Date: February 6th, 2008

Verde Valley Theatre’s production of THE BEST MAN, by Gore Vidal, plays Feb. 22 through March 9 at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale. The play is a sparkling political drama, set in the 1960’s, about two candidates vying for the Democratic Presidential nomination. William Russell, the ex-Secretary of State, is a wit and scholar with high liberal principles, beloved of the eggheads and suspected by practical politicians. Joseph Cantwell is a ruthless and hard-driving young man, a dirty fighter who will let no scruples stand in the way of his ambitions. And Arthur Hockstader is an ex-President, who loves politics for their own sake, admires a rough-and-tumble battler more than a chivalrous one, and is determined to have the final say in the selection of his party’s candidate. The ruthless young man has got hold of papers indicating that his rival once suffered from a mental crackup, which he is all set to use. Then his scrupulous antagonist comes across some incriminat
ing evidence about Cantwell, which he is loath to produce. The scruples don’t appeal to the ex-President, who enjoys seeing the boys fight.
Audiences are sure to enjoy this riveting production, which is particularly timely during this primary election season.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. All performances are at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse in Clarkdale. Reserved tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students. Tickets are $2 extra when purchased at the door. Opening Night tickets, which include a wine and cheese reception at 6:30 p.m., are $5 extra (no extra charge to Season Subscribers). Visit the Verde Valley Theatre website at www.verdevalleytheatre.com for further details and to purchase tickets online, or call the box office at 649-0626 to reserve tickets for the performance of your choice.