NOVEMBER
Written by David Mamet
Directed by Claire LaNicca
Audition Dates:
February 15, at 3-4:30pm
February 16, and 17 at 7pm-8:15pm
Performance Dates:
May 29, 30, June 5 & 6
This satire depicts one day in the life of a beleaguered American commander-in-chief. It’s November in a Presidential election year, and incumbent Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. Approval ratings are down, his money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys — saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving — and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win
Charles Smith (Male, 45-65) – President of the United States. Self-centered and opportunistic, facing a loss in the upcoming election he is planning on how to fill his personal coffers as well as make sure there is enough for his “legacy” (Presidential Library). Although shallow, he is shrewd and an effective deal maker. He is very high energy and bounces from working one angle to the next.
Archer Brown (Male, 35-65) – The president’s legal advisor. More controlled than Smith, he is a counterpoint to the president’s sometimes manic energy. Clearly familiar with the way the President works, he possesses an ease that suggests he knows what the President will say before he says it…or what he should say before the President says the wrong thing.
Turkey Guy
(Male, 30-55) – Representative of the National Turkey and Turkey Products Manufacturers. He is there for a ceremony to “pardon” a turkey as Thanksgiving approaches and to provide the President with a “gratuity” for performing the pardon. Less experienced in politics than Charles and Archer.
Clarice Bernstein (Female, 30-50) – A talented speech writer, she seems to be resigned to the president’s losing the upcoming election, and looking at what her life will be when he does. Likely an idealist at the outset of her career, she is not as jaded as most in Washington, but she’s quickly heading in that direction.
Dwight Grackle (Male, 40-70) – Native American, specifically identified in the script as Micmac.
Brought in as part of Charles’ designs to redefine Thanksgiving as leverage over the turkey industry, Grackle has a plan of his own in mind
For more information visit http://www.middletownlyric.org/P_Auditions.html
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