Harbor Stage Company to Host Staged Reading of BUCKLEY/VIDAL

The Harbor Stage Company, Cape Cod's artist-run theater by the sea, announces the addition of a staged reading, BUCKLEY/VIDAL: Brilliant & Vicious, to their 5th season lineup. Comprised of selections from ABC News's famed 1968 debates between conservative pundit William F. Buckley and liberal champion Gore Vidal, the reading will offer a look back at a seminal moment in modern politics. Harbor Artistic Director Robert Kropf will take on the role of Vidal and guest actor Jeffrey Withers will be featured as Buckley.

The 1968 race for the White House unfolded against a backdrop of turmoil and chaos. Amidst war, racial strife, and an increasingly divided electorate, ABC's struggling news bureau sought to make the most of what they (correctly) predicted would be two explosive nominating conventions. Buckley and Vidal's "unconventional convention" coverage far exceeded the network's expectations, drawing unprecedented ratings, unvarnished ire, and almost- during the penultimate debate- blood.

In anticipation of this summer's forthcoming political conventions, and with a nod to the alarming parallels being drawn between 1968's political climate and today's, the Harbor Stage Company's BUCKLEY/VIDAL, Brilliant & Vicious will examine a moment in history lauded and lamented as a turning point in American public discourse. Pulling exclusively from the debates' public transcripts, the event will highlight the impact that these two charismatic ideologues had on their country, their culture, and their counterparts.

Tickets for the Harbor's Dark Night Series events are priced at $10 and are available at www.harborstage.org or (508) 349-6800. Season subscriptions and individual tickets for the rest of the company's milestone 5th season (generously sponsored by WOMR community radio, and set to being next Thursday, JUNE 16th with the ensemble's take on Miss Julie) are available at the box office number above or at www.harborstage.org.