Izzard, who also appeared in the London production of Mamet's The Cryptogram, succeeds James Spader in the role of attorney Jack Lawson. Haysbert succeeds Tony Award nominee David Alan Grier in the role of Henry Brown.
The duo join Afton C. Williamson in the role of Susan and original cast member Richard Thomas as Charles Strickland. Original cast member Grier and Kerry Washington departed June 13, while Spader exited June 20.
Mamet also directs his play, which began previews Nov. 17, 2009 and officially opened Dec. 6. Performances will continue through Aug. 21.
According to producers, Race concerns "three attorneys, two black and one white, [who] are offered a chance to defend a white man charged with a crime against a black woman."
Mamet elaborated on the plot in an interview with the New York Times. "In my play a firm made up of three lawyers, two black and one white, is offered the chance to defend a white man charged with a crime against a black young woman. It is a play about lies. All drama is about lies. When the lie is exposed, the play is over." Izzard made his Broadway debut in 2003 as Bri in Peter Nichols' Joe Egg. He earned an Olivier Award nomination for Eddie Izzard: Live at the Ambassadors. His stand-up evenings include Unrepeatable, Definite Article, Glorious, Dressed to Kill and Circle.
Haysbert's screen roles include "24," "The Unit," "Jarhead," "Breach," "Far from Heaven," "Love and Basketball," "Major League," "Waiting to Exhale" and "Now and Again."
The design team for Race includes Santo Loquasto (sets), Brian Macdevitt (lighting) and Tom Broecker (costumes). Race is produced by on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, Jam Theatricals, JK Productions, Peggy Hill & Nicholas Quinn Rosenkranz, Scott M. Delman, Terry Allen Kramer/James L. Nederlander, Swinsky Deitch, Bat-Barry Productions, Ronald Frankel, James Fuld Jr., Kathleen K. Johnson, Terry Schnuck, The Weinstein Company, Jay & Cindy Gutterman/Stewart Mercer and Marc Frankel.
Mamet's plays also include Glengarry Glen Ross (1984 Pulitzer Prize and New York Drama Critics Circle Award, 2005 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play), American Buffalo, Boston Marriage, November, Speed-the-Plow and The Cryptogram. He has penned the screenplays for such films as "The Verdict," "The Untouchables," "Wag the Dog" and his own adaptation of "Oleanna." He has twice been nominated for an Academy Award. He has written and directed ten films including "Homicide," "The Spanish Prisoner," "State and Main," "House of Games," "Spartan" and "Redbelt." His tense 1992 drama Oleanna made its Broadway debut last fall.
The Ethel Barrymore Theatre is located at 243 West 47th Street. For more information, visit RaceOnBroadway.com.
Tickets are available by visiting Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200.
