“American Buffalo” on Broadway - My Review
American Buffalo on Broadway
The play begins with Don, an affable junk shop owner (played by Cedric the Entertainer) offering the slow-witted Bob (Haley Joel Osment) a few pointers on life.
The “Mamet speak” is there, but it’s not until John Leguizamo kicks through the junk shop door, bursting out an indignant harangue over an incident involving a “c*nt” named Ruthie and a slice of toast, that the audience realizes they’re in for a profanity-laden treat.
The play, originally written in 1976, is being cleverly re-branded as a hip “heist” movie, which – for those of you who are familiar with the play – it’s clearly not. This a 3-man play that takes place entirely within the tight (but stunningly decorated!) confines of a junk shop. The theft of the rare, valuable “American Buffalo” coin is strategized (and re-strategized) – but never really executed.
Director Robert Falls prevents the play from becoming an intellectual snooze-fest morality tale on American capitalism and greed by casting fresh, multi-ethnic, multi-talented actors lead by veteran motor-mouthed stage/screen actor John Leguizamo.
Leguizamo’s sensational performance got the most love from the audience on the night I saw the play. He dazzles as Teach, the obscenity-spewing small time crook who thinks he’s a philosopher. Leguizamo brings life to Teach (and Mamet’s words) with his signature zany humor. But I must say that I was disappointed with his subdued delivery during a final, pivotal scene.
Broadway virgins Cedric the Entertainer and Haley Joel Osment held their own against Leguizamo. Stand-up king Cedric the Entertainer makes junk shop owner and theft mastermind Don Dubrow instantly likeable (but never admirable). Former child star Haley Joel Osment seemed the least comfortable in his role as the good-natured but dim junkie Bobby. Osment lacks his co-stars’ on-stage presence, and his performance – although earnest – was often borderline vacant.
Bottom line: “American Buffalo” is a wickedly funny play that takes on America’s obsession with money, and confronts the dangerous overlap between business and friendship. Captivating performance by John Leguizamo – a new Broadway force to be reckoned with.
For tickets and info, visit: www.AmericanBuffaloBroadway.com
This entry was posted on Saturday, November 15th, 2008 at 10:57 pm and is filed under New York City Events, Theater. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Termeh Mazhari November 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Unfortunately no!!! But it’s the next mobie on my Netflix queue…so I’ll get back to you on that one