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INSIDE: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY • COMMUNITY NEWS V O L U M E 9 , I S S U E 3 2 • W E D N E S D A Y, N O V E M B E R 9 , 2 0 16
ACTORS presents political satire ‘November’ The second show in the exciting 61st season of the Ames Community Theatre is the David Mamet farce, “November,” and the timing couldn’t be better for this adult political satire. “November” premiered on Broadway in 2008 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater starring Nathan Lane and has been entertaining audiences ever since. The story is a day in the life of a hapless, unpopular president who is up for re-election. It is not clear whether the president is a Democrat or a Republican. What is clear is that he is irredeemably desperate. With low approval ratings, money running out, and the threat of nuclear war, Charles
Smith, the incumbent president (played by Michael Porche), refuses to give up his re-election bid. Days before the election, his chief of staff, Archer Brown (Don Kom), and speechwriter, Clarice Berstein (Janielle Rollins), have already thrown in the towel. If nothing else, President Smith, aka “Chucky,” is determined to walk away with enough money to build his presidential library. President Chucky has a plan to fund the building of the library by pardoning turkeys before Thanksgiving. From there, the story gets more outrageous and hysterical. A representative of the National Association of Turkey & Turkey Products
and Manufacturers (Joey Leinen) and Chief Dwight Grackle (David Detlefs) round out the cast. November is directed by Susan Norris and Ruthellen Cunnally. Director Susan Norris said, “In a time when people in our country are standing on either side of a line yelling at each other about choosing the lesser of two evils in this year’s presidential election, Mamet’s tome, “November,” offers a satirical look at the absurdity of it all.” She loves the process of many people working together to entertain the audience. Furthermore, she says that ACTORS has a track record of entertaining See PLAY on page 2
“November” cast members Janielle Rollins,Michael Porche, Don Kom and Joey Lienen. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO