Best Man: James Lecesne replaces injured Michael McKean

James Lecesne replaces injured Michael McKean in the role of 'Dick Jensen' from 23 May 2012 in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man. The role of reporter 'Mitch Graham,' usually played by James Lecesne, will now be portrayed by Fred Parker.

McKearn has left the production following injuries he sustained after he was struck by a car on Upper Manhattan on 22 May 2012. McKearn, who is said to be in a stable condition, suffered a broken leg.

Producer Jeffrey Richards "I have worked with Michael on three previous productions, The Homecoming, The Pajama Game and Superior Donuts, and he has never missed a performance, and I understand from his team that he has never missed a performance in his career. So this is the kind of first we are reluctant to announce. Jerry Frankel and I look forward to working with Michael again on a future project."

The Best Man opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 1 Apr 20122, following previews from 6 Mar 2012. It recently announced a second extension which will see the play run through to 9 Sep 2012.

The play opened to mostly excellent reviews: Starry but sluggish production (NY Times); Diverting dramedy (NY Daily News); Outrageously entertaining (Record); An unqualified winner (NY1).

The revival was recently nominated for a 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play as well as a Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play nomination for James Earl Jones.

A play about power, ambition, political secrets, ruthlessness and the race for the presidency, Gore Vidal's The Best Man is set at the national convention where two candidates are vying for their party's nomination during the primary season. It's an inside look at the dirt-digging, double-dealing, triple-crossing chicanery of presidential electioneering.

Directed by Michael Wilson, the cast now features James Earl Jones (Arthur Hockstader), John Larroquette (William Russell), Candice Bergen (Alice Russell), Eric Mccormack (Joseph Cantwell), Kerry Butler (Mabel Cantwell), Jefferson Mays (Sheldon Marcus), James Lecesne (Dick Jensen), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Gamadge), Corry Brill (Don Blades), Curtis Billings, Tony Carlin, Donna Hanover, Sherman Howard, Olja Hrustic, Bill Kux, Fred Parker, Dakin Matthews, Angelica Page and Amy Tribbey.

The creative team features scenic design by Derek McLane, Lighting design by Kenneth Posner, costume design by Ann Roth and sound design by John Gromada.