What's more fun - being the President of the United States or playing the President of the United States in a David Mamet comedy with more than 75% of the line load and never leaving the stage?
San Rafael actor Buzz Halsing would choose the latter. He's has the starring role of U.S. President Charles "Chucky" Smith in Ross Valley Players' production of "November." Directed by Marin County's theater stalwart James Dunn, the production opens Friday, Sept. 17 and continues with performances through Oct. 17 at the Ross Valley Players' Barn Theatre in Ross. Halsing plays a fictional U.S. Presidential incumbent nearing the end of his first presidential term and not dealing well with the unfavorable prospects that he will be reelected for a second term. Basically, President Smith is losing the election and his grip. "I've never had this much fun playing a role before," said Halsing.
A theater veteran who has been in over 50 productions, Halsing has appeared on stages in Marin County and around the Bay Area and has directed numerous productions for Marin theater companies including the San Anselmo Town Players, Stapleton Theatre Company, Novato Theater Company and Willows Theatre Company in the East Bay. "While I've had lots of roles here in Marin and leading roles outside of Marin, this is the biggest, most important role I've had in a production here at home in Marin County," said Halsing. "Playwright David Mamet is a special animal. He writes with these "um, errr, ahhh" moments that are very specific. His text gives the actor the emotion context of the moment. My biggest challenge is to honor this and be true to the precision of his text. It's a challenge, but it's also a gift for any actor. And then of course there's the line load and the fact that my character never leaves the stage," said Halsing, with a laugh.
Halsing, an information technology consultant by day, has been a member of the theater community nearly all his life. He has performed in a variety of musicals including three Mountain Play Association productions. His stage experience led him to directing multi-generational community theater musicals for the San Anselmo Town Players and others before he moved on to semi-professional productions. His most recent directing job was for a production of "The Philadelphia Story," playing currently in Novato. "This is my first time in a Mamet play. It's been such a joy. I've been able to draw on the network of my theater friends and coaches to really 'find' President Chucky Smith," said Halsing. "This poor guy is a buffoon, but he's really just trying to make everybody happy. Even though he's a buffoon, the audience has to find him likeable. He has to be likable for this comedy to work."
"I've been determined to take the next step in my acting career. I've really wanted to expand and challenge myself as an actor. This role, this play, this production has give me that opportunity." said Halsing. "I saw 'November' a few years ago in San Francisco and never stopped laughing. I look forward to doing that for others when they come to see 'November' at the Barn Theatre."IF YOU GO:The Ross Valley Players presents....NOVEMBER By David Mamet
President Charles "Chucky" Smith is nearing the end of his first term and dealing with the unfavorable prospects that he will be elected for a second term in David Mamet's "November" - a political comedy about bad behavior in high places. Directed by James Dunn
WHEN: Sept. 17, 2010 to Oct. 17, 2010 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, 10, 17 7:30 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7, 14 "Pay What You Will Preview" on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
SPECIAL EVENTS: Buzz at the Barn - 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 Buzz at the Barn is pre-performance reception event, featuring complimentary beverages and appetizers included with performance admission.
November Neighborhood Night - 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 RVP extends a special welcome to everyone from the Barn's neighboring towns to a pre-show wine and cheese reception. Ticket prices: $25 general admission, $20 seniors and students. Ticket price includes the reception and show. Wear any political button to the event and receive a special treat.WHERE: The Ross Valley Players Barn Theatre, Marin Art & Garden Center 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at Lagunitas, Ross, CA.COST: $15-$25 General: $25; Senior (62+): $20; Youth: (18 and under): $20. Thursday shows are $15 for everyone (no additional discounts apply) "Pay What You Will Preview" 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010PHONE: 415-456-9555WEBSITE: http://www.rossvalleyplayers.com
