Race plays final performance on Broadway

The world premiere of Race, Written and directed by David Mamet, plays its final performance at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 21 Aug 2010. The show, which recouped its entire $2.5 million investment in Apr 2010, played 23 previews and 296 regular performances

Race, which opened on Broadway starring James Spader (Jack Lawson), Richard Thomas (Charles Strickland), Kerry Washington (Susan) and David Alan Grier (Henry Brown) began previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 16 Nov 2009, and opened on 6 Dec for a limited engagment that was originally scheduled to close on 13 Jun 2010.

The play extended its run by a further two months through to 21 Aug 2010. The extended run saw Richard Thomas joined by three new members of cast Eddie Izzard (Jack Lawson), Dennis Haysbert (Henry Brown) and Afton C. Williamson (Susan/previously the roles u/s).

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.'