American Buffalo Will Require Audiences to Wear Masks Through Entire Run

Featured Shows

Broadway News American Buffalo Will Require Audiences to Wear Masks Through Entire Run

This news comes as the Broadway League made masks optional for Broadway audiences beginning July 1.

By Raven Brunner

June 24, 2022

Sam Rockwell, Darren Criss, and Laurence Fishburne Richard Termine

The star-studded revival of David Mamet's American Buffalo will require audiences to wear masks throughout the entirety of its run due to the close proximity between the audience and the actors, despite the Broadway League's lifting of the mask mandate for Broadway performances beginning July 1.

The production, starring Laurence Fishburne as Donny, Sam Rockwell as Teach, and Darren Criss as Bobby, opened April 14 at Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre for a limited engagement though July 10. By its closing, the production will have played 101 performances and 27 previews.

The play follows three small-time hustlers in search of the American Dream. First premiering on Broadway in 1977, the show received two Tony Award nominations. It has gone on to be revived off-Broadway in 1981 and 2000, and on Broadway in 1983. This current production received four nominations during the 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play, Best Direction of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Play, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (for Rockwell).

Led by director Neil Pepe, the creative team is comprised of set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Dede Ayite, and lighting design by Tyler Micoleau.