American Buffalo: It is reported that Cedric the Entertainer will make his Broadway debut in Mamet revival

Michael Riedel of the New York Post reports that Cedric the Entertainer, one of the 'Original Kings of Comedy,' will make his Broadway debut, starring alongside John Leguizamo in the revival of David Mamet's American Buffalo, directed by Robert Falls, beginning performances on Broadway in Oct 2008, at a theatre to be announced.

Cedric the Entertainer is both an actor and stand up comedian. As a comic he toured with 'The Kings of Comedy' show, and was one of the acts on Spike Lee's film 'The Original Kings of Comedy.' His film credits include: 'Dr. Dolittle 2,' 'Barbershop,' 'Barbershop 2,' and many others.

American Buffalo tells the story of 'Don Dubrow,' (Cedric the Entertainer,) the owner of a junkshop, who decides along with his assistant 'Bobby' and his friend 'Teach,' (John Leguizamo) to rob a customer who they think owns a coin collection. However, their plans stir up their own rivalries.

The role of Bobby is still to be cast.

American Buffalo, the first of Mamet's plays to be performed on Broadway, had its Broadway premiere in 1977, directed by Ulu Grosbard, it starred Robert Duvall as 'Teacher' and Kenneth McMillan as 'Donny Dubrow.' It was first revived in 1983, directed by Arvin Brown, and featured Al Pacino as 'teacher' and 'J. J. Johnston' as 'Donny Dubrow.'

American Buffalo is the second David Mamet play to be revived on Broadway this season, Speed-the-Plough is to begin performances at the Belasco Theatre from 3 Oct 2008.

Mamet's other Broadway credits include: 'The Water Engine / Mr. Happiness' (1978), 'Glengarry Glen Ross' (1984, revival 2005), Speed-the-Plow (1988) and 'The Old Neighborhood' (1997). 'November' (2008).

Robert Falls (director), the artistic director of Chicago's Goodman Theatre, won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Direction for his work on 'Death of a Salesman' (1999 revival) and was nominated for a Tony in 2003 for his direction of 'Long Day's Journey Into Night' (2003 revival).

Falls other Broadway credits include: 'Talk Radio' (2007), 'Aida' (2000), 'The Young Man from Atlanta' (1997), 'The Night of the Iguana' (1996 revival), 'The Rose Tattoo' (1995 revival) and 'The Speed of Darkness' (1991).