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Arts & Entertainment

Pulitzer, Tony Winner's Performance and More Come to Beck Center

David Mamet's "Race," an examination of struggle and power in race and gender relations, is among the wide array of events coming up at the Beck Center for the Arts.

The will host the regional premiere of “Race,” a critically-acclaimed play written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright David Mamet, beginning Oct. 21 in the Studio Theater.

The drama, which the Associated Press said provides “an intriguing study of perception – from both black and white viewpoints,” follows three trial lawyers, two black and one white, who represent a wealthy, white executive accused of raping a black woman.

"I've read the script, and it definitely invites discussion," said Beck Center President and CEO Cindy Einhouse.

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Sarah May will be directing the play. A staple in Cleveland's theater scene, May has won the Northern Ohio Live Award for her work directing “A Piece of My Heart.”

The play will run through Nov. 20, with talk-back sessions planned after the Oct. 28 and Nov. 6 performances. Cool Cleveland’s Thomas Mulready will moderate on Oct. 28, and WCPN’s Dee Perry on Nov. 8. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $17 for students with a valid ID.

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But that’s not all that’s coming up at the Beck Center this month.

  • Pumpkin Palooza – pumpkins decorated by the Beck staff will be on display in the center’s lobby from Oct. 21 – 28, then raffled off in the pumpkin patch on Oct. 29 at .
  • West End Halloween Window Walk – the event, in its seventh year, is sponsored by Beck Center and , and is a competition between West End storefronts for the best painted windows. This year there will be an adult category, with a bar crawl on Friday, Oct. 28 beginning at , 17900 Detroit Ave., with the award’s ceremony on Oct. 29 at the Beck Center.
  • Charlotte’s Web – the Beck Youth Theater will perform the timeless classic Nov. 3-6 at the Mackey Main Stage.

"Because we have such a diverse constituency, we are always looking for ways to reach out to the community with different experiences," Einhouse said.

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