Steppenwolf scores with the phenomenal King James
King James
THEATRE REVIEW
By Andy Sinclair
Headliner Chicago
THEATRE REVIEW
By Andy Sinclair
Headliner Chicago
“Basketball is like religion. Many attend but few understand.”
- Scott Skiles
There is something religious about sports fandom. There are throngs of devoted supporters who are dedicated to never missing a game. They dress up, watch intently, and love to commune with those who are equally devoted. The traditions are ceremonious and the dedication is devout. Sports fandom may be one of the significant unifying forces in the United States, a country that seems to thrive on division. As Chicagoans, we may not agree on much, but we will defend the Cubs, the Sox or the Bulls to anyone who thinks of talking smack. Blood may be thicker than water, but nothing is more rich than a sports fan’s loyalty to their team and to their city.
Steppenwolf’s world premiere production of King James is the ideal show for our town and our time. The premise is simple: two men form an unlikely friendship with a singular bond known as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The show begins in 2008 when the Cavaliers experienced a new-found national reputation due to an 18 year old rookie known as LeBron James. A casual ticket purchase meet and greet leads to an Odd Couple-like friendship that spans the next twelve years of laughs, fights, misunderstandings and emotional distancing. As James’ career zigs and zags, so does the dynamic of this friendship. As one man’s legacy begins to shape and betray Cleveland, the similar dynamics and tensions of jealousy, motivation and misunderstanding invade the duo’s friendship.
Steppenwolf’s world premiere production of King James is the ideal show for our town and our time. The premise is simple: two men form an unlikely friendship with a singular bond known as the Cleveland Cavaliers. The show begins in 2008 when the Cavaliers experienced a new-found national reputation due to an 18 year old rookie known as LeBron James. A casual ticket purchase meet and greet leads to an Odd Couple-like friendship that spans the next twelve years of laughs, fights, misunderstandings and emotional distancing. As James’ career zigs and zags, so does the dynamic of this friendship. As one man’s legacy begins to shape and betray Cleveland, the similar dynamics and tensions of jealousy, motivation and misunderstanding invade the duo’s friendship.
I walked into the theatre thinking this show wasn’t for me. My knowledge of basketball is minimal and I know more about LeBron’s Sprite commercials than I do his statistics. Boy, was I wrong. This is a show about friendship, love, loyalty, and betrayal. It is the story of deep respect and even deeper wounds. It is a story of devotion and realization. It is the most Chicago story I’ve seen - which is ironic since the entire production takes place over 300 miles west of our beloved city.
This two-hander dramedy features a pair of powerhouse performances. Steppenwolf ensemble member (and newly-minted Co-Artistic Director) Glen Davis brings a subtle, relatable ease to Shawn. His sly smile and ever-present passion is the perfect side-dish to Chris Perfetti’s Matt. The nervous energy Perfetti brings is not only relatable to many audience members, but also causes us to cringe when we realize that his mouth is working faster than his brain. This mismatched duo provides ample comic moments and also true reflections on the frailty of friendships - especially those between two heterosexual men.
This production - and the pitch-perfect writing of playwright Rajiv Joseph - is quintessential Steppenwolf. The design aspects are inspired, the live DJ is a great touch, and the large existential themes are the perfect coat hanger for the simple friendship of these two fans. This is the ideal return to live theatre for Steppenwolf and is the perfect example of where this company plans to take audiences in its post-pandemic resurgence.
This two-hander dramedy features a pair of powerhouse performances. Steppenwolf ensemble member (and newly-minted Co-Artistic Director) Glen Davis brings a subtle, relatable ease to Shawn. His sly smile and ever-present passion is the perfect side-dish to Chris Perfetti’s Matt. The nervous energy Perfetti brings is not only relatable to many audience members, but also causes us to cringe when we realize that his mouth is working faster than his brain. This mismatched duo provides ample comic moments and also true reflections on the frailty of friendships - especially those between two heterosexual men.
This production - and the pitch-perfect writing of playwright Rajiv Joseph - is quintessential Steppenwolf. The design aspects are inspired, the live DJ is a great touch, and the large existential themes are the perfect coat hanger for the simple friendship of these two fans. This is the ideal return to live theatre for Steppenwolf and is the perfect example of where this company plans to take audiences in its post-pandemic resurgence.
4 stars (out of four)
King James
Now Playing through April 10, 2022
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 North Halstead
Chicago, Illinois 60614
https://www.steppenwolf.org
King James
Now Playing through April 10, 2022
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 North Halstead
Chicago, Illinois 60614
https://www.steppenwolf.org
