ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER PUSHES BUTTONS IN DAVID MAMET’S RACE
The Pulitzer Prize winner takes on racial and sexual politics in a
scathing courtroom thriller
Orlando, FL – Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF continues its 2012-2013 season with David Mamet’s newest play, Race, directed by Thomas Ouellette. Fresh from a successful run on Broadway, Mamet’s ruthless and gripping courtroom comedy makes its Orlando debut at Orlando Shakes. Ouellette helms an accomplished cast of four, including Jim Ireland (Yankee Tavern and The Glass Menagerie at Orlando Shakes, The Shawl at Jewish Rep), Stella Heath (Romeo and Juliet at Orlando Shakes, The Fantasticks at St. Louis Repertory), Richard B. Watson (My Fair Lady at Sacramento Music Circus,Devil’s Disciple at Irish Rep), and Keith Hamilton Cobb (“Gene Rodenberry’s Andromeda”, “All My Children”, Ruined at The Denver Center Theater Company). Race performs October 10 – November 11, 2012, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL). Tickets, priced at $16-$40, are on sale now (407) 447-1700 or http://orlandoshakes.org.
Race begins as a crime mystery, with two high-profile attorneys and the firm’s young associate scrambling to decide if they want to represent a wealthy white man accused of assaulting a black woman. In signature Mamet style, the play pushes buttons, exposing the dark underbelly of sexual and racial politics in the American justice system.
“Uncomfortable questions are raised in this play,” says Ouellette. “And David Mamet does it in an absorbing way—sharp, precise, right to the point. Race revives a conversation that is essential to each of us individually and collectively.”
The creative team for Race includes assistant director W. Robert Sherry, scenic designer Bert Scott, lighting designer Kevin Griffin, costume designer Denise R. Warner, and sound designer Britt Sandusky. Race is stage-managed by George Hamrah.
Orlando Shakes offers numerous events—many of which are presented free of charge—in association with Race that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while making a whole night out of their evening at the theater:
OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES
Opening Night pre-show chats provide audiences with the opportunity to further connect with the works on Orlando Shakes’ stages. Join Race director Thomas Ouellette in the Santos Dantin Studio Theater on Friday, October 12 from 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. as he explores the themes of the play and addresses audience questions.
After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 9:30 p.m.) and everyone is invited. Two Chicks and a Pot will provide delicious complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The night will also feature happy hour specials at our cash bar. No RSVP necessary.
PLAYSHOP
School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp for the duration of select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For Race, the service is available to all ticket buyers on October 19 at 8 p.m. for just $15 per child. Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 for tickets and information.
Race is made possible by CliftonLarsonAllen. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.
RACE fact sheet
WHAT: Race
WHO: By David Mamet | Directed by Thomas Ouellette
Race begins as a crime mystery, as two high-profile lawyers—Henry (Keith Hamilton Cobb) who is black, and Jack (Richard B. Watson) who is white—are called to defend a wealthy white client Charles (Jim Ireland) who is charged with the rape of an African American woman. The client admits that he was intimate with his accuser but vehemently denies the charges of rape, insisting that the sex was consensual and that he and the woman were in love. As the two lawyers mull over the potential pitfalls in accepting the case, they enlist the help of their new associate, Susan (Stella Heath), a black woman in her 20s. In the lawyers’ struggle to find the truth, their own prejudices are exposed, and they quickly discover that present-day racial and gender politics are as complex as the case in front of them.
WHERE:
Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Goldman Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803
WHEN:
October 10 – November 11, 2012
DATES AND PRICES:
Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm; Sunday at 2 p.m. – all seats $20, $30, $35
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. – all seats $30, $35, $40
Group Sales: 10% off groups of 10-19 / 20% off groups of 20+, ext. 265
Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:
Preview Dates: October 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.
Opening Date: October 12 at 8 p.m.
$20 Under 30: October 19 at 8 p.m.
Senior Matinees: October 17, 24, 31 and November 7 at 2 p.m.
PlayShop: October 19 at 8 p.m.
Caption Display: November 11 at 2 p.m.
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