“King James” is a slam dunk! This stunning play, the latest offering from the Manhattan Theatre Club (New York City Center, W. 55th Street), is being presented by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Center Theatre Group Production. Beautifully written by Rajiv Joseph, it tells the story of two Cleveland Cavaliers basketball fans who meet when Shawn comes to buy season tickets from Matt.
Shawn, a Black man, has had to struggle his entire life and buying these season tickets is a dream come true. A true fan of basketball, Shawn has wanted to attend a game since he was a child, but never had the opportunity or money to do so. When he suddenly receives a large check for a short story he wrote, he now has the capital to buy the tickets. Meanwhile Matt, a white man from a well-off family, owns a bar and has always been taken to the Cavs games by his father. Matt has tried many business ventures but has not been able to make a success of anything. His parents tend to point out his shortcomings, and he does not have the closest relationship with his mother and father.
It is very interesting how Joseph introduces us to these characters and them to each other. We can see immediately that these two individuals are drastically different. The fact that their initial meeting starts a deep friendship based on their love for the game and LeBron James, who is a star rookie on the team, is amusing. As we watch the characters develop their relationship, we get to see what can happen to two men who only talk about sports and about what LeBron leaving the Cavaliers for Miami did to them. But this story is so much more.
“King James” shows the feeling of privilege, and of a person staying in their place, that some people can feel. It shows how friends can become jealous of each other for different reasons. It is intriguing to see how we each view our friends and their relationships to our parents.
This play also shows that life is about change and that one person can start off well, while another can struggle and, due to circumstances that happen in life, the script can flip. Regardless of what happens, though, a friendship can survive.
Glenn Davis is spot-on in his portrayal of Shawn. Watching how mesmerizing he is on the stage, it’s not surprising to learn that he is the artistic director of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which originally produced the show in Chicago. Davis inhabits his character with a great intensity.
Chris Perfetti scores completely high as Matt, a character with many layers.
These two actors “play-off” each other with a comfortability that is quite entertaining to see.
While this story is about friendship, LeBron James, the fanatical way that basketball fans act with regard to the players, and their loyalty or disloyalty to the team and city they represent, it is also about appreciating the positive things that people have in their lives, instead of taking them for granted.
Kenny Leon’s direction creates an environment that is stimulating while also delivering a delicate balance of emotions, discovery, and people deciding that they are ready to move on. The play shows that life can take us in different directions—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Providing the musical selection before and during intermission was DJ Khloe Janel. She is quite animated and engages the audience, adding to the playful environment of the production.
“King James” is easily a 3-point shot, slam dunk!
For more info, visit www.manhattantheatreclub.com.