BWW Reviews; St. Louis Actors' Studio Presents Hilarious Production of NOVEMBER

While the chief target of David Mamet's hilariously funny play, November, may not in actuality be former president George W. Bush, Bush's uncanny knack for coming off less than intelligent, and his frequent, and often creative malapropisms, are clearly evident. But, really this isn't about any one particular presidency, but a delicious skewering of modern politics as a whole. Mamet's work is given a terrific production by the St. Louis Actors' Studio, which features top notch comic performances and tight, fast-paced direction.

As his first term comes to a close, it's clear that the American public has had its fill of incumbent Charles H.P. Smith, but he's having none of it. President Smith is determined to go out swinging, even if he has to work both ends against the middle. A twisted and bizarre scheme is concocted in which he attempts to extort the turkey industry in order to procure enough campaign funds for a last minute television saturation the week before the election. Along the way he consents to marrying his speech writer and her gay lover, and insults a Native American chief. Just business as usual at the Capitol, I suppose.

Alan Knoll does absolutely brilliant work as President Chuck Smith, expertly capturing the flow of Mamet's coarse, but riotous dialogue, and turning in a pitch perfect comic portrait of this fictional lame duck president who's about to lose his dream job. John Krewson is equally up to task as his aide, Archer Brown, carefully, yet recklessly, guiding the President through his demented decision-making processes with the ruthless skill of a well-versed lawyer.

Michelle Hand is also quite good as Clarice Bernstein, and her more serious attitude amidst the comic chaos nicely grounds the story and gives it a bit of weight and import. Chopper Leifheit amuses greatly as the harried representative of the National Association of Turkey By-Products Manufacturers, and Alan McClintock rounds out the cast as the angry, blow-gun wielding Native American, Dwight Grackle, that President Smith deigns to disparage.

Bobby Miller's wonderful direction is smartly conceived and executed, and makes the most of the small space of the Gaslight Theater. Patrick Huber's set and lighting scheme have produced a miniature, but believable, Oval office for the action to play out on. And, Bonnie Kruger's costumes and Kathy Ferrara's makeup designs have the right look and feel for each of these nutty characters.

The St. Louis Actors' Studio has put together a production of David Mamet's November that's a true laugh riot, and easily one of the funniest shows I've seen this year. November continues through October 24, 2010 at the Gaslight Theater.

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