American Buffalo Launches "Backstage" Web Series

By Andrew Gans
October 20, 2008

A new web series following the upcoming Broadway revival of American Buffalo through its rehearsal process is now available for on-line viewing.

"American Buffalo: Backstage," according to press notes, "presents audiences with a rare view of what really happens backstage, in rehearsal, and outside of rehearsal on a major production. In addition to footage shot by the cast, the series features interviews with the cast, producers, and members of the production's creative team." A new video will be released daily.

Directed by Robert Falls, American Buffalo is scheduled to begin previews at the Belasco Theatre Oct. 31 with an official opening Nov. 17. The cast of the Chicago-set tale features John Leguizamo, Cedric the Entertainer and "Sixth Sense" Oscar nominee Haley Joel Osment.

American Buffalo, according to press notes, "follows three small-time crooks who wax philosophically about society while conspiring to steal a rare and valuable coin from a neighborhood collector. Volcanic and motor mouthed Teach (Leguizamo) schemes and spars with fatherly, street-smart junk shop owner Donny (Cedric the Entertainer) enlisting Bobby (Osment), a slow-witted and desperate young delinquent, to carry out their misbegotten robbery."

David Mamet's 1976 Obie Award-winning play, American Buffalo, originally opened at Chicago's Goodman Theater. The play established Mamet's reputation when it ran on Broadway in 1977 with a cast that featured Robert Duvall, John Savage and Kenneth MacMillan. It was revived by Al Pacino at the Booth Theatre in 1983. A 2000 Off-Broadway revival at Atlantic Theatre Company starred William H. Macy as Teach. A 1996 film starred Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Franz.

Viewers may access the web series by visiting www.youtube.com/americanbuffalo2008, www.myspace.com/americanbuffalobroadway or www.americanbuffalobroadway.com.