Mastergate & Power Failure

by Larry Gelbart

(Applause Books). The complete scripts to two of Larry Gelbart's most popular and powerful political satires. Review of Mastergate: "If George Orwell were a gag writer, he could have written Mastergate. Larry Gelbart's scathingly funny takeoff on the Iran-Contra hearings is a spiky cactus flower in the desert of American political theatre." Jack Kroll, Newsweek . Review of Power Failure: "There is in his broad etching all the ethical outrage of an Arthur Miller kvetching. And, oh, so much more fun!" Carolyn Clay, The Boston Phoenix .

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Larry Simon Gelbart was an American comedy writer and dramatist.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating this book is difficult, because the book contains two plays, one fabulous and one that's not.

Mastergate is a highly entertaining spoof of a Congressional hearing. The dialog is full of word plays that satirize the political system in Washington without choosing one particular party to lampoon. I enjoyed the play immensely, and hope I get to see it performed someday.

Power Failure is a darker satire that takes aim at the justice system. Unfortunately, the play is filled with so much adult language and situations, I chose not to finish it. This is not a playful satire; a peek at the end informed me that the audience of this play is headed for an evening of horror. This is not a play I would choose to see, or use when teaching my drama classes.