Penned from the point of view of his leading character, President Charles H.P. Smith (played on stage by Nathan Lane), the blog topics will be on "various current social issues such as same sex relationships, legalized prostitution and drug use, national security, and foreign policy," according to an announcement. The blog can be found on the official site at novembertheplay.com.
Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize winner for his drama Glengarry Glen Ross. Other works include Speed-the-Plow, The Cryptogram, American Buffalo, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Romance, Boston Marriage, The Old Neighborhood and The Voysey Inheritance. His screenplays include "The Verdict," "Wag the Dog," "State and Main," "The Spanish Prisoner" and "The Untouchables."
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Joe Mantello (Wicked, Take Me Out, Glengarry Glen Ross) directs November, which began previews at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre Dec. 20. The production will officially open Jan. 17, 2008. Laurie Metcalf and Dylan Baker are also featured in the cast.
"Set just days before a major presidential election," as press notes reveal, "November involves civil marriages, gambling casinos, lesbians, American Indians, presidential libraries, questionable pardons and campaign contributions." In the world premiere, Lane (The Producers, "The Birdcage") plays the incumbent U.S. President Charles Smith. Metcalf (All My Sons, "Roseanne") plays his aide Clarice Bernstein, and Baker (Mauritius, "Spider-Man 3") takes on the role of presidential adviser Archer Brown.
Ethan Phillips (Measure for Measure, "Benson") and Michael Nichols (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.) round out the five-member ensemble.
The design team features Scott Pask (scenic), Paul Gallo (lighting) and Laura Bauer (costumes).
November is produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel Arny Granat/Steve Traxler, Michael Cohl, Ergo Entertainment, Michael Filerman, Ronald Frankel, James Fuld Jr., Roy Furman, Roy Gottlieb, JK Productions, Sheldon Stein, Harold A. Thau and Barry Weisbord.
November plays the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, located at 243 West 47th Street (between Broadway and 8th Ave.). A production note warns: "May be inappropriate for 14 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre." For more information, visit novembertheplay.com.
