Overview
Synopsis
Don, the owner of a small-time pawnshop, and Bob, his drug-addicted sidekick, are planning a burglary. But when Teach, a volatile associate of Donny’s, hears them talking about the burglary, he wants in and he wants Bobby out. This sets off a conflagration of mistrust among the three men, with suspicions of double-crossing and lies. Their friendships are tested while they plot to steal a valuable collection of coins. American Buffalo is Mamet's first major play and still one of his most produced.
Show Information
- Book
- David Mamet
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1975
- Genres
- Drama
- Time & Place
- Friday morning and night, Don’s Resale Shop
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- All-Male Cast, College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Young Adult Characters
Context
American Buffalo was first produced at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, on November 23, 1975. The play went on to open on Broadway in February 1976 and won the 1977 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play. The original Broadway production starred Robert Duvall as Teach, and other revivals have featured actors Al Pacino and John Leguizamo in the same role. This play is considered to be David Mamet’s most produced play and there is a film version of the same name that
to read the context for American Buffalo and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
ACT ONE
On a Friday morning, Donny, the owner of a small-time pawn shop, and Bobby, his drug-addicted sidekick, are arguing about a stakeout. Bob was supposed to be watching “the guy” but left his post. He apologizes to Don, but Donny doesn’t accept Bobby’s apology. Don wishes Bob would be more like their friend Fletcher, who Donny thinks is a true man of action. Donny recounts how Fletcher won $400 at their poker game last night while playing against Earl, Don’s gambling buddy, Ruthie, a
to read the plot for American Buffalo and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Emma Houlahan
Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.