‘Buyer and Cellar:’ Tale of struggling actor’s job with Barbra Streisand brims with wit

First, this is not a true story, as the protagonist of “Buyer and Cellar” repeatedly stresses. Playwright Jonathan Tolins, a Barbra Streisand fan whose credits range from TV’s “Queer as Folk” to the Academy Awards, was inspired by the publication of Streisand’s 2010 book, “My Passion for Design.” In it she describes a “street of shops” built in the basement of her Malibu home, where she houses her collections of books, dolls, antiques and clothes.

The premise of the one-man show, now getting its local premiere from Queen City Theatre Co., is bizarre but intriguing. It’s about Alex More, an unemployed actor who claims not to fall into the Barbra-adoring gay man stereotype (don’t believe that for a moment), though his boyfriend, Barry, does. Alex is broke and desperate enough to take the odd job of manning the icon’s stores in the event that Babs wants to go shopping in her own basement.

Kudos to Joe Rux, who takes on the role of Alex and the voice of three others. Alex realizes the ridiculousness of his job, but for the love of Yentl, guess who might walk through the door? As he becomes immersed in Streisand’s belongings – because, really, what else does he have to do alone in the basement all day? – he shares the details with Barry.

Barry, who grew up in Brooklyn, both loves and resents Babs, who he believes has a vendetta against Brooklyn and an inability to move past her childhood unhappiness despite success. Plus he cannot stand that his boyfriend seems to have an actual relationship with the woman who has received an Oscar, Grammy, Tony, Golden Globe, Peabody Award, National Medal of Arts and France’s Legion of Honor.

Or does he?

Rux voices three roles in addition to Alex. Sharon is the droll Streisand employee who hires him. Rux lends a deep and serious voice to Barry. And finally, though he initially denies that he will impersonate Barbra, he does, with a distinctive Brooklyn accent and a simple hand motion. She’s his most charming character.

The play’s wit ebbs and wanes, and Rux’s comic timing reflects that. The more you know about Streisand and theater and movie history, the more you will enjoy the dialogue. References range from “Gypsy” to “Mildred Pierce” to TV’s “Hazel.” But an abundance of other themes are explored, including the repercussions of childhood insecurity and the impact of fame on behavior and friendship. A breakdown of the plot of “The Mirror Has Two Faces” is both amusing and insightful.

Glenn T. Griffin’s direction and sound design are effective. A poignant doorbell signifies that Streisand has arrived; it works like a Pavlovian signal to excite the audience as well as Alex. The stage design is sparse, with every piece is a brilliant white. The play has moments of hilarity, but it is not hilarious. It’s sure to please theater insiders and Streisand lovers.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 3:53 PM with the headline "‘Buyer and Cellar:’ Tale of struggling actor’s job with Barbra Streisand brims with wit."