Ensemble Theater Company Opened Buyer and Cellar
The play features a one-man show about a fictional employee managing Barbra Streisand's private basement mall.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
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The Ensemble Theater Company has launched its production of Buyer and Cellar in Santa Barbara. The comedy stars Brian McDonald in a one-man show that premiered off-Broadway in 2013.
Why it matters
The play offers a comedic look at fame and obsession by imagining a private mall in a celebrity's basement. Written by Jonathan Tolins, it uses Barbra Streisand's real-life book of design as a narrative spark for the fictional story.
The production originated off-Broadway in 2013 and has been performed by actor Brian McDonald twice. The Santa Barbara run at the New Vic Theater is scheduled through October 25, 2026.
The players
Brian McDonald
He is the lead actor starring in the one-man production and performing all characters in the show.
Ensemble Theater Company
This is the professional theater organization hosting the play at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara.
Jonathan Tolins
He is the playwright who authored the comedy Buyer and Cellar.
Barbra Streisand
The legendary singer and actress serves as the narrative inspiration for the play's fictional premise.
The details
Actor Brian McDonald portrays the lead character Alex and performs every role in the production during a single conversation. The narrative centers on a man tasked with managing a fictional private basement mall belonging to Barbra Streisand.
Timeline
The production originally premiered off-Broadway in 2013.
Preview nights for the production were held on October 8 and October 9, 2026.
The official premiere of the play occurred on October 10, 2026.
The final performance date for the production is October 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This production follows the pattern established by the 2013 off-Broadway premiere of Buyer and Cellar. Local theater companies frequently secure rights to acclaimed off-Broadway hits to bolster their seasons and attract audiences with proven narrative concepts.
Theatergoers in Santa Barbara can attend the performance at the New Vic Theater throughout the duration of its limited run. Tickets are required for entry to the scheduled shows ending October 25.
The takeaway
The play provides a unique example of how playwrights adapt existing celebrity myths into stage comedy. Audiences can enjoy the challenge of a one-man show where the performer manages multiple personalities simultaneously.
What happens next
The production run is scheduled to conclude with its final performance on October 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local performances, visit the Arts Theater section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCLU.
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