The Presidential election is right around the corner, and local Ed Begley Jr. has been busy getting in the spirit. Ed is teaming up with actress Felicity Huffman at the Mark Taper Forum for a spirited production called “November.” Ed plays chief executive Charles H.P. Smith in a laugh-filled farce written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet.
The White House turns into something of a three ring circus as Smith struggles with reelection. Former “housewife” Huffman doesn’t play the first lady. Instead, she campaigns for laughs as Smith’s lesbian speechwriter.
Ed is a Mamet veteran. He has become a huge fan over the years and is having fun with his latest project, which first debuted in 2008. It apparently has something for everyone, no matter what your political leanings.
Ed described the famed playwright as “an equal opportunity offender. I am sure that people from both sides of the aisle will be offended by something,” he explains. “If that’s the case, he will feel he did his job.”
“November” continues until Nov. 4, just two days before the big vote. Even as “November” wraps, the Center Theater Group will just be getting starting.
Over at the Kirk Douglas Theater, two-time Academy Award-nominee John Hurt is starring in “Krapp’s Last Tape.” Hurt is no stranger to the role. He has crafted it over the years on stages in London, Dublin and New York.
Jeff Goldblum fans won’t want to miss “Seminar” over at the Ahmanson. As Leonard, Goldblum teaches a private writing seminar that is a master class in ruthlessness and reckless behavior. Stay tuned as four aspiring young novelists are schooled in the cutthroat ways of the literary world.
Following Jeff Goldblum’s stint, the fun continues at the Ahmanson and “Anything Goes.” With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, audiences of all ages can delight in classics like “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely” and of course, “Anything Goes.”
By year’s end, they’ll be getting in the holiday spirit at the Kirk Douglas Theater. The Second City takes the stage in a zany winter production. They’ll bring us “A Christmas Carol: Twist Your Dickens.” The production is directed by Marc Warzecha and promises to give Dickens a makeover with wicked satire, daring improve and surprise guests. So take note, from election day till Christmas day, there’s something for everyone at show time.
TV Times
The fall TV season is well underway and the networks have already rolled out shows like “Nashville,” “Elementary” and “Vegas.” But on Nov. 2, check out the local scene as Reba McEntire makes a move to Malibu in a new show called “Malibu Country.” In it, a heartbroken Rita leaves Nashville for the Golden State to get her act together and start again. She’s bringing her son and sullen daughter along for the ride, as well as Lily Tomlin who plays grandma. It should be fun to watch the antics unfold, especially with Sara Rue, who plays the Malibu Barbie next door.