BWW Reviews: AMERICAN BUFFALO is a Challenge at Center Stage

The Buffalo Nickel.  I recently saw it advertised. A 1913-1938 Indian/Buffalo Nickel for only $4.95 with two other coins.  It's really beautiful.

I also recall the song from the musical Ragtime called "Buffalo Nickel Photoplay, Inc."

The Buffalo nickel is also the center of David Mamet's American Buffalo getting an interesting performance at Center Stage in the Head Theatre which has been transformed from its cabaret setting to a theatrical setting.

This play was first performed at the GoodmanTheatre in Chicago in 1975 and made it to Broadway in 1975 and revived in 1983 with Al Pacino.

Selected to direct the play is Liesl Tommy, an international director who has down work in Kenya, Denmark, Canada, and Off-Broadway.  She does a marvelous job working with a cast of only three men and taking place entirely in a junk shop.

Kudos must also go to Casting Director Janet Foster who has assembled a superb troupe.

Kudos again to Scenic Designer Neil Patel who has prepared an amazing looking junk shop.  Please either before the show, during intermission, or after the show, check out up close the set to fully appreciate it.

The plot involves the relationships of the three actors and a bungled attempt at a burglary. The reasons for its failure?  The one party necessary for the burglary gets mugged on the street.  The audience just loved this fact which brought much laughter.

Regarding the actors, what an ensemble they are.  William Hill plays Don, the owner of the Junk Shop who employs Bob played by Rusty Ross, an interesting character who could be described by some as "special".  But Jordan Lage has the terrific task of playing Teach and he glides and dances across the stage as if he's on skates.  You should see his bio in the program.  I don't remember the last actor who appeared at Center Stage that has FOUR Tony Award nominations, do you?

It's a play about loyalty and friendship and the plot surrounding the attempted burglary.

There is an altercation and Bob's face is pretty much bloodied.  Actor Rusty Ross explained the blood looks so real, a member of the audience actually got sick.  He related that Center Stage it seems really went for realism, all the way to Great Britain, where they purchased the fake blood from the same people responsible for the "Harry Potter" movies.  And according to Ross, "It's not cheap."

I noticed a few people leave at intermission. Don't. The second half more than makes up for a rather slow first act. I've heard this from many theater-goers.

American Buffalo ends its run Sunday, December 11, 2011.  Call 410-332-0033. Visit www.centerstage.org to learn about a trip to a junk shop in Dundalk was used by the set-designers.

HOLIDAY CABARET AT CENTER STAGE DECEMBER 15-18

Center Stage is presenting a Holiday Cabaret for four nights only, December 15 to December 18.

Headlining the event is jazz artist Felicia Carter. Also performing will be St. Veronica's Youth Steel Drum Orchestra, a Klezmer band, and the Divine Voices of Praise gospel choir.

GLEAM  is next January 4 to February 5, 2012

Coming next to Center Stage is Gleam directed by Marion McClinton and based on Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God".

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

Photo Credit: Richard Anderson

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