Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2009-2010 season, an exploration of the theme of belief, with American Buffalo by David Mamet, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton.

American Buffalo features ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts with Patrick Andrews. American Buffalo plays Dec. 3, 2009 – Feb. 7, 2010 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.

The press performance is Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3pm.

In a cluttered, run-down Chicago junk shop, three small-time crooks plot to steal a valuable buffalo nickel. As the heist unravels, the men’s frustration and paranoia intensify.

Ensemble member Amy Morton directs this groundbreaking American play that weaves humor and menace throughout an emotionally charged struggle for identity and dominance.

World-renowned playwright and Chicago-area native David Mamet has a successful writing and directing career in theatre, film and television.

Steppenwolf has produced Mamet’s productions of The Water Engine and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Glengarry Glen Ross (also directed by ensemble member Amy Morton).

Amy Morton received a 2008 Best Actress Tony^® nomination for Steppenwolf’s August: Osage County on Broadway.  Her Steppenwolf directing credits include Dublin Carol, The Weir, The Pillowman, Love-Lies-Bleeding (also Kennedy Center) and Glengarry Glen Ross (also Dublin and Toronto).

The design team for American Buffalo includes: Kevin Depinet (sets), Nan Cibula-Jenkins (costumes), Pat Collins (lights), Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound and original music) and Rick Sordelet (fight choreography).  Malcolm Ewen is the Stage Manager and Christine D. Freeburg is the Assistant Stage Manager.

• Title: American Buffalo
• Playwright: David Mamet
• Director: ensemble member Amy Morton
• Featuring: ensemble members Francis Guinan (Don) and Tracy Letts (Teach) with Patrick Andrews (Bob)
• Location: Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted Street
• Dates: Previews: Dec. 3 – 12, 2009
• Press performance: Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3pm
• Opening: Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6pm
• Regular Run: Dec. 15, 2009 – Feb.7, 2010

Curtain Times:

• Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30pm
• (Sunday evening performances through Jan. 10 only)
• Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm
• Wednesday matinees on Jan. 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3 at 2pm

Note: there are no 7:30pm performances on Sunday, Dec. 13, Tuesday, Dec. 8, Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), Friday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) and Friday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day); there is no 3pm performance on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Ticket prices: Previews: $20-$53

Regular Run: $20-$77

Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances).  Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show.  Student discounts available.

Audience Services: 1650 N. Halsted St., 312-335-1650

Online ticketing available at steppenwolf.org

The American Buffalo Wine Tasting Night: Enjoy wine and food pairings from Vinci Restaurant while our DJ spins tunes in our balcony lobby:  Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 6pm. Tasting and performance cost $60 per person.  For tickets and additional information, contact Audience Services.

The American Buffalo MaTEENée performance for high school students will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 3pm. Tickets cost $15 and include: a ticket to the performance, lunch and a post-show discussion with actors featured in the production – hosted by Steppenwolf’s Young Adults Council.

Free post-show discussions are offered after every performance.

United Airlines is the corporate production sponsor of American Buffalo. Additional support for American Buffalo provided by The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

Steppenwolf is located near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible.  Street and lot parking are available.  Assistive listening devices are available for every performance.

American Buffalo is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

About the Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon.

The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through on-going group work.

Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of 42 artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting and textual adaptation.

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org.