November: Nathan Lane to star

Variety reports that Nathan Lane will star as president Charles Smith in David Mamet's newest play November opening on Broadway on 17 Jan 2008, following previews from 21 Dec 2007, at a theatre to be announced.

November, to be directed by Joe Mantello, is a contemporary comedy about a president named Charles Smith and is set a few days before the election, in which he is running as an incumbent. The action unfolds over one day and involves civil marriage, gambling casinos, lesbians, American Indians, presidential libraries, questionable pardons and campaign contributions.

Nathan Lane was last seen on Broadway in Simon Gray�s dark comedy Butley (2006 revival). Lane is the winner of two Tony Awards for his performances in The Producers (2001) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996 revivlal). He also starred on Broadway in The Odd Couple (2005 revival), The Frogs (2004), Love! Valour! Compassion! (1995), Laughter on the 23rd Floor (1993) and Guys and Dolls (1992 revival).

November will be Mamet's second political play, his first, Wag the Dog, was about a president who seeks to start an illegal war in order to distract from a sex scandel he has become embroiled in.

November is Mamet's sixth play to appear on Broadway, but his first to have its world premiere there.

Director Joe Mantello also directed Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, which won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Revival. The producers of that revival, Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel, are also producing November.

The creative team features Scott Pask (sets), Laura Bauer (costumes) and Paul Gallo (lights).