Review: (Ottawa) November

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Electing Mamet
by Valerie Cardinal
@vscardinal

David Mamet’s November is not a production for the easily offended – it seems like every ethnicity, culture, gender and sexual orientation is mocked and insulted equally throughout the show. However, this doesn’t come off as mean-spirited. In fact, Mamet’s script is frequently very hilarious in a way that is reminiscent of television shows like Veep. November is an entertaining, light evening for those who like their political satire with a heaping spoonful of absurdity.  

November centres on Charles Smith, the most hated president in American history. He’s only a few days away from the election, and destined to be kicked out of the White House due to his dismal approval ratings and lack of campaign funding. However, Smith isn’t going down without a fight. He tries to wheedle his way into leaving office a very rich man (at the very least) with the help of his surprisingly competent Chief of Staff, Archer Brown. 

Review: (Ottawa) Stones in His Pockets

Luck of the Irish

by Jim Murchison

Friday evening Ottawa's 2012/2013 season kicked off with Marie Jones award-winning play Stones in His Pockets directed by John P Kelly. As is traditional on opening night the director came out to thank the crowd for their support flanked by season coordinator David Whitely. As the two spoke it seemed to me that Kelly was particularly subdued this evening. He may be pacing himself and with good reason. He will be directing four shows this season; three at the Gladstone and another Marie Jones play at GCTC and as exciting as that may be, it is definitely daunting.

The scenic design by Merike Olo is very simple but effective. A long mural depicts the view of the Blasket Islands as seen from County Kerry on the southwest coast of Ireland where the action is set. Underneath the mural is a row of shoes stretching along the width of the stage that gives us the hint that the two actors have many shoes to fill. The only other set piece is a steamer trunk that holds costume pieces and serves a multifunctional role as a podium, bar counter or casket as needed.