Pioneer Theatre Company tips off King James by Rajiv Joseph from March 20–April 4, and we’re excited to announce the cast and creative team bringing this sharp, funny, and heartfelt play to the stage. Centered on two fans whose friendship is shaped by their shared love of basketball, King James is a full-court press of humor and heart—and it all starts with the talented artists stepping up to make it happen.
But first, here’s a little bit about the play:
LeBron James isn’t just a basketball superstar—he was Cleveland’s hero. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, his impact on the city was undeniable throughout his years on the court there. In King James, Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) crafts a funny and deeply poignant story about two friends whose lives are forever shaped by their shared devotion to their idol. Exploring the power of sports, loyalty, and human connection, King James brings the spirit of athleticism back to the Einar Nielsen Field House.
The Cast
Comprising the cast are two actors making their respective PTC debuts. Eli Mayer* portrays Matt, a privileged, restless young man who bonds with his new friend Shawn over basketball while navigating his own search for purpose and connection. Mayer’s credits include Amid Falling Walls (Off-Broadway’s National Yiddish Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Atlanta Opera/Alliance Theatre), and Ride the Cyclone (Arena Stage & McCarter Theatre).
Khiry Walker* plays Shawn, a passionate and devoted Cleveland Cavaliers fan whose tough exterior gives way to a big heart and an unwavering loyalty to his team and the people he cares about. Walker’s recent credits include Godspeed (DCPA); Sally and Tom and Much Ado About Nothing (The Public); Blues for an Alabama Sky (Keen), and Three Musketeers (CTH).
The Creative Team
The production will feature direction by Miriam Laube, in her PTC debut. A first-generation American actor, director, and producer, she was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Her recent directing credits include Much Ado About Nothing at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Queen at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, and The Tempest at Santa Cruz Shakespeare. Miriam serves as a Text and Acting Coach in the Vocal Arts Department at The Juilliard School.
Laube is joined on the Creative Team by Scenic Designer Jo Winiarski (PTC’s Jersey Boys, Souvenir); Costume Designer K.L. Alberts (now in his 38th season at PTC, with Souvenir being his most recently designed production); Lighting Designer Marcella Barbeau (Into the Woods and The Merry Wives of Windsor at Oregon Shakespeare Festival); and Sound Designer Paul James Prendergast (Broadway’s All the Way and The Great Society). Casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. Emily Roth* is Production Stage Manager.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United State
Tickets
King James plays the Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Field House from March 20-April 4, 2026. Tickets are now on sale via the link below or by calling the Pioneer Theatre Company Box Office at 801-581-6961.
Tickets for patrons in grades K-12 are half-price Monday through Thursday. A select number of Curtain Call for All “name your own price” tickets (starting at $15) are available for every performance of King James. Book by calling 801-581-6961 starting Monday, March 16. Learn more about this program here.
King James is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. (www.Dramatists.com)