Fred Sullivan's Busy Year Continues with 'American Buffalo'

Veteran actor Fred Sullivan is starring in the Gamm Theatre's production of the David Mamet classic "American Buffalo."

Sullivan plays Donnie Dubrow, the owner of a Chicago junk shop, who along with his friends, plot to rob a man of his valuable coin collection, including the rare Buffalo nickel.

Winner of the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play, "American Buffalo" was instantly hailed as a new American classic when it opened on Broadway in 1977. It was also nominated for two Tony awards.

"It's a hilarious, troubling, and moving play," Sullivan told EDGE. "American Buffalo" is a "subtle diatribe about capitalism and the hypocrisy of honor."

Sullivan first read the script many years ago when he was studying theater. "I enjoyed the energy and dark humor," Sullivan explained.

Sullivan will be sharing the stage with Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella, who directed Sullivan in "RED" in 2012. Sullivan won rave reviews for playing the famed artist Mark Rothko, a role he calls one of his favorites.

Sullivan is also reuniting with his "RED" co-star Marc Dante Mancini and Tyler Dobrowsky, who directed Sullivan in numerous productions at Trinity Repertory Company.

"We laugh until we cry every day," Sullivan said. "I love all these guys. (Working on this show) is a labor of love."

Sullivan grew up in Boston and studied theater at Hofstra University.

He has appeared in more than 120 shows at Trinity Rep. over a 32-year period, including "Julius Caesar," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Long Day's Journey into Night," "A Christmas Carol," and "A Flea in Her Ear."

Sullivan also teaches acting at Trinity Rep., which he calls "my artistic home and my identity."
As if that wasn't enough, Sullivan has performed in Boston with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.

2016 has been a busy year for Sullivan.

He directed the comedy "Breaking Legs" for Ocean State Theater Company, Shakespeare's "Winter's Tale" and "Arcadia," which enjoyed critical acclaim and a sold-out run at the Gamm. Sullivan recently played the role of Beau Lafayette in the southern gothic drama "Appropriate" at Trinity Rep.

Sullivan said he is honored to recite the words of "great writers" such as Tom Stoppard ("Arcadia") and Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, who wrote "Appropriate."

"It's a masterpiece," Sullivan said of the play, which deals with racism and family dysfunction. 2017 promises to be a busy one for Sullivan. He will be playing Bottom in Trinity Rep's production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in February, and will be directing the classic courtroom drama "Inherit the Wind" for Ocean State Theater Company in March.

"('Inherit the Wind') is a really wonderful play," Sullivan said. "Incredibly articulate." Sullivan has a great love for the many different characters he has portrayed through the years.

"They stay with you for the rest of your life," Sullivan added.

"American Buffalo" runs from November 17-December 18 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Tickets are $44 and $52; preview performances (November 17-20) are $33. Call 401-723-4266 or order online at gammtheatre.org.