Northampton Community Colleges Theatre Department production of David Mamets classic 1975 dark comedy makes for intense and unsettling theater, driven by strong performances by the three performers.
The compelling play, in which which Mamet posits his scathing indictment of capitalism, runs through Jan. 29 at the Bethlehem Township school.
In "American Buffalo" which marked Mamets breakthrough, Chicago junk shop owner Don has just sold a rare buffalo nickel for $90, but becomes obsessed that he could have sold it for much more. In his world of gritters and double-dealing, he decides to steal the coin back with the help of his young protege Bobby. 
When Teach, Dons hot-headed poker buddy arrives on the scene, he manages to oust Bobby and insert himself into the plan. However, it soon becomes apparent that no one trusts anyone as the plan begins to fall apart.
The set by Brett Oliveira looks like they raided an actual junk shop with everything “ even including a kitchen sink “ piled on tables, benches and chairs. The effect of all that junk creates a chaotic feel that mirrors that chaos in the minds of the characters.
Director Bill Mutimer has chosen to stage the show with the audience on three sides “ the first time it has been done in NCCs Norman R. Roberts Lab Theatre. The result immerses the audience right in the midst of all that junk and forces the viewers to watch the action through junk. Likewise the actors must navigate through junk and interact with it, from Bobby cleaning up the mess from the poker game the night before to Teach toying with the merchandise from dolls and stuffed toys to a hog slaughtering tool.
As Don, Justin Ferguson imbues the character with a certain gravity. Fergusons Don is controlled but oozing frustration, and you can feel the anger simmering under the surface. He seems to be a father figure of sorts to Bobby, but is never actually very nice to the younger man who follows Don around like a puppy and jumps at his beck and call.
Andy Van Antwerps Bobby has a fresh-faced naivete and despite how he is treated by the others, is eager to be included. He is somewhat dim and keeps making mistakes, but is devoted to Don.
As Teach, Max Weatherhold arrives memorably on stage amid a volley of staccato f-bombs.
Wetherholds Teach is tighly-wound with barely contained nervous energy. He prowls around the set like a tiger ready to pounce. While Teach is a tinderbox ready to go up in flames, Don is restrained, but no less combustible. The violence that erupts seems almost inevitable.
Mamets language is startlingly crude, but serves to reflects the brutality of the characters lives.
The show is recommended for mature audiences.
Tickets are $5. Those with a valid NCC ID can attend at no charge with a donation of a non-perishable food item for NCC's HOPE Food Pantry for students.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27-28 and 2 p.m. Jan. 29.
For information, go to ncctix.org, or call 484-484-3412.