Playhouse to present political thriller

K. Chaney

Sam Jackel and Emily Giant star in the political drama “Farragut North” at the Village Playhouse.

In what ways can the subject of a play affect the private world of an actor?

Sam Jackel, who portrays the press secretary in a presidential campaign in the Village Playhouse's production of Beau Willimon's "Farragut North," says the play conjures vivid memories of a historic political celebration he once experienced.

"I've never really been much into politics," says Jackel, 30. "But I just happened to be living in Chicago when President (Barack) Obama won the election. And as he was giving his acceptance speech in Grant Park, I will never forget the indescribable euphoria and excitement that swept over the city."

At that time, Jackel was taking improvisational acting classes and working as a concierge at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, a few blocks from Grant Park.

"Enormous crowds were trying to get as close to Grant Park as possible, so that the police blocked off all the streets to traffic around the park," Jackel recalls. "A friend of mine went down there and then suddenly noticed she was standing right next to Oprah Winfrey!"

"The city literally stopped moving, as people were going crazy, but in a wonderful way. All the trains and buses shut down; strangers were hugging strangers, and everybody was rushing to catch Obama's speech on television. This was when I glimpsed the pure power of politics."

Jackel is enthusiastic about performing at the Village Playhouse, where the South Carolina premiere of "Farragut North" opens Friday. The play is directed by Keely Enright, co-founder of the theater.

Willimon, a screenwriter and playwright, drew on his experiences as a campaign aide working for Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Bradley, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Howard Dean while in college and after graduation.

The playwright has said "Farragut North," which tells the story of a press secretary for a presidential candidate on the eve of the Iowa Caucus, is loosely based on his involvement in Dean's campaign in the 2004 Democratic presidential primaries.

Billed as "a classic tale of hubris and the lust for power, and the costs one will endure to achieve it," the play is titled after a Washington, D.C., Metro Station, "Farragut North," which serves downtown Washington at Connecticut Avenue.

"Staging 'Farragut North' will mark the first time the Village Playhouse has produced a political thriller," says Enright. "I love the script's fast-paced style and tone, which are reminiscent of 'The West Wing' TV show."

"Farragut North" replaces the previously announced comedy "Boeing Boeing."

After opening in 2008 at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York, "Farragut North" transferred to The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles in 2009.

A film version, adapted by Willimon, is in production, directed by George Clooney and starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Willimon has noted that he selected "Farragut North" as the play's title because that particular Metro station is in the center of the lobbyists' district.

In a 2008 interview with The New York Post, Willimon said, "The affairs and some particulars of the backroom meetings are made up. But the atmosphere of paranoia, the bald ambition, the gluttony for power and the way in which these things can warp your soul, were all there."

"Stephen is definitely overconfident that he will have a great future, and is also a little vain," says Jackel, describing his character.

Although he totally believes in getting his candidate's message out, the main things Stephen loves are talking to the political reporters and being before the cameras.

"As Stephen gets to know the reporters, he starts thinking of the press as his friend," Jackel explains. "Finally, he makes a major mistake, and his powerful position collapses like a house of cards."

A native of a small town in Iowa, Jackel thinks it's interesting that "Farragut North" is set in Des Moines during the weeks before the 2004 Democratic presidential primary.

"This play has gotten me more interested in politics," says the actor. "Also, it's good that it doesn't side with either party."

The cast of "Farragut North" also includes Josh Wilhoit, Emily Giant, Lindsey Lamb, Baker Powell, Thomas Michel and Dave Reinwald.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, continuing March 10-12, 18-19 and 25-26 and 3 p.m. March 13 and 20 at The Village Playhouse, 730 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.

Tickets are $27 general public, $25 senior citizens and $20 students with ID and may be purchased by calling 856-1579 or online at www.villageplayhouse.com. The play is for mature audiences only.

Reach Dottie Ashley at dottieashley@gmail.com.