Morgan's script raises, however delicately, the implication that Frost sabotaged himself by badly muffing the first three interviews with Nixon. It was only when his antagonist clumsily points out their psychological connection that Frost breaks through his self-imposed barriers.
Keach's portrayal unexpectedly brings out Nixon's humor and charm. He has some of the former president's trademark gestures down pat, such as a sideways slice of a forearm while making a point. But others seem a bit forced. Did Tricky Dick really hold his mouth at all times in the shape of an upside-down U? More problematically, Keach seems far too relaxed and self-assured to be quite credible in the role.
The real Nixon exuded a trapped, shifty-eyed paranoia. He was so tense that he notoriously walked the beach of his California home in a three-piece suit and tie. He seems always to be torn between the conflicting impulses of rounding on his tormentors like a caged animal with teeth bared, or jumping out of his own skin.
Actor Alan Cox not only bears a pronounced physical resemblance to Frost, he also captures the talk-show host's mild and forgiving demeanor. When Frost says, late in the show, that he disagrees with his team's assessment of the first three interviews, it's unclear whether he means its despair over his interrogation skills or its unwavering conviction that Nixon is guilty as charged.
The similarities between the real and counterfeit Frost are so thorough that the directors take the risk of airing a videotaped conversation between the actual Frost and 60 Minutes reporter Mike Wallace. The audience can look at the videotape, glance at the actor standing on stage and make their own comparisons. Even under a reality-check that rigorous, Cox's portrayal holds up.
Because this show is in part about the impact of the televised image, set designer Christopher Oram emphasizes that theme by installing a large screen directly above the stage.
During scene changes, the screen shows footage of London (where Frost lived), of the White House and of the California hills where the interviews took place. This footage not only helps establish where each scene happens, it provides the play with an air of authenticity, of this-is-really-happening. If one crucial locale is missing - a shot of the hotel where Nixon's downfall began - audience members at the Kennedy Center have a simple remedy.
All they have to do is step outside.
if you go
Frost/Nixon runs through Sunday at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. N.W., Washington. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. tomorrow; 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25-$80. Call 202-467-4600 or go to kennedy-center.org.
