The King of Comedy Takes On The World

Known too well for his colorful comedic roles on In Living Color, actor David Alan Greir skips the comedy and goes straight to the drama as he stars in the riveting new Broadway play, "RACE," by Pulitzer Prize winner and Director David Mamet.  

As his premiere debut on Broadway, David Alan Greir captivates audiences with his explosive role as one of three attorneys who are faced with the decision to defend a white man charged with a crime against a black woman.  “I was so moved by this play,” says Joan Hamburg on WOR’s The Joan Hamburg Show LIVE from Sardi’s Restaurant. “As it evolves, it opens up to what life really is.” It is an instant portrayal of contemporary life between distinct racial and cultural groups and exposes the inner most feelings of what individuals think in regards to every day issues that are faced in this country. “It’s in the nature of the writing,” says David Alan Greir. “He [David Mamet] leaves all of his plays open, so that the audience can argue, discuss, and think.”  
 

Growing up as a young, black boy in Detroit, Michigan, David was constantly exposed to cultural, educational and historical facets by both his parents. His father was a psychiatrist and author of one of the most influential books of the civil rights movement in 1968, called “Black Rage.” His mother, always proud, encouraged her son to take part in important events, including a march with Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit. Although David admits that he would have rather played football with his friends, he put on his Church clothes and joined the great Reverend in his historic march. She also made sure her son stopped to wave at President Kennedy before getting on the yellow school bus as he passed through the city saying, ”Now you can tell everyone you just saw the President!” From Detroit, David moved on to Yale University and graduated with honors from the School of Drama, while granting his mother even more bragging rights at her lady luncheons. 
 

In addition to his memorable roles in A Soldier’s Story, The First as Jackie Robinson, Boomerang and host of Comedy Central’s Chocolate News, David’s comedic and satirical talent has drawn him into the world of writing. In his new book, “Barack Like Me: The Chocolate Covered Truth,” David recounts his life transformations from beginning to end through the eyes of a black man living in America. He somehow touches on every aspect of politics, culture and race in a hilariously brilliant and original style while including his first-hand accounts of President Barack Obama’s inauguration, his march with Martin Luther King Jr., his rejection by the Black Panthers and even his four –episode expose on Dancing with the Stars.   “Must you bring that up!” sings David on The Joan Hamburg Show. “I felt like I was beaten up every day.” 

From a man who let it all hang out as one of the most popular and funniest cast members on In Living Color, David’s response to Dancing with the Stars, “I almost vomited, I was so nervous. It was so demanding and really challenging.” Despite his desires for more feathered and sequenced costumes, sadly, he was booted off after the fourth episode. He thought, “I’m not going to be taken out by Dancing with the Stars! This cannot be the end of me.”   

His mother’s response to his quick departure from Dancing with the Stars, “Son, what’s the number I call to vote you back on the show?”
 

“Mom, it’s too late.” 
 

David’s dancing days may be over, but his success continues on as he stars in the new Broadway play, RACE at the Barrymore Theatre on 243 West 47^th Street between Broadway and 8^th Avenue. 
For tickets: http://www.telecharge.com/BehindTheCurtain.aspx?ProdID=7639