In "American Buffalo," Students and Professors Act Together
The latest CSU theatre production differs from most because it incorporates faculty in the cast. “American Buffalo” follows Don, played by Professor Larry McDonald, the proprietor of a junk shop in Chicago. Together, he and his lackey Bob, (played by senior Desi Evans) plan to steal an American Buffalo nickel that Don feels was he was cheated out of. Teach, a poker buddy of Don’s played by Professor David Turner, enters the shop and learns of the heist, and conflict begins to brew. This play is a perfect example of David Mamet’s signature writing style, featuring a vulgar, coarse and poetic language.
This faculty showcase is a celebration of the theatre department's ten years in their current building, the Riverside Theatre Complex. Before this, the theatre department was located in the Davidson auditorium.
Desi Evens said that he was incredibly honored to act alongside the men that taught him how to act. He has taken classes with both Professor McDonald and Professor Turner, and he found it interesting to see them put their lectures into practice. He said that his favorite thing about the theatre department is the Yancy Center at One Arsenal.
“They used this building to make war machines in the past, but now we use it to make art for the future.”
His favorite thing about the Riverside Theatre Complex is working in actual theatre spaces. In high school, Desi’s theatre department preformed in an empty classroom with little more than curtains around the edges and regular fluorescent lights. He says that here, students get a chance to work in a professional environment with professional equipment.
Dr. Larry Dooley, director of “American Buffalo” and theatre department chair, said that celebrating with a faculty showcase is the perfect way to show what the department is capable of, especially since the show features the two primary acting professors and one of their protégés. “It is important for our students to not only see us as professors but also in our element, practicing our craft,” he insisted.
American Buffalo is showing in the Black Box Theatre at the the Riverside Theatre Complex from Thursday February 2 through Saturday February 4. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets go on sale at 6 p.m. or you can pre-purchase tickets online at https://theatre.columbusstate.edu/.
