Theater Review: Riveting ‘Buffalo’ In New Milford

There is not a cable or streaming series today that doesn’t owe a great debt to playwright David Mamet. He was one of the first major writers to employ the writing device of rapid fire, naturalistic, overlapping dialogue.

One of Mamet’s very first plays to garner him attention and acclaim was American Buffalo in 1975. That play is currently being brought to life on the Theatreworks New Milford stage in a riveting new production.

Set in a Chicago junk shop, the show centers around an American Buffalo nickel. The shop owner Donny (played by Aaron Kaplan) has just sold the nickel, way under value to a customer.

When he realizes he can sell the nickel for a much higher price, he, along with his protege Bobby (Jim Hipp) decide to steal it back. A friend of Donny’s, affectionately nicknamed “Teach,” drops in and wants in on the plan.

What follows is an intense, profanity-laden two-hour master class in acting.

While it’s debatable whether Mamet’s play and some of its language and attitudes still holds up in this day and age, what is not debatable is the work and care put into this production.

Director Francis A. Daley, who also stepped into the role of “Teach” at the last minute when the production lost an actor, helped breathe new life into the play. Plays with so few cast members can be challenging and sometimes tedious to watch, yet this captivating production flies by in no time at all.

It is a joy to watch three actors at the top of their game spar with each other and bring nuance to their characters.

Kaplan, who might be giving the best performance of his life (or at least that audiences can recall in recent years), really explores the complexities of Donny, the junk shop owner. Torn between loyalty to himself, his old friend and his protege Bobby, it is fascinating to watch his internal struggle.

As Bobby, Jim Hipp brings a delightful naivety to the role, ultimately setting up the shocking climax in Act 2. While Hipp doesn’t have as much stage time as the other characters, he makes the most out of every second spent on stage. Every word and every movement was justified.

Despite taking on the role only recently, Daley also gives an impressive performance. The intensity he brings to the role is intimidating. The steady build of emotion throughout the play until his character finally loses it in Act 2 is something to behold.

The fourth character in this show is the set itself. The detail put into the set by Production Designer Leif Smith is second to none, making the audience want to explore every nook in the shop and maybe even purchase something themselves.

This is definitely not a play for the kiddos, but if you’re looking for a beautifully acted, meticulously staged play to stimulate conversation, this is it.

TheatreWorks New Milford’s production of American Buffalo runs to March 15. Tickets and more info can be found at theatreworks.us.