NEW YORK—In politics, trust is everything. It’s more important than the issues, the policies, or even the candidate. Those who are perceived as no longer being trustworthy are quickly shown the door—the underlying point in the world premiere production of Beau Willimon’s brilliant look at political machinations, “Farragut North.”
Stephen Bellamy (John Gallagher, Jr.), communications director to a presidential candidate, is a rising political star. Only 25 years of age, he is an expert at dealing with the media and keeping a campaign moving smoothly. Currently he’s in Des Moines, Iowa, where his man Morris seems all but certain to begin a triumphant start on the road to the White House. Making things even more important to Stephen is the fact Morris is someone he truly believes in, a person who Stephen feels can aid the nation in its time of trouble and can really make a difference.
However, Stephen lets ego get in the way of common sense, when he takes a meeting with Tom Duffy (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), the manager of a rival campaign, and then hesitates to tell his boss, Paul Zara (Chris Noth) about what transpired there. This causes Paul to question Stephen’s loyalty, thus making Stephen a liability.
As Stephen tries to make right his error in judgment, he begins to learn some harsh political realities. One such reality is that someone who used to happily work for you is now a threat and might take over your job. No one behind the scenes is indispensable in the fight to get a candidate elected.
Stephen Bellamy (John Gallagher, Jr.), communications director to a presidential candidate, is a rising political star. Only 25 years of age, he is an expert at dealing with the media and keeping a campaign moving smoothly. Currently he’s in Des Moines, Iowa, where his man Morris seems all but certain to begin a triumphant start on the road to the White House. Making things even more important to Stephen is the fact Morris is someone he truly believes in, a person who Stephen feels can aid the nation in its time of trouble and can really make a difference.
However, Stephen lets ego get in the way of common sense, when he takes a meeting with Tom Duffy (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), the manager of a rival campaign, and then hesitates to tell his boss, Paul Zara (Chris Noth) about what transpired there. This causes Paul to question Stephen’s loyalty, thus making Stephen a liability.
As Stephen tries to make right his error in judgment, he begins to learn some harsh political realities. One such reality is that someone who used to happily work for you is now a threat and might take over your job. No one behind the scenes is indispensable in the fight to get a candidate elected.
