Race: Dennis Haysbert, first new cast member

The producers of David Mamet's new play Race will welcome Dennis Haysbert, the Golden Globe and SAG award nominated star of "24" and "The Unit," from 21 Jun 2010.

Haybert, who is naking his Broadway debut, plays 'President David Palmer' on FOX's TV series "24" for which he received his first Golden Globe Nomination. Haysbert returned to television starring in his own series "The Unit" for CBS. He was most recently seen on the big screen in the Universal film "Breach" opposite Ryan Phillppe, Chris Cooper and Laura Linney, and in the Sam Mendes' film "Jarhead" for Universal Pictures. He just completed shooting the feature film "The Details," once again teamed up with Oscar-nominated actress Laura Linney, along with Tobey McGuire, and Elizabeth Banks.

Race, currently stars James Spader, Richard Thomas, Kerry Washington and David Alan Grier.

Additional casting for the show's summer run will be announced shortly.

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 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.'