Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Where the buffalo roam

American Classics Theatre to present Mamet’s 'American Buffalo'


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

The American Classics Theatre will present David Mamet’s "American Buffalo" at the nexStage Theatre, starring, from left, Jamey Reynolds as Teach, Bostin Mitchell as Bobby and Steve D’Smith as Donny.

Actor and theater producer Jamey Reynolds found his way to the Wood River Valley eight years ago from California. He has performed in the valley's Shakespeare festival for six years and works mainly as a carpenter, which includes building sets for nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.

Reynolds had a successful theater company in Munich, Germany, and is a classically trained Shakespearean actor. A devotee to community theater, from acting to stage managing and much more, Reynolds has formed a new theater company called the American Classics Theatre, which will make its debut on Wednesday, April 15, at nexStage.

The company's first production will be David Mamet's "American Buffalo," directed by Dean Cerutti and produced completely, out of pocket, by Reynolds.

"'American Buffalo' is about business," Reynolds said. "The play refers to business with greed behavior and aimless goals."

"American Buffalo" is about three men—Don, played by Steve D'Smith, Bob, played by Bostin Mitchell and Teach, played by Reynolds—and another character, Fletcher, who does not appear in the play but has many references. The trio conspires to steal a coin collection, and through the process of planning they are embroiled in emotional conflicts, which include anger, betrayal and disloyalty. The theft conspiracy changes each character's relationship with the others and presents issues and problems that are tough to face.

"I chose a very small play to create a core group," Reynolds said. "Everyone in this play I would do anything for. We don't have personality problems and we really do extraordinary work."

Director Cerutti said "American Buffalo" is very contemporary for the valley.

"Mamet is a good writer," he said. "Directing it is similar to preparing for Shakespeare. I recognize the words and understand what the actors are saying, but there is an undercurrent to the language which drives the play. We have a good time figuring that out."

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com

Playbill

What: "American Buffalo" by David Mamet

Where: nexStage Theatre, Ketchum

When: Wednesday, April 15, 7 p.m. Preview and Pay What You Will

Friday, April 17 through Tuesday, April 21, 7 p.m.

Cost: $20 (no credit cards accepted)

Details: 726-4857




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