The one-man show “Buyer & Cellar,” put on by Phoenix Theatre, addresses a question not many of us have asked: What if Barbra Streisand had a shopping mall in her basement — and you had to work there?
Well, at least the first part is true. The latter, however, is a collection of hilarious fictional anecdotes about this unlikely situation.
Alex, our window into the star’s world, is played by Toby Yatso, Phoenix Theater’s own artist-in-residence. Alex’s experiences with Streisand illustrate the struggle many young people have deifying celebrities. He attaches himself to her with a deep emotional bond, not recognizing the employer/employee relationship. In this farcical delusion, he loses sight of reality and endangers his real relationships outside the illustrious grounds of the Streisand Estate.
Inspiration for such a personal view of Streisand stems from an encounter writer Jonathan Tolins once had with the star backstage at a show. He was quite nervous, and she offered him part of her candy bar — a Kit-Kat bar — as a friendly gesture. His nerves getting the better of him, he did not accept the token of goodwill.
Tolins regrets having turned down the opportunity, yet he was touched by Streisand’s humanity. He used this instance as a basis for her character. She was deep, passionate and kind to Alex, treating him with respect and graciousness. Alex perceives this as true friendship and ultimately finds out how human his idol is.
Yatso portrays a number of characters, all unique, each with their distinctive quirks and comical idiosyncrasies. Yet his characters do not come off as caricatures. He is not impersonating Streisand, but simply channeling aspects of her personality into this fantasy.
Yatso’s fast-paced performance brings to life this fantastical journey in and out of Barbra’s life. His full-body comedy, expressive voice and excellent diction present him as a distinguished storyteller.
Comedic timing seemed to come effortlessly to Yatso as he ran through jokes. He has a magnetic personality, which shines throughout his work. He says his goal is to bring his absolute best to every moment, whatever that moment may call for.
The setting, a Mainstreet USA shopping plaza staged in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu home, comes directly out of Streisand’s 2010 book My Passion for Design. Staging of the production was simple: two chairs, a table and various projected background images.
The images give cultural references or are simple walls, with exception of the basement shopping mall itself. The background image provided for the shopping mall is only a blueprint of these shops, for the audience and the actor to fill with their own ideas of what the space really is. The real setting was in the sound, in the music and effects that created the mood and set the tone.
Director Ron May used Yatso’s energy to captivate audiences with a specific purpose in mind.
“Barbra Streisand fans, I think, will walk out with an even bigger appreciation for (her) than they did when they walked in,” May said.
This lively play takes the audience on a wild ride that will challenge your perceptions along the way.
“Buyer & Cellar” is playing at Phoenix Theatre from April 15 to May 3. For more information visit: http://www.phoenixtheatre.com/
Contact the author at Samemccrory@gmail.com.
Contact the columnist at mbilker@asu.edu.
