Wilson Center Scholar James Reston, Jr. Portrayed in New Hit Play Frost/Nixon

James Reston, Jr., Wilson Center senior scholar, is a character in the new play called "Frost/Nixon" which opened in London on Monday to rave reviews. The play is based upon the famous David Frost-Richard Nixon Interviews in 1977 which remain the most-watched public affairs television program in television history. At the time, Reston was David Frost's Watergate adviser for the Watergate program.

In the past year Reston consulted extensively with the playwright Peter Morgan and shared with Morgan his memoir of his involvement which is entitled ‘Netting Proteus: The Conviction of Richard Nixon'. In early July the Wilson Center scholar was invited to the first two days of rehearsal in London to speak with the actors. Reston's character, "Jim Reston," is the principal narrator in the play.

"Frost/Nixon" stars veteran Broadway and Hollywood actor, Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and the well-known British actor, Michael Sheen as Frost. The Reston character is played by Elliot Cowan, who appeared with Derek Jacobi last year in the West End hit called "Don Carlos." The play is directed by Michael Grandage, the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, where Frost/Nixon premiers. Grandage is also the director of "Evita" currently running in London's West End.

In 1976-77 Reston took an eight month leave of absence from his post as writer-in-residence at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill to do Frost's Watergate research and to devise the interrogation strategy. After a withering questioning, Nixon apologized to the nation for his actions, one of the greatest on-air mea culpas of all time.

In Tuesday's papers London theatre critics raved about the new play. "…a terrific new play that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping and entertaining. What's more, as all good history, it illuminates the present as it examines the past." Daily Telegraph "A sharp, witty and haunting production." The Independent. "Magnificent performances." The Guardian.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established by Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the living national memorial to President Wilson. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study of national and world affairs.