RIDGEFIELD — In the eat-or-be-eaten world of 1970s Chicago real estate, fast talking brokers would sell their mother worthless swamp land just to score a closing.  Nowhere is this pressurized environment portrayed more fully than in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Glengarry Glen Ross, now in performances at Ridgefield Theater Barn.

In a dreary storefront real estate office and a cheap Chinese restaurant, a collection of desperate brokers, marshaled by office manager Williamson (Mensah Robinson), grovel and connive to “get on the board” — real estate speak for being the top closing brokers, thereby recipients of the new and best leads. It is a vicious cycle: no closings, not on the board, no leads, no closings.

Williamson keeps count of the numbers and contracts, parsing out the leads and rewards to the highest grossing closers, wielding the power afforded him by the two absentee owners of the firm, to determine who keeps their job and who is sent to pasture.

Mamet’s distinct, intentionally fast paced, choppy delivery of harsh, funny and slick dialogue heightens the stakes and adds to the tension.

Pathetic and tragic Shelly Levine (played by Joe Harding) is clinging by a thread to the job he has lost his knack for yet will go to any length to keep, in order to support his sickly daughter. Dave Moss (Robert Hennessey) is a hyped up conman with a scheme he sells, using clever double speak, to an unwitting George Aaronow (David Bass).

Lead salesman Richard Roma (Aaron Kaplan) has no moral compass when it comes to staying on the top of the board to earn the prize Cadillac he craves. Totally snowballing James Lingk (Steven A. Mueller) in order to come out the big winner, Roma will stop at nothing.

A burglary at the office brings in Officer Baylen (Todd Santa Maria) to investigate, and the true colors of this nefarious sales team are revealed. It is scary good.

There is not a false note in this production. It is superbly directed by Katherine Ray, on an authentically drab office set also of her design.

Every one of these cast members brings their best game. They are convincing and have mastered the Mamet styled dialogue to perfection. It is a true ensemble effort, yet each is a justifiable standout.

Joe Harding’s Shelly is poignantly portrayed as the tragic figure of a man at the end of his rope. Hoping to reclaim his former acumen, Harding fully reveals the depth of despair his character has reached.

Mensah Robinson gives Williamson an officious manner with a pliable conscience. He demonstrates his character’s duality subtly and effectively.

David Bass, as the gullible and jittery George Aaronow, is just terrific. His fluster and fumbling are perfection.

Playing the scheming David Moss, Robert Hennessey is both comedic and cruel, delivering a powerhouse performance. 

The charged up Richard Roma is played so incredibly well by Aaron Kaplan that he could convince anyone his heart is made of gold while he sells the rug out from under you. Kaplan’s energy and commitment is exceptional.

Rounding out the cast is the meek and vulnerable James Lingk, soulfully portrayed by Steven A. Mueller. Todd Santa Maria provides a terrific character with some wry facial expressions with his Baylen.

“Always be closing” is the directive for these guys.  Get out there and sell!  Get out there, buy a ticket and see this.  It’s a once in a lifetime offer, this time for real.

Performances continue weekends to November 28. Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; with Sunday afternoon matinees, at 2, on November 15 and 22.

Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for students and veterans.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, at 37 Halpin Lane in Ridgefield, can be reached for tickets or additional information at 203-431-9850 or ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.