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REVIEW: American Buffalo
The Abreact
Crooks' gamble is The Abreact's payoff
By Donald V. Calamia
For some theatergoers, the earthy wordplay, the often overlapping or clipped dialogue and the gritty characters that playwright David Mamet's packs into his scripts are a taste they never acquire. Yet it's those very same attributes that appeal to actors in search of a meaty and challenging role.
That's certainly what attracts them to Mamet's 1976 break-out drama American Buffalo, and The Abreact's riveting production now at the Zeitgeist Gallery and Performance Venue proves to be a top-notch showcase for three local performers.
"Things are not always what they seem," junkshop owner Don Dubrow (played by Joel Mitchell) says at the beginning of the play to the young, spaced-out junkie (Josh Campos) he's befriended. And all three of the story's "businessmen" should remember that important statement as the story progresses - as well as his follow-up warning: "You don't have friends in this life."
Don wasn't referring to the junk business in his advice to Bob, however; it was their side careers as petty thieves. Bob arrives with news that a man they believe owns a coin collection has left his house with a suitcase, which they believe means he's gone for the weekend. So the plan is for Bob to break in, steal the coins and return with them to Don.
The scheme begins to unravel with the arrival of Walter Cole, known on the streets as Teach (Chuck Reynolds). Nervous, tightly-wound and paranoid, Teach overhears parts of the plan and worms his way in - and pushes Bob out. But when Bob returns with a buffalo nickel to sell, and later, with news that their never-seen co-conspirator has been mugged, Walt and Teach suspect a double cross.
And it's that powerful confrontation that especially blew me away last Saturday night.
Director Adam Barnowski's decision to cast the short and slender Campos pays off well, as he is physically dwarfed by both Mitchell and Reynolds, which makes their extreme intimidation and his intense fear all the more palpable.
Mitchell, as the calmest member of the inept trio, allows us to watch his character's inner thoughts develop throughout the play. He's a master of the piercing look, and he uses it effectively in this production.
But it's Reynolds' explosive - yet tightly controlled - outburst that is most stunning. Even though everyone knows it's coming, its savagery will shock you. And then it will impress you.
The show's pacing and all of the choppy, overlapping dialogue are well handled by Barnowski and his three actors.
And the uncredited set design easily explains why Don needs a second source of income to find his slice of the American dream.
SHOW DETAILS:
The Abreact at the Zeitgeist Gallery and Performance Space, 2661 Michigan Ave., Detroit. Fri.-Sat., through March 15, plus Sun., March 2. Tickets: $10. For information: 313-247-5270 or www.theabreact.com
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