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).
Running Time
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Watch & Listen
Ensemble members Amy Morton, Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble member Tracy Letts with Patrick Andrews
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble members Francis Guinan (Back to us), Amy Morton and Tracy Letts
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble member Amy Morton, Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble member Tracy Letts with Patrick Andrews and ensemble members Francis Guinan and Amy Morton
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble members Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
American Buffalo in Rehearsal
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.Ensemble member Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Tracy Letts
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble member Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Tracy Letts
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble member Tracy Letts with Patrick Andrews and ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble members Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Patrick Andrews with ensemble members Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble members Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Ensemble members Tracy Letts and Francis Guinan with Patrick Andrews
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Patrick Andrews with ensemble member Francis Guinan (foreground)ensemble member Tracy Letts (background)
credit: Michael Brosilow
American Buffalo in Production
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.Steppenwolf staff outside Merle's Place.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Actors David Pasquesi and Kurt Ehrmann with Casting Director Erica Daniels discuss the scenes from Mamet plays performed that evening.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Ensemble member Tracy Letts, currently performing in American Buffalo, with Director of Events Management Lori Davidson.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guest enjoyed mini barbeque sandwiches from Robinson's No. 1 Ribs.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Actors David Pasquesi and Kurt Ehrmann.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.DePaul students Stephen Carmody (far L) and Williams Wever (far R), who designed Merle’s Place, enjoying the event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.American Buffalo assistant director Jamie Abelson, cast member Patrick Andrews and Kevin O'Donnell.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Vintage beer signs decorated Merle's Place.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests read an investigative article placing American Buffalo in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Guests enjoy the EXPLORE event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.The scene outside Merle's Place
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of American Buffalo
Steppenwolf built a dive bar called "Merle's Place" in the Garage Theatre for the American Buffalo EXPLORE event. Guests enjoyed a short performance of scenes from three plays by David Mamet, food from Robinson's No.1 Ribs, and 70's tunes spun on vinyl by Toast and Jam's DJ Rachel Hinsdale.Steppenowlf Young Adult Council members host their first MaTEENée of the year
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Actor Patrick Andrews (Bobby) greats Young Adult Council members Viviani Valadez and Karen Valencia at the start of Saturday’s MaTEENée
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council member Claire Orzel eats dinner with MaTEENée guests before the discussion begins.
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Over fifty high school students congregate in the Steppenwolf Administrative Offices to discuss <em>American Buffalo</em>
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council member Safiya Nygaard facilitates a post-show discussion with ensemble member Francis Guinan (Don) and actors Kurt Ehrman (understudy Teach/Don) and Patrick Andrews (Bobby)
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council members lead a theatre exercise to explore the themes and ideas in the play.
credit: Lindsey Barlag
MaTEENée for American Buffalo
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of American Buffalo, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Amy Morton on Acting
Ensemble member and American Buffalo director Amy Morton discusses what makes great acting.Patrick Andrews Video Diary #1: Second Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal
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.Patrick Andrews Video Diary #2: Fourth Week of American Buffalo Rehearsal
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.Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author: David Mamet
- Directed by: ensemble member Amy Morton
- Scenic Design: Kevin Depinet
- Costume Design: Nan Cibula-Jenkins
- Lighting Design: Pat Collins
- Sound Design: Michael Bodeen
- Sound Design: Rob Milburn
- Original Music: Michael Bodeen
- Original Music: Rob Milburn
- Stage Manager: Malcolm Ewen
- Assistant Stage Manager: Christine D. Freeburg
Featured Ensemble Members
The Cast
Program Articles
Open the script of American Buffalo and you'll find the setting simply reads "Don's Resale Shop. A junkshop."
Set Designer Kevin Depinet on the creation of the American Buffalo set
American Buffalo, David Mamet's 1975 play, set in Chicago, is the second production in our season of belief.
Director Amy Morton and Tracy Letts discuss American Buffalo with David New
Theater is a series of ongoing interpretations.