James Lecesne Replaces Injured Michael McKean in The Best Man

James Lecesne will step into the role of Dick Jensen in Gore Vidal’s The Best Man beginning May 23 at the Schoenfeld Theatre. Lecesne will replace Broadway vet Michael McKean, who, as previously reported, was struck by a car on Manhattan's Upper West Side on May 22. McKean is in stable condition, but suffered a broken leg. Fred Parker will step into the role of reporter Mitch Graham, usually played by Lecesne. 

"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,” producer Jeffrey Richards said in a statement. "Jerry Frankel and I look forward to working with Michael again on a future project."

Set at the Philadelphia national convention, The Best Man is the story of two political candidates both vying for their party’s nomination. Dick Jensen (Lecesne) is campaign manager to Senator William Russell (John Larroquette). The production also stars James Earl Jones, Eric McCormack, Angela Lansbury Kerry Butler, Candice Bergen and Jefferson Mays.

Lecesne made his Broadway debut in The Best Man. His off-Broadway credits include Motherhood Out Loud, Boys in the Band, Word of Mouth, Cloud 9 and One Man Band. Lecesne is the co-founder of the Trevor Project, a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning teens.

Parker made his Broadway debut in The Best Man. His film and TV credits include 90210, The Eves and From Mexico With Love.