[Capdist-auditions] Albany Civic Theater holds auditions May 9-10 for 'The Best Man' by Gore Vidal

[info at albanycivictheater.org]

Albany Civic Theater holds auditions for 'The Best Man' by Gore Vidal May
9th and 10th. The play opens September 2nd and runs through the 18th,
preview is Thursday, September 1st.

Sign-in is at 7pm both nights, auditions begin at 7:30pm.

Synopsis
The Best Man crackles with the smart lines and situations inherent to the
work of Gore Vidal. The political intrigues rampant in Vidal's 1960
setting are strangely similar to the political intrigues of the present
day. This darkly satirical drama finds two presidential contenders seeking
the endorsement of an aging ex-president and explores how personal agendas
can change the course of a nation's destiny.

Please see character descriptions below. Please contact the director,
Brian Sheldon, with any questions at brianactorsheldon at gmail.com.

Secretary William Russell: 40-60. Presidential candidate. Smooth talking
and quick witted, Russell controls the room when he is in it. Russell is
as charismatic as Kennedy but with a stronger sense and desire for the
punch line.

Alice Russell: 40-60. His wife. A seasoned politician's spouse, Mrs.
Russell is the picture perfect image of what a wife should do while her
husband is serving the Government but is quick to call you out behind
closed doors.

Dick Jensen: 35-50. Russell’s campaign manager. Entrusted to get him to
the White House, Jensen oversees Russell’s every move and makes sure that
everything is as smooth as possible.

Senator Joseph Cantwell: 40-50. Presidential candidate. Cantwell is a more
to the point sort of candidate. Maybe relies on his voting history a
little too much. Has a youthful vigor to him.

Mabel Cantwell: 40’s. His wife. Eager to be first lady, Mabel is naive and
prefers to be an outsider looking in kind of girl. (Actor should be
comfortable in performing in a dressing gown and underwear.)

Don Blades: 35-50. Cantwell’s campaign manager. See above for Jensen.

Art Hockstader: 65-75. Ex-President of the United States of America. Wise
and learned, Hockstader has still to endorse either of the two candidates.
He uses his years of public service to educate and warn the two hopefuls.

Mrs. Gamadge: 55-75. National Committee leader. Dry, old fashioned and
doesn’t care if what she says offends you.

Senator Carlin: 45-60. A ponderous politician from the midwest. In
Jensen’s corner.

Dr. Robert Artinian: Any age. Russell’s psychiatrist.

Sheldon Marcus: 40 something. Nervous and frumpy. Knew Cantwell in the
service.

1-5 Reporters: any age/any sex.