King James at NC Stage Co.
True to its title, NC Stage Co.’s production of King James has much to do with basketball great LeBron James. But Rajiv Joseph’s two-hander is about far more than just sports.
Directed by Charlie Flynn-McIver, this engaging period piece chronicles the unlikely lifelong friendship of two men who meet to discuss the sale of Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets.
The play begins in a wine bar in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, during James’ 2003 rookie season. Aspiring writer Shawn (Philip Kershaw) and bartender Matt (Ken Sandberg) are brought together by fandom and a mutual acquaintance as they seek to make a deal. Unbeknownst to both parties, the tickets carry more value and weight than previously perceived, and not just because the men are diehard Cavs fanatics.
Appropriately mirroring a basketball game, King James is divided into four quarters with a halftime intermission. Much of the play occurs in the wine bar and ends up at an antique shop owned by Matt's parents — all poshly designed by Michael Amico.
Joseph’s dialogue contains a plethora of background information and at times becomes a rapid-fire exchange of stories, leading to revelations of the men’s hidden gifts and ambitions. The banter in this case is naturally fraught with casual and perhaps necessary profanity, contextually adding to the humor and realism of the situation. And hip-hop tracks from the ’90's and early 2000s that blast during scene transitions add a competitive energy that smartly complements this world.
Kershaw and Sandberg are outstanding vessels for this material and quickly make these believable characters their own. These performers know their craft and are very passionate about it.
Over the years, it’s revealed that the duo attend most of the Cavs’ games together and become best friends despite significant differences in background and their approach to life. Their ups and downs brilliantly parallel James's own career, from his electric rookie year to his heartbreaking choice to “bring [his] talents to South Beach” and sign with the Miami Heat to his famous prodigal-son-like return to Cleveland four years later. And much of the fans’ disappointment at James’ perceived betrayal and their joy from his eventual redemption is projected into this friendship.
Despite its title, one may argue that King James has little to do directly with LeBron at all, but instead codependency, expectations, freedom of choice, loyalty, and obligation. Whether you’re a big sports fan or not, this production spans across the aisle thanks to compelling dialogue from strong character actors facing relatable life decisions.
King James runs through Sunday, May 18, at NC Stage Co. For details and tickets, visit ncstage.org.
(Photo courtesy of NC Stage Co.)
