Get Court Side Tickets to King James at TheaterWorks

 Get Court Side Tickets to King James at TheaterWorks

By David Pulvermacher

Intern of the Connecticut Critic’s Circle 



King James, written by Pulitzer Prize Finalist Rajiv Joseph, is a slice-of-life tale that masks itself as a comedy that follows the lives of two Cleveland men and their love of the Cavaliers basketball team. With the rise of NBA star Lebron James as the backdrop of their friendship, the audience witnesses the development of Matt and Shawn’s relationship over the course of twelve years. While the writing is inconsistent at times, the story is engaging and entertaining. The show thoughtfully tackles prevalent themes, such as racism and friendship. As a two-man show, King James unapologetically takes you on a ride through life. 


The ball begins in Shawn’s hands when he meets Matt at his Cleveland bar in 2004. Shawn is negotiating with Matt to purchase his Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets so that he can fulfill his childhood dream of seeing the Cavaliers play basketball live. With all eyes on Lebron James's first year in the NBA, watching the games live is essential. Matt works as a bartender and desperately needs to sell his season tickets to pay off his numerous debts. From one failed opportunity to the next, Matt is both bitter at the world for his predicament and egotistically demanding that he knows what’s best for everyone. After finalizing their arrangement, Shawn and Matt begin to form a decade-long friendship of watching the Cavaliers together. As Lebron progresses in his career, Shawn and Matt’s friendship bounces from good to foul. The question is not only whether their friendship can rebound but whether it should. 


(Photo by Mike Marques Provided by TheaterWorks)


Gregory Perri and George Anthony Richardson carry this two-man show as Matt and Shawn. As Shawn, Richardson brings heart and pathos to the show. Richardson’s performance is dynamic, ranging from boyish excitement over the Cavaliers to disdain for his friend’s superiority complex. Richardson captivates the stage from the first moment to the last. Complimenting Richardson, Gregory Perri creates Matt as a poignant and deplorable character that is engaging to watch. Perri’s second act is thoughtful and showcases Matt’s challenges and regrets in life. Both Perri and Richardson have time to lead and time to complement the other to allow the story to progress.


Director Rob Ruggiero creates authenticity for the world with attention to details both large and small. His direction makes the audience feel like they are part of the scene, almost like eavesdroppers in a conversation. In Act One, Shawn and Matt begin the show on opposite sides of the bar, strangers negotiating with the other for the best deal for the season tickets. As the show jumps a few years into the future, Ruggiero guides the development of their friendship through their body language. Matt and Shawn sit together and enjoy a glass of wine while talking about Lebron James. With each time skip, the rapport between the men evolves. Then, the time jumps feel more realistic with simple props, such as Matt upgrading his flip phone to a smartphone. 


(Photo by Mike Marques Provided by TheaterWorks)


With an interesting premise and direction, the show gets in its own way with its writing. Joseph’s backstory for his characters feels inconsistent. For example, Shawn meets Matt at the bar because a mutual friend told him that Matt was selling his Cavaliers season tickets. Matt first says he’s surprised their mutual friend did not inform him of Shawn’s intentions. Matt contradicts himself when he tells Shawn that their mutual friend has shared personal information about Shawn’s family. Also, Matt’s early dialogue teetered back and forth between crude and refined. From frequent cursing to sophisticated word choices like “lurid” and “ludicrous” creates a barrier to believing Matt from feeling authentic in the first act. As Act Two began, Matt’s dialogue became more consistent and convincing.


(Photo by Mike Marques Provided by TheaterWorks)


The set design of King James is breathtaking. Set Designer Luke Cantarella created a full wine bar that is both realistic and functional. Matt shares a story with Shawn about how the bar used to be a church, which feels believable with stained glass windows. Then, in Act Two, the stage transforms into Matt’s family upholstery and antique store. The store is incredibly detailed from top to bottom with eclectic items, such as records, fabrics, and even a taxidermy armadillo. If you remain seated during intermission, you can watch as the stage crew transforms the stage from the bar into Arman’s family store.


King James is an entertaining story for theatergoers. Fans of basketball and Lebron James will appreciate the sports references infused throughout the show. The show is two hours long with one fifteen-minute intermission. King James is playing at TheaterWorks through March 2nd. Tickets start at $43 with performances Tuesday Through Thursday at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 PM. On Tuesday, February 11th, 18th, and 25th, your ticket will get you invited to free pizza and beer in the Main Lobby starting at 6:30 PM, and a Post Show Talk Back. On Wednesday, February 12th, it is Pay What You Want, meaning you pay what you can afford. On Thursday, February 27th, there is a 10:00 Am student matinee. For more ticket information, go to https://twhartford.org/ , contact the box office at 233 Pearl Street, Hartford, CT, or call (860) 527-7838
Location: 233 Pearl St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

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