Matt (Eli Mayer) and Shawn (Khiry Walker) are fearless basketball fans. Cavaliers fans, specifically. And the legacy of LeBron James is what ties them together.
“King James” was written by playwright Rajiv Joseph. He intended for this unlikely friendship to spark from the interest of sports, which became the avenue to discuss complex topics like grief, dreams, race and familial relationships.
About the show
“King James” opened on the Meldrum stage on March 20 with James’ memorabilia surrounding the outer walls of the theatre. At the height of March Madness, as well as being produced at an athletic institution, artistic director Karen Azenberg said it was a fortunate place and timing for Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC). “There’s something especially meaningful about producing ‘King James’ at the Meldrum Theatre, inside the space that once served as the University of Utah’s field house,” Azenberg said. “It’s the perfect setting for a play that centers on basketball — but even more so on friendship. This is a smart, funny and deeply relatable story about things that bring people together — in this case, LeBron James. We’re proud to have assembled a stellar cast and creative team of accomplished professionals to bring this production to life for our audiences.”
As the lights fade and the music comes up, an unlikely friendship unravels between the two characters, Matt and Shawn. With a plan to sell season tickets to the Cavaliers games to make some extra cash, Matt meets Shawn in his “wine only” bar. When Shawn opens up about his years growing up with the Cavaliers, Matt befriends him and their relationship begins to unfold. From witty comments to shouting matches, the representation of these characters from Mayer and Walker really showed the complexity of a crazed sports fanatic.
And their relationship onstage translates to their relationship outside the rehearsal room. “Our conversations on breaks, or at Saturday night dinners, are what I value most. The more I get to know and love Eli, the human, the easier it is to love and connect to Matt, the character,” Walker said.
Creative process and thinking
The show is directed by Miriam Laube, who is a returning director at PTC. She wrote in the director’s note that she grew up watching basketball with friends and family in Pittsburgh, where she was raised and that the sports conversations they had would spark other important topics. “The sports conversations become a springboard for conversations about character, or race, or philosophy. These conversations are central to the ritual as the game itself,” she wrote. Laube’s note coincides with the philosophy of the show, which is not only friendship or vulnerability, but fighting for what you want in life, no matter the expectations people set for you.
“King James” is running now through April 4, and tickets can be found here. Students, faculty and staff can also receive discounted tickets through the Arts Pass. You can find out more about the current season at PTC as well as the recently announced 65th anniversary season at their website here.
