|
||||||
|
|
Parting Shot – Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier Join James Spader In David Mamet’s “Race”
Today’s parting shot… James Spader, David Alan Grier, Kerry Washington and Richard Thomas star in the latest David Mamet Broadway play, Race, which opened today. I actually got to see a full preview of the show about 2 weeks ago, and was planning on writing a review of it, but never got around to doing so. But I liked it. Well-written, and mostly well acted. I’d say Kerry Washington was the weakest link. It was obvious she was the stage novice. In the 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. If you’re in New York, I recommend it! I’d say, much like that other play with a one-word title, Doubt, I can see Race making its way to the movie screen eventually. It has a similar kind of urgency and I think will translate.
Here’s a teaser trailer. Good night! 3 comments to Parting Shot – Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier Join James Spader In David Mamet’s “Race” |
  
|
||||
|
Copyright © 2010 Shadow And Act - All Rights Reserved  View in: Mobile | Standard
|
||||||
I wish I was in NYC to see it! I’ve read nothing but great reviews for it. It’s a shame you saw Kerry as the weakest link. Since I can’t see it for myself, I guess I’ll have to reserve judgment on that one.
James Spader is delicious!
I saw it the day previews opened, so, I may have seen each performance at its near worst, compared to where each of them currently is, after spending the last 2 weeks working out any kinks before yesterday’s open. So, she may have improved since I saw it.
But yes, her performance wasn’t quite as “confident” as the others. She seemed a little uncomfortable.
I’ve never seen any of them in person, and was surprised that they all are a lot smaller than I thought they’d be.
Like you I saw “Race” during its first preview, but I also saw last evenings opening…big difference! The production was much smoother and more polished last evening. Kerry Washington had improved greatly as had Richard Thomas…they both had a better grasp of their characters and delivered Mamet’s dialogue in a more natural and less theatrical way. David Grier was excellent, but he was that during the first preview; so not much has changed with his performance. James Spader also was excellent during the preview show, but he is even better now! He has layered the character beautifully and created a pitch-perfect performance.
I realize this show is not as powerful as some of Mamet’s other works, but it is still a very entertaining study of just how tough it is to understand other people’s views concerning race…there is just so much baggage that each individual carries. If you enjoy wonderful acting James Spader’s and David Alan Grier’s performances should not be missed.