Third Rail's upcoming production, David Mamet's American Buffalo, is what we call a "three-hander." The three characters in Buffalo are pawnshop-owner Don (our good friend Bruce Burkhartsmeier), his "associate" Teach (company member Tim True), and the street-smart "kid" Bob, to be played by Portland newcomer Brian Weaver. You may have already seen Brian at Portland Playhouse, the theatre company he founded with his wife Nikki and brother Michael, now in its second season. That young company is building a great reputation, and as reported recently in The Oregonian, there has already been some "cross-pollination" between our two companies.

We're happy to have Brian making his Third Rail debut in American Buffalo. We recently checked in with him about rehearsals and his character in the show.

Third Rail: So how long have you been in Portland? Did you come here knowing that you wanted to start Portland Playhouse?

Brian Weaver: Nikki and I moved to Portland in August 2008 to get married and start a theatre. We chose Mt. Hood Organic Farm as our wedding spot, complete with Northwest cuisine, brew from Double Mountain, wine from the gorge, and our spaniel Frida as the ring bearer. Sounds like we'll fit right into P-town, right? We honeymooned 3 days at Breitenbush, came back to Portland and held auditions 2 days later.

TR: Bobby, your character in American Buffalo, is a young man of very few words, and not much is provided in the script in terms of his history. Has this made rehearsals more challenging for you?

BW: I love the challenge of figuring out what's going on in Bobby's head. The first time I read the play I didn't know he was a heroin addict. Mamet gives us little [clues about] the large events that are shaping how these characters act. Most of these events, especially for Bobby, happen off stage. Add the fact that the characters also lie about what happens off stage, and it takes some genuine detective work to create our circumstances.

TR: In what way(s) do you feel the closest to your character?

BW: Well, I am a drug user. Just kidding. Bobby's a people pleaser and so am I. I just want everyone to like me.

TR: American Buffalo is being directed by Danny Stern, who has a high-profile acting and directing career. Has knowing this this had an impact on your work in rehearsals?

BW: Danny's a generous and passionate director. I think those are the qualities that push me to do my best work in rehearsals. He encourages us to throw ourselves into the intensity of the play and learn about it from the inside. Danny's fame has a larger impact after rehearsal, because bars give us free drinks.

TR: What has your biggest surprise in rehearsals been, so far?

BW: What Danny has planned for the ending. It will be quite something to watch!

Man, we can hardly wait. Don't miss Brian, Bruce, and Tim as they tear into this great script. Thanks Brian, we'll see you soon. And for the record, we like you.