My apologies, friends. I intended to write this review three weeks ago, but life took over. I had the great pleasure of seeing Chuck Smith's production of David Mamet's Race at the Goodman Theater. There was so much buzz about Race, that I wasn't sure if it could live up to expectations. I am happy to share, that for me, it did. For those of you who don't know, Race is the story of Charles (Patrick Clear), a middle-aged a white male accused of the rape of an African-American woman.

Charles seeks legal counsel from two attorneys, Henry (Geoffrey Owens) and Jack (Mark Grapey). Henry is African-American, and Jack is white. Their new associate, Susan (Tamberla Perry) is an African-American woman. Henry, is not particularly fond of taking on the representation of a white male accused of raping an African-American woman; while Jack sees the case as an opportunity. Susan is in a lane of her own, and turns out to be everything but the initially meek, unassuming, naive attorney she initially portrays.

The play opens at a quick-witted pace with intellectual banter that continues from start to end. Charles is a privileged white male who, according to Henry, "hasn't been told 'no' in forty years." Throughout the play, Henry and Jack's primary focus is to prepare a proper defense for their client. That storyline takes the backseat to the racial issues that surface during their preparation. Race pushed the envelope from a couple of different perspectives, and in a good way. Race magnified realities, that most will deny - even the most well-intentioned person can have pre-conceived notions about others, based on race. Even today.

Race delivered the right combination of humor and suspense, while keeping us on our toes with the endless subliminal and in-your-face commentary. Race runs until February 19. Check it out while you can.

Tickets and production deets are available here.

Did you see Race? Share your thoughts below!