Nothing is black or white in this showbiz satire from the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of such shrewd contemporary classics as Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo.
Movie exec Bobby Gould's best buddy has just pitched him a crass action flick that's a surefire blockbuster. But Gould's gorgeous new secretary is pushing a "conscience" film—and she's got after-hours access that could sway his green light. Who's the real showbiz player? With biting comedy and fast-and-furious dialogue, Speed-the-Plow is Hollywood as only David Mamet can deliver.
"Stiletto-sharp and brilliant . . . . magnetically performed" San Francisco Chronicle
"A.C.T. does David Mamet proud . . . . a brilliant cast" San Francisco Examiner
"Let the punches fly, the blood flow, and the male bonding resume." Oakland Tribune
"Hollywood's shysters and hacks rarely have seemed this lethally funny." San Jose Mercury News
Made possible by
Koret Prologue*
January 8, 5:30 p.m.
Get inside the artistic process—come early for a preperformance discussion with director Loretta Greco and other members of the artistic staff.
Koret Audience Exchanges*
January 15, 7 p.m.
January 20, 2 p.m.
January 30, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors of Speed-the-Plow, moderated by a member of the A.C.T. artistic staff.
OUT with A.C.T.
January 16, 8 p.m.
LGBT night after a performance of Speed-the-Plow features a catered afterparty and a cast meet and greet. Visit www.act-sf.org/out for more information about how to subscribe to OUT nights.
*Discussions immediately follow the designated performance and are free for ticket holders. Please note that performance times vary.
Insight into the Play, the Playwright, and the Production
Each entertaining and informative issue of Words on Plays, A.C.T.'s in-depth performance guide series, contains a synopsis, advance program notes, study questions, and additional background information about the historical and cultural context of the play.
Words on Plays is available for purchase in the lobby of the theater during performances or online ($12 each + postage and handling). To subscribe to the full season ($70), call 415.749.2250.
Words on Plays Prepared by
Elizabeth Brodersen, Publications Editor
Michael Paller, Resident Dramaturg
Margot Melcon, Publications & Literary Associate
Ariel Franklin-Hudson, Publications & Literary Intern
Calling All Playwrights, Scribes, and Budding Dramatists!
A.C.T. recently hosted the David Mamet writing contest and the winners have been selected! We are proud to announce that the following winning scripts will be performed by members of A.C.T.'s world-renowned M.F.A. Program in Fred's Columbia Room, at the American Conservatory Theater, at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, January 25 and on Saturday, January 26.
Friday, January 28
Phone Home, by Molly Rhodes Night of the Living Dead - Deleted Scene, by Daniel Heath Eye of the Beholder, by Steven M. Salzman Gone with the Fuckin' Wind, by Gary Bolen The Mamet of Oz, by Brian MacDougall
Saturday, January 28
Glen Garry Glen Braveheart, by Aaron Van Gossen Mamet's When Harry Met Sally, by E. Kristin Carlson Oklaholeanna, by Vicki Anderson Danny and Bernard Backstage at the Dr. Phil Show, Jonathan Joy The Hal Variations, by Ross Peter Nelson Emerald City Takedown, by Dennis Charles
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