MARYSVILLE – Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts presents “American Buffalo” by David Mamet, Jan. 18-Feb. 3 at the Red Curtain Arts Center.

In a Chicago junk shop in the mid-1970s, three small-time crooks plot to rob a man of his coin collection, the showpiece of which is a valuable buffalo head nickel. These high-minded grifters fancy themselves businessmen pursuing legitimate free enterprise. But the reality of the three – Donny, the oafish junk shop owner; Bobby, a young junkie Donny has taken under his wing; and “Teach,” a violently paranoid braggart – is that they are merely pawns caught up in their own game of last-chance, dead-end, empty pipe dreams. Directed by William R. Cole, the play features performances by Scott B Randall (Donny), Michael G. McFadden (Teach) and Trey McGee (Bobby). The script contains strong adult language and scenes of intense violence and is not recommended for children. New York Times critic Frank Rich noted: “In American Buffalo, [Mamet] has created a deceptively small-scale tragedy that is packed with the power to explode the largest of American myths.” In its initial staging, the play won the Obie Award for Best New Play; the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play; the Drama Desk Award; and was nominated for two Tony awards.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the center, 9315 State Ave, Suite J.

Tickets are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors (62+), students and military personnel. For details go to www.redcurtainfoundation.org.