Buyer & Cellar

Christopher J Hanke in Buyer & Cellar. Photo By Joan Marcus.

In 2010, Viking Books published My Passion for Design by Barbara Streisand. The book is described as “a culmination and reflection of Streisand's love of American architecture and design," and features photos of her personal furniture and art collection. Streisand tells readers about the shopping mall she has built in her basement to store her stuff. Playwright Jonathan Tolins was inspired by the thought of this shopping centre in Streisand’s basement, and what it would be like to work in the mall. Buyer & Cellar tells the story of Alex More, a struggling actor in L.A, who takes that job.

Christopher J. Hanke is hilarious as Alex. He’s your gay best friend, deliciously witty and a fantastic storyteller. Hanke steps with ease and clarity between the characters he’s portraying and maintains high energy throughout the 100-minute production. The simple white set is transformed by lighting into multiple locales, such as Bee’s Doll Shop, the Gift Shoppe and the main house. Hanke provides a cast of cameos in the one-man show, including Alex’s boyfriend Barry, James Brolin and of course, Barabara Streisand. “Mmmmm, it’s so good” (said in my best Streisand impersonation).

Don’t miss the brilliantly funny Buyer & Cellar at the Panasonic Theatre through November 30th. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.