American Buffalo (1977), a play by David Mamet. [ Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 135 perf.; NYDCC Award.] Don Dubrow (Kenneth McMillan), the owner of a junk shop, his “gofer,” Bobby (John Savage), and the small‐time crook Walter “Teach” Cole (Robert Duvall) plan to rob a customer they believe to have a valuable coin collection. Instead they get to fighting among themselves, and the burglary never takes place. Critical reaction may have been divided about the script and its colorful dialogue filled with expletives, but the razor‐sharp performances were generally lauded, as was Santo Loquasto's set filled with appliances, furniture, and equipment piled high and creating a cavelike atmosphere. A 1981 revival featuring Al Pacino as Teach was a hit on Broadway and returned in 1983, but a London production with William H. Macy in the role was less successful Off Broadway in 2000.

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre. Copyright © 2004 by Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.