Andrews, Guinan and Letts Lay a Plan in Chicago's American Buffalo, Opening Dec. 13

By Kenneth Jones
13 Dec 2009

Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
Photo by Michael Brosilow

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's new production of David Mamet's American Buffalo, directed by Amy Morton, opens Dec. 13 after previews from Dec. 3. Patrick Andrews plays young Bobby opposite Steppenwolf ensemble members Francis Guinan as Don and Tracy Letts as Teach.

Morton, an actress and director, is also a Steppenwolf ensemble member. The drama about small-time crooks who plot a crime from a junk shop will play to Feb. 7, 2010, in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre at 1650 N. Halsted St., in Chicago.

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Morton received a 2008 Best Actress Tony nomination for Steppenwolf's August: Osage County on Broadway. Chicago actor-playwright Letts won the Pulitzer Prize for August: Osage County, which also featured Guinan in the original Chicago and Broadway cast.

According to Steppenwolf, "In a cluttered, run-down Chicago junk shop, three small-time crooks plot to steal a valuable buffalo nickel. 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."

Chicago-area native Mamet writes and directs 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 Morton). American Buffalo, from 1977, won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

The design team for American Buffalo includes Kevin Depinet (sets), Nan Cibula-Jenkins (costumes), Pat Collins (lights) and Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound and original music). Malcolm Ewen is the stage manager and Christine D. Freeburg is the assistant stage manager.

For tickets and more information call (312) 335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org.