TheatreWorks’ “King James” – A Heartwarming Story of The Making of a Friendship
by Ron Friedenthal
To be clear, Rajiv Joseph’s production of “King James,” which tips off TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 54th season, and is currently performing at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (500 Castro St., Mountain View) through November 3, 2024, is neither a reference to biblical times nor British royalty. Instead, this two-player drama, featuring two talented actors, is a reference to Lebron James, the NBA star. The performance spans over a 12 year period, from James’ 2004 rookie season to the 2016 NBA championship season.
The two characters, Shawn (Kenny Scott) and Matt (Jordan Lane Shappell), each a strong sports fan, portray how, despite their diverse cultural backgrounds, find how much they have in common.
“King James” is broken up in quarters to structure the story development similarly to a basketball game. But, that is only the framework to show how two people from dissimilar communities can share their experiences by really listening to each other. In the beginning the two are young and trying to find their way in the world.
The performance unfolds simply enough as Matt, desperately in need of money, tries to sell his 2004 Cleveland Cavaliers season tickets, which happens to be LeBron James’ rookie season. Shawn wants to buy them, but they are too expensive for him. The two banter and eventually agree to a deal that evolves into a life-changing friendship between them.
As each quarter unfolds, the audience sees how their lives develop through real world career and social experiences. It is a powerfully emotional story of two men who struggle through tough times in their lives.
It is not until the final chapter, 12 years later, when the 2016 Cleveland Cavs have actually won the NBA championship, that the two now realize how important their bonding over sports has actually shaped their views and meaning of life. The last scene portrays the good feelings that have developed their friendship over this time span. They started out as basketball fans, become friends, and eventually their friendship evolves into a really close knit friendship as the audience now views them more as brothers than friends, and leaves everyone smiling.
“King James” is well performed, and the scenic and costume designs (kudos to Christopher Fitzer) are beautifully done. A shout-out also goes to lighting designer Steven B. Mannshardt, and sound designer Gregory Robinson.
For tickets or more information please visit TheatreWorks.org or phone 877-662-8978.
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Photo caption: Shawn (Kenny Scott) and Matt (Jordan Lane Shappell) pantomime a basketball game in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's "King James," currently performing through November 3 at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo Credit: Kevin Berne)