Synopsis

In a cluttered, run-down Chicago junk shop, 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. Steppenwolf directing credits include Dublin Carol, The Weir, The Pillowman, Love-Lies-Bleeding (also Kennedy Center) and Glengarry Glen Ross (also Dublin and Toronto).

Watch & Listen

  1. MaTEENée for American Buffalo

    MaTEENée for American Buffalo

  2. American Buffalo on Working with Amy Morton

    American Buffalo on Working with Amy Morton

  3. #036: Ensemble Member Tracy Letts on American Buffalo

    #036: Ensemble Member Tracy Letts on American Buffalo

  4. American Buffalo on the Character of "Teach"

    American Buffalo on the Character of "Teach"

  5. A Select Scene from American Buffalo: Scene 1

    A Select Scene from American Buffalo: Scene 1

  6. A Select Scene from American Buffalo: Scene 2

    A Select Scene from American Buffalo: Scene 2

  7. EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo

    EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo

  8. American Buffalo on the Character of "Bobby"

    American Buffalo on the Character of "Bobby"

  9. Patrick Andrews Video Diary #2: Fourth Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal

    Patrick Andrews Video Diary #2: Fourth Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal

  10. American Buffalo on the Character of "Donny"

    American Buffalo on the Character of "Donny"

  11. American Buffalo in Production

    American Buffalo in Production

  12. Patrick Andrews Video Diary #1: Second Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal

    Patrick Andrews Video Diary #1: Second Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal

  13. Tracy Letts on His Creative Process

    Tracy Letts on His Creative Process

  14. American Buffalo in Rehearsal

    American Buffalo in Rehearsal

  15. Amy Morton on Acting

    Amy Morton on Acting

  16. #017: Artistic Director Martha Lavey on the 2009-2010 Season

    #017: Artistic Director Martha Lavey on the 2009-2010 Season

Cast & Artists

The Artists

The Cast

Featured Ensemble Members

Program Articles

Letter from Artistic Director on American Buffalo

American Buffalo, David Mamet's 1975 play, set in Chicago, is the second production in our season of belief.

The Currency of a Classic

Director Amy Morton and Tracy Letts discuss American Buffalo with David New

Big Shoulders, Small Change: American Buffalo in Chicago

Open the script of American Buffalo and you'll find the setting simply reads "Don's Resale Shop. A junkshop."

Designer's Notebook

Set Designer Kevin Depinet on the creation of the American Buffalo set

Unfreezing the Play

Theater is a series of ongoing interpretations.

Buy Tickets

Tickets for this production are not currently on sale. Call 312-335-1650 for more information.

Running Time