Comedy ‘King James’ to explore NBA-fueled friendship at Sacramento’s Capital Stage
A new comedy premiering in Midtown Sacramento this summer explores the ways sports can shape—and strain—friendships.
“King James,” opening June 25 at Capital Stage Theatre, 2215 J St., centers on two Cleveland friends whose bond is forged over NBA superstar LeBron James’ career with the Cavaliers. The two-hour, 15-minute production runs through July 27.
The play, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, unfolds in Cleveland and follows the pair as they navigate an evolving friendship shaped by their shared passion for basketball. Joseph, a Cleveland native, is best known for “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.” His screenwriting credits include “Draft Day” and “Army of One.”
Local director Michael Stevenson helms the production, continuing his long-standing collaboration with Capital Stage. Stevenson has directed several past productions at the venue, including “The Humans,” “Archduke” and “Mr. Burns.”
Actors Ian Hopps, a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and Tarig Elsiddig star in the two-person cast.
“LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise, prosperity, and renewal to a city in desperate need of all three,” reads a description on the theater’s website. “King James is an intimate exploration of the place that sports occupy in our lives and relationships.”
Performances are scheduled Wednesdays through Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Special themed events will be promoted on specific show dates. Their Wine Wednesday promotions are July 2 and 16 with Di Arie Vineyards and Winery, offering wine tasting on their patio from 6 to 7 p.m. Tastings are included with the ticket purchase for those shows.
They will offer beer tasting on July 4, hosted by Oak Park Brewing, from 6 to 7 p.m.
The following night, July 5, is their “pay what you will night” for the 8 p.m. show.
The theater’sCapChats — post-show discussions with staff and cast — will follow performances on July 6, 10, 13, 20, and 24.
Tickets range from $30 to $52 for admission. Tickets can be purchased online at Capital Stage Theatre’s website, or at the box office, open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.