'Buffy' Star Tom Lenk Leads BUYER & CELLAR, Opening Tonight at Pittsburgh Public Theater

Pittsburgh Public Theater's 40th anniversary Season of Legends concludes with the Pittsburgh premiere of Jonathan Tolins' one-man comedy, Buyer & Cellar. Directed by Don Stephenson (Noises Off last season), Buyer & Cellar runs now through June 28, 2015 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.

Tolins was inspired to write this hilarious fictional account after reading Barbra Streisand's real book, My Passion for Design, about decorating her lavish Malibu estate. The part that interested Tolins most was the "street of shops" that Barbra constructed in her cellar. Included are a gift shop, vintage clothing boutique, Bee's Doll Shop, and an antiques emporium. Instead of just storing the stuff she collects in her basement, she created a faux mall. Tolins decided that she needed a clerk to work there and wait on its only customer... Barbra herself.

Tom Lenk will play that clerk, an out-of-work actor named Alex More. Lenk is best known as Andrew in the TV hit "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and has appeared in numerous projects directed by Joss Whedon, as well as many other TV shows and movies. Lenk also starred on Broadway in the musical Rock of Ages, and performs often at Los Angeles' best comedy venues, including Upright Citizens Brigade and Comedy Central Stage.

In addition to the character of Alex, Lenk will conjure Barbra, her assistant, Alex's boyfriend Barry, and even Barbra's husband James Brolin. The budding relationship between the starstruck employee and the superstar leads to penetrating insights about celebrity culture - and plenty of laughs.

The designers for Buyer & Cellar are Michael Schweikardt (Scenic), Ted Pappas (Costumes), Stephen Terry (Lighting), Zach Moore (Sound), and Shawn Duan (Projections). Fred Noel is the Production Stage Manager.