Eddie Izzard to Replace James Spader in Race on Broadway

Eddie Izzard is set to replace James Spader in David Mamet’s Race on Broadway. Izzard will begin performances as attorney Jack Lawson on June 21 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and remain through the scheduled closing date of August 21.

Izzard made his Broadway debut in the 2003 production of A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award and won a Drama Desk Award. Izzard has worked with Mamet before; he made his West End drama debut in the playwright’s The Cryptogram in 1993. His other stage credits include Oneonta, Edward II and his many solo comedy shows, including his first U.S. hit, Dress to Kill. His film credits include The Secret Agent, The Cat’s Meow, Shadow of the Vampire, Velvet Goldmine, Ocean’s Thirteen and Across the Universe.

As previously announced, original stars Kerry Washington and David Alan Grier will play their final performances on June 13. Spader will play his final performance on June 20. Richard Thomas will continue in the play. Afton C. Williamson and Dennis Haysbert have previously been announced as replacements.