Review: Mamet’s ‘Race’ a breath of fresh air
By Betty Mohr Theater Review/bettybmohr@aol.com February 8, 2012 3:12PM
Jack Lawson (Marc Grapey) is nonplussed by the emerging details of Charles Strickland's case in the Chicago premiere of "Race" by David Mamet. | Eric Y. Exit photo
‘RACE’
◆ Through Feb. 19
◆ Goodman Theatre,
170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
◆ Tickets, $25-$94
◆ (312) 443-3800;
goodmantheatre.org
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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:13AM
With its in-your-face, politically incorrect ideas, “Race” plays out like a suspenseful mystery that will haunt one for days.
The drama is so provocative that one wonders if the Goodman Theatre would have had the guts to mount the Chicago premiere of the work it if hadn’t been written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet.
Fortunately, for theatergoers who love the drama of ideas, the Goodman has presented a stellar production of the Flossmoor native’s show.
In a world in which everyone is afraid to say that which is socially unacceptable, to think the unthinkable and to take an independent look at what the majority boasts as truth, Mamet’s “Race” is a breath a fresh air.
Fearless and courageous, the famous playwright tackles important issues of the day with his legendary fast-paced dialogue, rapier wit and laser-like intensity.
The riveting action takes place in the law offices of Jack Lawson, a white lawyer, and his black partner, Henry Brown.
The play begins as Charles Strickland walks into the offices.
He’s a rich, white man accused of raping a black woman and seeks counsel. He says he is innocent, but the lawyers aren’t so sure.
Adding to the fireworks is Susan, a young black woman who works for the law firm and who ends up playing a climactic part in the tightly woven plot.
Although the play deals with important topics of gender, color and class, and pits white-male privilege against race entitlements, it also features great comic moments.
In “Race,” Mamet delivers his most intriguing and gripping dialogue and story.
Here we have back-and-forth cross-examinations, the suspense of a powerful mystery, the tension of a legal thriller, and comedy that skewers pretension.
While Mamet’s controversial script soars with biting and brilliant force, it’s Chuck Smith’s masterful direction that has audiences at the edge of their seats.
Smith, who always has a way with high-stakes drama, outdoes himself with this production.
At the top of his form, Smith stages the show with compelling power and brings out the best in the four-actor ensemble.
As the white lawyer Lawson, Marc Grapey delivers a strong portrait of swaggering cynicism.
Geoffrey Owens comes through with the most sarcastic and funniest lines of the show as Brown, the black attorney.
In addition, there is Tamberla Perry, who gives a wonderful turn as the young and beautiful Susan, who is not who she seems.
And then there’s Patrick Clear, one of Chicago’s superb actors, who plays totally against type as Strickland.
“ ‘Race’ is the kind of stimulating drama you can’t get out of your head.
If you go to see this show with a partner or a friend, you won’t be able to resist discussing the show into the wee hours of the night.
Betty Mohr is a local free-lance writer.
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