By Frank O’Donnell
On rare occasions, we’re offered a bit of theater where the piece perfectly matches the performer.
And that’s exactly what we’ve got with “Buyer & Cellar,” now on stage at the Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield, and coming soon to Warren’s 2nd Story Theater.
The premise of the one-man show is simple and fascinating: “Barbra Streisand has a secret mall in her basement. And this is the man who works there.”
Kevin Broccoli plays the man, Alex Moore. The play, written by Jonathan Tolins, is based on something Tolins read in Barbra Streisand’s 2010 book about designing her Malibu home, “My Passion for Design.”
Alex is an unemployed actor, hired to run the shopping mall that Barbra has built in her basement. As Alex, Broccoli is perfect. He makes it clear – as Alex – up front that he doesn’t do impressions, but he’ll be playing every character in the show.
As soon as he portrays Barbra, you see he’s not lying. She sounds more like Christopher Walken than anything else. James Brolin sounds a lot like Clint Eastwood. But this doesn’t detract – it actually makes the show funnier.
It’s a very well-written show, with some wonderfully funny lines and moments.
And it’s definitely in Broccoli’s wheelhouse. It’s full of snark – often seen as Broccoli’s stock-in-trade – and overflowing with behind-the-scenes showbiz references.
The show paints a picture of Barbra as a sad, lonely and vulnerable little girl, someone who desperately needs the friend she finds in Alex. Alex has stumbled into Barbra’s own little utopia, and he’s a little overwhelmed by it all.
The show is fast-paced, running at about 90 minutes without intermission. It’s expertly directed by Lara Hakeem, and wonderfully performed in every aspect by Broccoli.
Put this one on your must-see list.
