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The Best Man show poster

The Best Man at Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA

Dates: (11/7/2014 - 11/23/2014 )

Theatre:

Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA


500 E. Loula Street
Olathe,KS 66061

Phone: 913-782-2990

Tickets: $18 adults; $15 seniors

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours

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THE BEST MAN
by Gore Vidal | directed by John Robison

The story of two vying political candidates brings the backstabbing world of campaigning to light through a witty and thought-provoking script. Although the play first premiered on Broadway in 1960, its Broadway revivals in 2000 and 2012 are a testament to the play’s staying power in reflecting the good, bad and ugly of U.S. politics, regardless of era.

The play begins with the Presidential primaries in Philadelphia, where an ethical man running for the Presidential nomination runs against an unscrupulous one. Liberal candidate William Russell is likeable and prides himself on his honesty finds challenges around every corner with the bigoted and dishonest populist southern senator Joseph Cantwell who will do anything to win. Both candidates try to get the endorsement of the popular outgoing president, who enjoys toying with them and encouraging dirty play by not telling them which one he'll endorse.

"A sophisticated, elegant and damnably entertaining play!" — The New Yorker

"Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN is a winner! Extraordinarily fresh, witty, sharp and relevant." — NY Daily News

"Suspenseful, funny, surprisingly fresh!" — Associated Press

DATES
November 7*, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
(*Opening night reception with the cast after the show)

TIMES
Fri/Sat 8:00 pm & Sun 2:00 pm

CAST
Secretary William Russell: Don Leonard
Alice Russell: Anna Koehler
Dick Jensen: Joshua Epstein
Sen. Joseph Cantwell: Doug Ford
Mabel Cantwell: Meghann Bates
Don Blades: Peter Leondedis
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader: Tom Sutton
Sue-Ellen Gamadge: Claudia Copping
Sen. Carlin: Patty Peden
Dr. Artinian: Laura Burt
Sheldon Marcus: Ken Schmidt
Reporter: Derrick Freeman

CREATIVE TEAM
Director: John Robison
Stage Manager: Erin Fox
Set and Lighting Design: Greg Westfall

RESERVATIONS
Web: http://www.olathetheatre.org/Performance.aspx?EventID=77
Phone: 913-782-2990

Cast and Creative team for The Best Man at Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA

CAST
Secretary William Russell: Don Leonard
Alice Russell: Anna Koehler
Dick Jensen: Joshua Epstein
Sen. Joseph Cantwell: Doug Ford
Mabel Cantwell: Meghann Bates
Don Blades: Peter Leondedis
Ex-President Arthur Hockstader: Tom Sutton
Sue-Ellen Gamadge: Claudia Copping
Sen. Carlin: Patty Peden
Dr. Artinian: Laura Burt
Sheldon Marcus: Ken Schmidt
Reporter: Derrick Freeman

CREATIVE TEAM
Director: John Robison
Stage Manager: Erin Fox
Set and Lighting Design: Greg Westfall

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