King James
OFF SALE
June 1 – July 3, 2022
A co-production with Steppenwolf Theatre Co.
“These terrific performers absolutely give a winning assist to each other… A must see for more than just rabid sports fans” -- Stage and Cinema
“I would be surprised if this top-notch production of “King James” doesn’t end up on Broadway. But the Taper is an ideal place to savor this tale of two buddies united by basketball, a once-in-a-generation player, a humble city and shared time.” -- Los Angeles Times
In a town that was searching for someone to look up to, no figure loomed as large as LeBron James. Playwright Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) chronicles the friendship of two Clevelanders as they bond over the rise of the greatest player in Cavaliers’ history. Tony Award® winner Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) directs this new play from the Pulitzer Prize-short lister hailed as “wonderfully daring, imaginative, and compassionate” (The New York Times).
“Abbott Elementary star Chris Perfetti shines in Rajiv Joseph's new play at Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum… Perfetti and [Glenn] Davis are SUPERB, and their chemistry is immediate." -- Entertainment Weekly
“Directed with élan by Tony-winner Kenny Leon, the production raises the energy level with stadium-style razzle-dazzle. Flashing lights circulate through the audience before the play begins and during scene changes. A DJ visibly perched in a booth offstage, blasts R&B and pop tunes that had subscribers jiggling in their seats and singing in the lobby.” -- Los Angeles Times
Creative Team
Written By Charles Fuller
Directed By Kenny Leon
Set Design Derek McLane
Costume Design By Dede Ayite
Lighting Design By Allen Lee Hughes
Sound Design By Dan Moses Schreier
Associate Director Cristina Angeles
cast
Starring Norm Lewis
Eugene Lee
Will Adams
Brandon Alvión
Sheldon D. Brown
Malik Esoj Childs
Ja'Quán Cole
William Connell
Charles Everett
Alex Michael Givens
Matthew Goodrich
Chattan Mayes Johnson
Branden Davon Lindsay
Tarik Lowe
Al’Jaleel McGhee
Howard W. Overshown
Alex Ross
Off Sale
Previews begin June 1. Opens June 8. Through July 3, 2022. Previews (June 1 – June 7): Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performance. Opens Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. Regular Performances (June 9 – July 3): Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.
Ticket Prices: $35 – $110 (Ticket prices are subject to change.) Tickets are available online at CenterTheatreGroup.org, by calling Audience Services at (213) 628-2772 or in person at the Center Theatre Group Box Office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles). Groups: (213) 972-7231. Deaf community: Information and charge, visit CenterTheatreGroup.org/ACCESS.
Main Features
LOS ANGELES TIMES: The LeBron James drama off the court: ‘King James,’ at long last, has its tipoff time
At this moment, all eyes are on Rajiv Joseph.
After spending most of the afternoon on the sidelines, he steps forward, coming face to face with two guys shooting hoops who just moments ago were engaged in a heated standoff. What happens next could change the scene dramatically, depending on what Joseph does. Read More
THE NEW YORK TIMES: LeBron Fandom, and the Making of a Friendship in ‘King James’
Rajiv Joseph’s new play, which chronicles the bond between two LeBron James fans over 12 years, is having its world premiere at Steppenwolf in Chicago. Read More