Steppenwolf Theatre continues its 2009-2010 season, an exploration of the theme of belief, with American Buffalo by David Mamet, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton. American Buffalo features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts with Patrick Andrews.
In a cluttered, run-down Chicago junkshop, three small-time crooks plot to steal a valuable coin collection. As the heist unravels, the men's frustration and paranoia intensify. Ensemble member Amy Morton directs this groundbreaking American play that weaves humor and menace throughout an emotionally charged struggle for identity and dominance.
World-renowned playwright and Chicago-area native David Mamet has a successful writing and directing career in theatre, film and television. Steppenwolf has produced Mamet's productions of The Water Engine and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen Ross (also directed by ensemble member Amy Morton). Amy Morton received a 2008 Best Actress Tony nomination for Steppenwolf's August: Osage County on Broadway. Her Steppenwolf directing credits include Dublin Carol, The Weir, The Pillowman, Love-Lies-Bleeding (also Kennedy Center) and Glengarry Glen Ross (also Dublin and Toronto).
The design team for American Buffalo includes: Kevin Depinet (sets), Nan Cibula-Jenkins (costumes), Pat Collins (lights), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound and original music) and Rick Sordelet (fight choreography). Malcolm Ewen is the Stage Manager and Christine D. Freeburg is the Assistant Stage Manager.
American Buffalo plays December 3, 2009 - February 7, 2010 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. For more information and tickets visit www.steppenwolf.org.