Photo Flash: First Look at The Human Race Theatre's David Mamet's RACE

The Human Race Theatre is taking its core mission-"to present universal themes that explore the human condition and startle us all into a renewed awareness of ourselves"-to heart with David Mamet's Race. No stranger to divisive topics or candid conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Mamet (American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross) takes on the explosive subject of race relations. When two cynical lawyers-one black and one white-prepare to defend a powerful white businessman accused of raping a young black woman, they must confront their own perceptions and prejudices. Legal and ethical lines are crossed as shocking revelations come to light. But when their client's case takes a series of unexpected turns, they realize that not everyone is who they seem in this world of shame and guilt.

The Human Race Theatre's production of Race is directed by Resident Artist Richard E. Hess (Doubt, Red, A Delicate Balance), Chair of Drama at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.

The 4-member cast includes Human Race Resident Artists Bruce Cromer (Brother Wolf, I am My Own Wife), Alan Bomar Jones (Gem of the Ocean, Permanent Collection) and Michael Kenwood Lippert (Red, The Sunset Limited), plus actress Julia Pace Mitchell ("Sofia Dupre" on The Young and the Restless). "It is rare when we can pull together so many of our talented Resident Artists into one project. I am thrilled to have Alan, Bruce, Michael and Richard all working on this powerful script," says Kevin Moore. "And the addition of Julia, the gifted newcomer, will add just the right spice to this 'boys club'."

The set design is by Mark Halpin, costume design by Charis Weible and lighting design by Resident Artist John Rensel. Kay Carver is the production stage manager and Kristin A. Sutter is the stage manager.

Race runs April 4 through 21, 2013. Opening night is Friday, April 5.

The production sponsor for Race is Morris Home Furnishings, with additional support from Maryann and Jack Bernstein, and Jon and Diana Sebaly and Sebaly Shillito + Dyer.

Tickets and performance information on Race are available at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

Photo Credit: Scott J. Kimmins

Alan Bomar Jones and Michael Kenwood Lippert

Alan Bomar Jones, Bruce Cromer, Julia Pace Mitchell and Michael Kenwood Lippert