Race: Afton C. Williamson plays 'Susan'

Understudy Afton C. Williamson assumes the role of 'Susan' from 15 Jun 2010 in David Mamet's new play Race, taking over from original cast member Kerry Washington who played her final performance on 13 Jun 2010.

Race will mark Williamson's Broadway debut, she previously understudied on Broadway in 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone.'

The show now features James Spader (Jack Lawson), Richard Thomas (Charles Strickland), David Alan Grier (Henry Brown) and Afton C. Williamson (Susan).

Williamson is the first new member of Race's summer casting. On 22 Jun 2010 Two-time Emmy award-winning actor and stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard and Golden Globe nominee ("24", "The Unit") Dennis Haybert will join original cast member Richard Thomas.

Directed by David Mamet, Race made its world premiere at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where it opened on 6 Dec 2009, following previews from 16 Nov 2009. The drama is scheduled to play its final performance on 21 Aug 2010.

The play opened to mixed reviews. Lacks real dramatic tension (NY Times); Slick but slight (NY Daily News); Briskly entertaining (USA TYoday); Grows increasingly wobbly. (Variety)

Race tells the story of three attorneys, two black and one white,who are offered a chance to defend a billionaire white man charged with a crime against a black woman.

Race features scenic design by Santo Loquasti and lighting design by BBrian MacDevitt, and is produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel & Steve Traxler, the award-winning producers of 'Speed-The-Plow,' 'Glengarry Glen Ross' as well as 'August: Osage County' and 'Blithe Spirit.'