Took a slightly last-minute trip this Thursday to the first preview of November, David Mamet's new political comedy at the Barrymore. I'll keep this a little briefer than usual, as it will undoubtedly be touched up in the next few weeks (it opens January 15th). In short, it's a first-class production all-around of a play that has some hugely funny moments while, in the end, is disappointingly slight.
The plot details are wisely few from the official show's site, which I'll respect - it much more fun going in knowing little more than the basics. The evening unfolds during a 24-hour period in the Oval Office of President Charles H.P. Smith (Nathan Lane), who's term is ending disastrously. He's tanking in the polls, and is all but certain to be defeated, for reasons he can't quite fathom. (His right-hand man Archer, played by Dylan Baker, explains: "Everybody hates you. You fuck up everything you touch.") A rather convoluted scheme unfolds involving the pardoning of Thanksgiving turkeys, some American Indians, and Smith's speechwriter, Clarice (Laurie Metcalf), a lesbian who's just adopted a baby with her partner.
As a production, it's just about as good as it gets. Gorgeous Oval Office set by Scott Pask. Very brisk direction by Joe Mantello (where was this energy at The Ritz?). And the cast is at the top of their game, led by Nathan being brilliant. For some reason, I'd rather forgotten what a marvelous comic actor the man is, perhaps b/c he's been such a critical punching bag of late. He's got the plum role here, and runs with it, arguing with his wife about war in Iran one moment, lamenting about not having a Presidential library the next, and (in a running gag I found hilarious) constantly threatening to send anyone who disagrees with him to Bulgaria via the "Piggy Plane", where they'll be hooded and never seen again.
Act 1 was simply fantastic, mainly comprised of Lane and Baker's hilarious back-and-forth (their timing is REALLY inspired). Baker is a little more reined in from his mannerisms that were on full display in Mauritius, and benefits massively as a result. It's Act 2 where things went off the rails for me (and where my details will stop, for now.) I have a feeling the play was wanting to 'add up' to more than it did. (Slight spoiler) - it takes a bit of a turn in Act 2 away from the wickedly funny political nastiness of Act 1. The 'softer tone' is awkward. (Spoiler End)
Not helping matters is that Laurie Metcalf, game as she is, has a massively thankless role. The fact she infuses the character with as much color and 'notes' to her as she does is a testament to how terrific she is as an actress. Two other actors, Ethan Phillips and Michael Nichols, play a rep from a Turkey company and an American Indian, respectively, and don't have a ton to do (especially Nichols), but do it well enough.
Caveats aside, it was in terrific shape for a first preview - ran a bask 1 hour and 50 minutes, with intermission. I imagine it'll tighten even further, and with some touching up in Act 2, could find its way a little clearer. The end of the play also needs a bit more of a pop than it has now, another thing which will come in time. As it stands now, it's a fiendishly funny satire on our times (the war on terror gets plenty of skewering, as does the color-coded alert system: "Just raise the Panic Level!" "We already have. They don't care anymore") boasting some Grade-A performances.
There's nothing necessarily wrong with a fizzy Election Year tonic like this - one would just hope it'd add up to something a bit more in the bigger picture, especially coming from such a notable playwright. Nonetheless, November is a very nifty and welcome addition to what's becoming "The Season of the Play" on Broadway. I'll be curious to revisit it later in previews and see how it's improved.
PS - Take a trip to the show's web site. It's very well-done and REALLY funny, especially the 'Top 10 Reasons to Re-Elect President Smith', as well as The President's Blog. It's an excellent taste of the humor in the play.
November is playing at The Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St. (b/t Broadway and 8th Ave). Tickets run $99.50 - $46.50. Running time is approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, with one intermission.
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