American Buffalo at Lumen Repertory Theatre

Lumen Repertory Theatre Presents David Mamet’s American Buffalo

The Razor-Sharp Examination of Loyalty and Ambition Opens June 13, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – May 1, 2025 – Lumen Repertory Theatre today announced the second production of its Subversive 2025 Season: American Buffalo by David Mamet. Generously sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, this razor-sharp examination of loyalty and ambition in the underbelly of American capitalism will run from June 13 to June 28 at WJCT’s Studio B, offering audiences an intense, character-driven drama defined by Mamet’s trenchant dialogue and moral complexity.

First premiering Off-Broadway in 1975 and later transferring to Broadway, American Buffalo cemented Mamet’s reputation as a master of gritty realism. Set in a cluttered junk shop, the play follows three small-time crooks as they plot a coin heist that quickly unravels, exposing their deep-seated betrayals and the corrosive allure of the American Dream. In an era marked by widening economic inequality and the relentless pursuit of profit, American Buffalo’s scrutiny of ambition and moral compromise resonates more urgently than ever.

“As we build on the unsettling questions raised in Agnes of God, American Buffalo continues our Subversive Season’s commitment to theatre that confronts human desire and ethical ambiguity,” said Artistic Director Brian Niece. “Co-directed by Tyler Hammond and myself, this production brings together an ensemble of the highest quality to deliver Mamet’s blistering text with precision and intensity.”

As Jacksonville’s only Equity-affiliated professional non-profit theatre company, Lumen Rep is unwavering in its commitment to paying fair wages to our artists and reinvesting in the people who bring our productions to life—a vital mission at a time when the arts face unprecedented challenges nationwide. VyStar Credit Union’s sponsorship directly supports these professional standards and helps ensure that bold, provocative theatre thrives in our community.

The professional cast for American Buffalo includes:

• David Alford* (guest artist returning after his acclaimed performance opposite Brian Niece in last season’s The Zoo Story and direction of American Dream in our SLOW BURN series)

• Joshua Andrews

• Brian Niece*

All performances will be held at WJCT’s Studio B, 100 Festival Park Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The schedule is:

• Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. (Press Preview Night)

• Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)

• Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday, June 22 at 2:00 p.m. (Matinee)

• Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $45 general admission; high-school and college students attend free with valid ID under our NEXTGEN initiative—reserve your seats at lumenrep.org using code NEXTGEN. 

High-resolution production images are available at lumenrep.org/media. 

VyStar is the Production Sponsor. Season Partners are STAGE Fund, Preston and Joan Haskell, the Actors’ Equity Association, San Marco Church—logos can be found at lumenrep.org/support.

*These individuals are part of the Actors’ Equity Association, a United States labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions, and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans.

ABOUT LUMEN REPERTORY THEATRE
Lumen Rep isn’t just putting on plays—we’re igniting Jacksonville’s creative scene with bold, professional theatre that makes you think, feel, and see the world differently. As Northeast Florida’s only Equity-affiliated, professional non-profit company, we build and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem by paying fair wages, investing resources in our talented artists, and partnering with organizations like VyStar Credit Union. In just our first three seasons, we’ve collaborated with nationally recognized talent and presented world-premiere work that’s drawn interest from New York City and Los Angeles.

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Authors

• David Mamet

Tony Awards and Nominations for American Buffalo