Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
It’s the summer of 1960. With the Presidential primaries in full swing, two men battle for the nomination of their party: William Russell, a former Governor and Secretary of State determined to stick to his principles, and Senator Joseph Cantwell, willing to do anything to win. Both come into sensitive information that could sink their opponent’s campaign, igniting public mud-slinging and a stand-off that could end their careers and marriages. How far are they willing to go to win? Their political party is never mentioned, but the characters are based on real figures from the 1960 Democratic Convention. The original Broadway production earned six Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. It has since been revived on Broadway twice and was adapted into a film in 1964.
Show Information
- Book
- Gore Vidal
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1960
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Summer 1960
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Note that the amateur rights are available through Dramatists Play Service, while professional rights are available through Concord Theatricals
to read the context for The Best Man and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright