Race: Eddie Izzard & Dennis Haysbert join cast

Two-time Emmy award-winning actor and stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard and the Golden Globe and SAG award nominated star of "24" and "The Unit," Dennis Haysbert, join the cast of David Mamet's new play Race on 21 Jun 2010.

Izzard assumes the role of 'Jack Lawson' and Haysbert the role of 'Henry Brown' from original cast members James Spader and David Alan Grier, respectively, who both played their final performance on 20 Jun 2010.

Izzard is no stranger to David Mamet, having originated the role of 'Del' in the 1994 world premiere of Mamet's 'The Cryptogram' at London's Ambassadors Theatre. Izzard made his Broadway debut as 'Bri' in 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg' for which he was nominated for a Tony. London theatre credits also include '900 Oneonta,' 'Edward II,' and 'A Day in the Death of Joe Egg.' Film credits include: "Secret Agent," "The Avengers," "Velvet Goldmine," "Valkyrie," "Rage, " "Oceans Twelve," a"Oceans Thirteen" and "Rage."

Haybert, who is making 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.

They join original cast member Richard Thomas (Charles Strickland) and new-comer Afton C. Williamson (Susan), who until last week was the show's understudy for the role of 'Susan,' previously played by original cast member Kerry Washington.

Race now features Eddie Izzard (Jack Lawson), Richard Thomas (Charles Strickland), Dennis Haysbert (Henry Brown) and Afton C. Williamson (Susan).

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.'