than easy heroes and villains stays loyal to Gore Vidal’s drama, giving this local production plenty of intellectual rigor and a turpitude that admits humans are flawed, egotistical creatures. The best of whom run for office. Certain outdated lines delivered about woman’s suffrage and the suspicions that can follow a self-made man, were cringe-worthy, though perhaps reflective of the era.
The company’s remaining cast deserve high praise: Brian Charewicz, Amy Moore, Joe Couturier, Kari Cretella-Nickou, Stephen Turner, Brian Miskinis, Bojana Bere, Deborah Baker and Michael Kimball in an ensemble with a wonderfully rich dramatic assignment. Director Houlden gives these actors more than campaign fodder: wit, vulnerability, and difficult choices.
With Amy Lejeune serving as stage manager, the production makes a forest green landline telephone ring off its cradle, shining a spotlight on the collaboration behind community theater. Actors, direction and backstage talent are all essential to bringing this intricate political world to the stage.
For local theatergoers, The Best Man (110-minutes with a 10-min. intermission) offers a swell night out and plenty to chew on. A play worthy of discussing long after the curtain call.
Friday to Sunday October 23 to 25. The Actors Studio is at 1 Merrill Street, Salisbury. For tickets: www.newburyportacting.org.