Joe Mantello (Wicked, Take Me Out, Glengarry Glen Ross) directs the production, which began previews at Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre Dec. 20.

"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."

"It's about the President of the United States who is about to get voted out of office," playwright Mamet told Playbill.com following the company's first read through. "He's got one week left in office. He's going to lose the election, and his approval rating is in the single digits."

"It's like if one of the guys from Glengarry Glen Ross was elected President," offered Tony winner Lane about his character. (For more from Mamet, Lane and co star Metcalf, visit Playbill.com's November feature.)

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.

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."

The scribe currently blogs on the show's website (novembertheplay.com) from the point of view of his leading character.

Novemeber plays the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, located at 243 West 47th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue). A production note warns: "May be inappropriate for 14 and under. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre."