Phoenix Theatre launches election season with brilliant farce 'November'

whitney smith

September 13, 2008 by whitney smith

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To kick off its 26th season, the Phoenix Theatre has picked back up on Presidential politics in the time of George W. Bush, a theme that also introduced last year's fall lineup at the Phoenix.

But while last season's "Stuff Happens" revealed British playwright David Hare's view of the political runup to the invasion of Iraq, the Phoenix now yields the floor to another playwright with the same first name, but closer to home.

This weekend marks the Indiana premiere -- and what's billed as the first post-Broadway production -- of American playwright David Mamet's scathing political satire "November," about a bumbling, unpopular President doing whatever it takes to get re-elected.

But before the creator of the moralistic plays "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Speed-the-Plow" is through with "November," he has lambasted American Presidential politics in general, and spoofed the present administration in particular.

When President Charles H.P. Smith runs across a bad idea, he says he might as well put on a red rubber nose and clown shoes. But this chief executive doesn't need clown props. With his empty smiles and grand pronouncements signifying nothing, he is a classic buffoon.

Phoenix artistic director Bryan Fonseca has put together a smart, fast-paced production of "November." Mamet's caustic, rapid-fire dialogue isn't easy, and this team knows how to perform it.

"November" starred Nathan Lane on Broadway, and the local production is a brilliant vehicle for Indianapolis actor Charles Goad. His Bushisms and comic timing are stellar.

But this is also a wonderful ensemble piece, showcasing Diane Timmerman as Presidential speechwriter Clarise Bernstein, a closet liberal with an agenda of her own; Tom Beeler as unflappable legal advisor Archer Brown; Doug Johnson as Dwight Grackle, and Stephen L. Hunt as a poultry industry representative asked to feather the President's nest.

Although "November" is much lighter than many Mamet works, don't expect lightweight comedy. The show doesn't shy away from the playwright's trademark biting satire or his vulgarity-strewn dialogue.

As the President realizes that he faces insurmountable odds at getting re-elected, he launches a ridiculous scheme involving pardoning turkeys, uniting two lesbians in marriage, and striking lots of shady deals.

In the bargain, he fires off more f-words than one might expect to hear in a lifetime of adult dramas. He also unleashes disdain for women, blacks, Jews, Arabs, homosexuals and liberals, which pretty much makes him an equal-opportunity offender.

'November'

What: The Indiana premiere of a play by David Mamet.

When: Through Oct. 11.

Where: Phoenix Theatre.

Bottom line: A fast-paced, wickedly funny political farce.

Forum: Talk

Tags: 

politics, theatre, phoenix theatre, David Mamet, arts&culture

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2 comments

chazma
chazma, September 13
0 votes

Glad you enjoyed the show! But I must point out that while Doug Johnson does indeed play Dwight Grackle he is not the Turkey Industry Representative. Stephen L. Hunt, brilliantly plays that role while Doug plays the Chief of the Micmac Indians who hope to build their 4000 bed Hotel Casino on a Federal Nature Preserve. Chuck Goad

whitney smith
whitney smith, September 15
0 votes

Duly noted. Thanks!

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