Re-Living Nixon’s Watergate Via Imaginary Conversations

By June April

STAMFORD — In an election year what could be more timely than a political play?

Since relevance is one of the criteria used by Stamford TheatreWorks in selecting its productions, the political satire Nixon’s Nixon is a most appropriate choice for early fall. It is, however, over before the elections, with the last show on October 8.

The setting is the White House, and it is the night before President Richard Nixon must decide whether he will resign or fight the looming impeachment. He has summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and what follows is an imagined exchange between the two power-hungry, manipulative men.

With a few comedic moments, Nixon’s Nixon, which was written by Russell Lees, is mostly a view into the troubled and political egos of former President Nixon and his confidant, Mr Kissinger. First produced in 1995 in New York, Nixon’s Nixon has since been produced in regional theatre throughout the United States.

Though not a great play, Nixon’s Nixon is certainly an interesting production. 

Giving credit to all involved, director Steve Karp declared this a “collaborative effort.” The play is written in such a way that the two actors have a larger-than-usual input into their characterizations. The play was not scripted as to how to speak like Mao or exactly what actions to take. The nurturing

direction by Mr Karp and the discussion between the three men is what created those behaviors.

The President and Secretary of State are on the brink of more dirty laundry being revealed, thanks to Nixon’s practice of taping of all conversations in the Oval Office (and elsewhere) and the traumatic decision lends itself to revelations into the political world.

With a background in theatre during his educational years, Richard Nixon apparently used role-playing (this is an exercise used in theatre and in the field of psychology where one assumes a different personage and acts out what they think that individual might do or say) in dealing with situations.  That aspect lent what humor there is to this play, save for another episode where the two men are drunk and on the telephone.

The two characters manufacture situations which involve world figures such as China’s Chairman Mao and Russia’s Leonid Brezhnev and role-play various scenarios. Jockeying with one another about how they are regarded by their colleagues affords further insights into the nasty side of politics. One example is what Alexander Haig (then Kissinger’s possible replacement if Ford would become President) really feels about Nixon.

These theatrical games offer insights into the egos and goals of both Nixon and Kissinger. The humor is in the accents and actions; the fear is from their words.

Playing the former Secretary of State, Jonathan Bell offers a particularly outstanding performance as the manipulative and brilliant Mr Kissinger. The credibility of his characterization is one of the outstanding aspects of this production.

The personality of Richard Nixon is more convoluted. He must be one of history’s most tormented of souls, at least according to newer books revealing the depths of his angst. The pathos of his character comes across most strongly at the end of the play, which the playwright depicted with only his own praying (not with Mr Kissinger joining him in prayer, as was reported in some earlier reviews of the production).

Paul Falzone, who also happens to be a playwright and is currently working on a play of his own (entitled Political Fourplay), has acted in other productions at Stamford TheatreWorks.  Last season saw him as a vengeful military man in the powerful and provocative play Taking Sides. His character was also full of rage and pain and a rather bombastic performance was given.

Something of that anger is seen in Nixon’s Nixon. The actor clearly has other dynamics he can call upon, but such reserves were only hinted at in this production. At times he strongly recalled the former President in body stances and expressions, but overall his acting of the late Mr Nixon was somewhat erratic.

The sets, designed by Christian T. Planton and decorated by Pearl Broms, were perfect and very well done.  Lighting by Matthew Zelkowitz was also very effective.

(Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 pm, and matinees are at 4 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $14 to $25. For further information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 203/359-4414.)