Cast your vote for comedy at CMC Theatre’s ‘November’

Pre-election parody offers irreverent take on politics

By Kristin Carlson

Cast of November in rehearsal
In rehearsal for “November,” David Mamet’s sardonic election-year spoof, are Gary Ketzenbarger as Charles Smith, Nikki Boxer as Clarice Bernstein, Jamie Spry as Archer Brown and Bob Willey as the Turkey Guy. The play runs at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley Oct.19-21 and 25-28 – for a much-needed laugh as another campaign year winds to a close. Photo Scot Gerdes

Just when we all need a sense of humor about the elections, Colorado Mountain College presents David Mamet’s searing satire about a bombastic, incumbent president desperate for reelection.

“November,” a comedy about a fictional president’s desperate bid for reelection, opens at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs-Spring Valley Oct. 19.

“I love Mamet’s intelligence and his courage in storytelling,” said Brad Moore, director of the piece and adjunct instructor in CMC’s theater program. “He rides a fine line and ultimately insults everyone by pointing out the absurdities of being human.”

Gary Ketzenbarger, director of the college’s theater program, described the play as “hilariously funny and extremely politically incorrect.”

Rehearsals generate tight ensemble work — and a lot of laughter

The action takes place six days before a fictional presidential election. Poll numbers for the incumbent are abysmal. He’s desperate to finance his reelection. “His solution revolves around an elaborate bribery scheme involving turkeys,” said Ketzenbarger, who portrays the floundering incumbent, Charles Smith.

“He’s an amoral man,” said Ketzenbarger. “But he’s also childlike and innocent. It’s a challenge because you want the audience to like him despite his despicable choices.”

“The success of the play depends on creating realistic characters and an atmosphere where the audience feels safe to laugh,” said Moore. If rehearsals are any indication, the cast is doing something right. “We spend a lot of rehearsal time laughing,” he added.

‘November’ leaves no political camp unscathed

Nikki Boxer plays Smith’s long-suffering speechwriter, Clarice Bernstein. Smith insults her mercilessly, yet she becomes one of his greatest allies.

“We pare down politics to two people,” said Boxer, “and that’s not how it works. There are all these people whispering in their ears.” For Boxer, the play offers an opportunity to look at politics from all sides and to see its inherent contradictions.

Veteran actor Jamie Spry plays the straight man, Archer Brown, the president’s right-hand man and sounding board. “There’s a lot of humor in a deadpan character,” he said. “You’ve got this talented, driven guy with a buffoon for a boss.” The result is a comedic clash.

Bob Willey tackles the role of Turkey Guy. And, yes, that is his character name in the script. “I’m going for the humor,” said Willey. “Pure and simple.” Mamet’s convoluted bribery scheme, involving the turkey industry, is signature farce and well worth the price of admission.

November rehearshal three shot
In rehearsal for “November,” David Mamet’s sardonic election-year spoof, are Gary Ketzenbarger as Charles Smith, Jamie Spry as Archer Brown and Nathan Kafka as Dwight Grackle. The play runs at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley Oct.19-21 and 25-28 – for a much-needed laugh as another campaign year winds to a close. Photo Scot Gerdes

Nathan Kafka plays Native American Dwight Grackle, who is, in the words of the actor, “the personification of all racial minority stereotypes.” It’s Kafka’s first role in a small ensemble piece, and he’s enjoyed working with a tight group. No stranger to large groups, he is the assistant coordinator of student life at the campus.

All-student technical team handles backstage elements

Behind the scenes, an all-student team guides the technical aspects of the show. Jaime Sklavos serves as stage manager, with Graeme Duck as the assistant stage manager. Rose Levy heads up costuming with the help of Meriah Deleon. Shelby Lathrop is master electrician, while Ashley Williford runs the light board and Bella Barnum orchestrates sound. Shawn Griffith is property master, and Jacob Waldo, Jeremy Doerr, Nick Dyl and Jordan Corzine round out the deck crew. Carpenters Josh Davis, Eldo Vasquez and Paul Meyer helped build the set. China Clancy, managing director of CMC Theatre, is production manager.

Gary Ketzenbarger in November
In rehearsal for “November,” David Mamet’s sardonic election-year spoof, is Gary Ketzenbarger as President Charles Smith. The play runs at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley Oct.19-21 and 25-28 – for a much-needed laugh as another campaign year winds to a close. Photo Scot Gerdes

“November” will be performed Oct. 19-20 and 25-27 at 7 p.m., with matinees on Oct. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. in the New Space Theatre at Colorado Mountain College in Spring Valley. Please note that “November” contains mature language.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, staff and faculty and can be reserved at svticketsales@coloradomtn.edu or 947-8177, or purchased with cash or check at the door.