Playwright David Mamet is well known for works such as “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “Speed-The-Plow.” But many think “American Buffalo” is his masterpiece. Bill Gale says the Gamm Theater’s production is proof of that.
“American Buffalo” was first done in Chicago way back in 1975, that time – if you can believe it – of no cell phones , no Facebook. And Twitter? That was something birds in the trees did.
So “American Buffalo,” a look at three guys struggling and not succeeding, flashed on to the arts scene. With it’s almost continuous foul-mouthed dialogue and a dark view of American business and morals, it was immediately both condemned and supported.
Some thought it nothing but low-brow trash. Others saw it as a masterpiece.
Now, more than 40 years later, this superb production at the Gamm speaks clearly: “American Buffalo,” with it caustic view of capitalism, its piercing look into the rough side of America the Beautiful, its non-stop hilarity and inevitable crash and burn, is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Directed with intellectual force and verve by Trinity Rep’s Tyler Dobrowsky and with superb performances by Fred Sullivan Jr., Marc Dante Mancini and Tony Estrella, Mamet’s play proves itself once again.
In this day of Trump-ian succession, of the uncovering of the anger and needs of Americans who consider themselves blocked from success, who find the American Dream a cruel joke, well, this play speaks for them, clearly and powerfully.
In just two hour’s Mamet’s play looks in on the under-land of this country and says that something has to be done. “American Buffalo,” you’ll perhaps remember, takes place in a pawn shop. At the Gamm, designer Patrick Lynch has covered every available inch with, ah, junk. The set is clearly a brilliant start for a great production.
In the shop, three guys plan fitfully to steal a Buffalo nickel they think is worth a lot. There’s Donny, who owns the shop. Played with vital excitement and major internal shakiness by Fred Sullivan, Donny’s a man with some good ideas who just cannot make them work.
His sidekick is Bobby, a boy still young enough to be hopeful. Played with quiet need by Marc Dante Mancini Bobby is the inevitable loser, the kid who hopes and always fails.
Then there’s Teach, the wise guy of wise guys. Tony Estrella gives him a classic take, strutting around the stage, giving orders, telling lies that he almost believes himself. Estrella’s dude (in Marilyn Salvatore’s wonderfully goofy clothing) is the essential small time big guy until the world crashes in, forces him to see the bottom, and watch all the winning cards fly away.
So, with insightful direction, excellent designs, and three actors who know fully what they are doing “American Buffalo” is, once more, stimulating, hilarious and ever so sad.
It takes these three guys and shows you the underbelly of America, the down side of free enterprise. It’s a work of art not to miss, a four decades old play that is right in the middle of our time now, unfortunately.
“American Buffalo” continues at the Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket through December 18th. Bill Gale reviews the performing arts for Rhode Island Public Radio.
