Linda Suttle directs a look at fame and fortune in 'Buyer and Cellar'

Clever star turn by John Hauser

Posted 11/1/17

Lights come up on a bench, placed in an empty hallway. Well-designed projection behind it shows in turn the exterior of a Malibu mansion and, later, the insides of sections of the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Username
Password
Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.

If you made a voluntary contribution in 2022-2023 of $50 or more, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one at no additional charge. VIP Digital Access includes access to all websites and online content.


Our print publications are advertiser supported. For those wishing to access our content online, we have implemented a small charge so we may continue to provide our valued readers and community with unique, high quality local content. Thank you for supporting your local newspaper.

Linda Suttle directs a look at fame and fortune in 'Buyer and Cellar'

Clever star turn by John Hauser

Posted

Lights come up on a bench, placed in an empty hallway. Well-designed projection behind it shows in turn the exterior of a Malibu mansion and, later, the insides of sections of the basement—which houses Barbra Streisand’s extravagant miniature shopping center.

Littleton-based director Linda Suttle has crafted a charming and engaging comedy from Jonathan Tollin’s cleverly-written one-person play, “Buyer and Cellar,” co-produced by Lowry’s Spotlight Theater and Theatre Or appearing through Nov. 11 at the John Hand Theater. The production is also part of the annual JAAM Festival.

Streisand published a well-publicized book in 2010 called “My Passion for Design,” which is the basis for this play. An article by Streisand appeared in the national British daily, The Telegraph, telling of a deprived childhood, without even a doll. Hence, the addictive behavior — now that she has millions at her disposal — buying everything she can think of. There’s a doll shop in that basement, with all the trimmings, including a doll named Fifi. And antiques, clothing, furniture, a frozen yogurt machine and much more, we learn.

Alex Moore (a very talented John Hauser), a good-looking unemployed young actor appears to tell us this is his new job, tending to Streisand’s collection of little shops that house her accumulations of stuff. He is to dust, polish and clean so all is at readiness should a customer — only Streisand — appear. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, he works his way through the collection, dusting, polishing, rearranging items, with conversation about some examples. He eagerly awaits the star’s eventual visit, which includes a funny haggling scene.

Hauser also impersonates a grumpy “gatekeeper” sort of person who hires him, pays him and offers lots of instructions, as well as his gay boyfriend and, eventually, the star herself. Really an impressive young talent. We’ll hope to see him in another role soon. (Vinny Thomas is his understudy.)

Sonya Ellingboe, review, Linda Suttle, Buyer and Cellar,

Comments

Our Papers

Ad blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an ad blocking plugin in your browser.

The revenue we receive from our advertisers helps make this site possible. We request you whitelist our site.