Aussie film and stage star Aaron Glenane is bringing a little Broadway to Sydney

"King" LeBron James was just the hero that Cleveland needed…

MEDIA RELEASE

“…a touching examination of male friendship and the powerful social currents beneath it.” —The New York Times.“Joseph has created one of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years… Basketball fans will love Joseph’s insidery jokes, but even if you don’t follow the game all that much, KING JAMES is a must-see.”

—TheaterMania.

SYDNEY – May 2024: Chameleonic Australian film and tv actor Aaron Glenane (Shantaram, Interceptor, Happy Feet 2, Molly, Taps Dogs, Primitive War, The Claremont Murders) has announced the Australian premiere of the Broadway smash hit play, KING JAMES, as the debut production for his new production company Little Ripa Productions. KING JAMES is story of ‘King’ LeBron James, known as one of the greatest NBA players to ever hit the court, and charts his influence on the city of Cleveland which loomed large for the dozen years of his reign as their unofficial ‘king’.

Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Guards at the Taj & Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), Aaron Glenane will star opposite talented newcomer, Tinashe Mangwana, with the production directed by Australian director Bali Padda, who recently directed Guards at the Taj at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta.

This wonderfully funny and remarkably moving play chronicles the unexpected friendship between two men over that period, as the men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared deep love of basketball.

Aaron Glenane, “This story is a beautifully funny love letter to basketball and more deeply a tale of whether a friendship can make it to the fourth quarter when pushed to its limits. With the most exciting NBA finals series on our doorstep and connection and friendship being more important than ever there couldn't be a better time to bring KING JAMES to Sydney audiences where the court will become the stage for the drama of life.”

Interwoven with moments of camaraderie, laughter, and poignancy, KING JAMES dives into the heart of basketball fandom and highlights the profound connections that sports can cultivate. A clever comedy, KING JAMES is an intimate exploration of the place that sports occupy in our lives and relationships.

KING JAMES will premiere The Old Fitz Theatre in Woolloomooloo running from June 6-29. Previews will be held on the 6 & 7 June. Tickets to show are on sale now via https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/king-james or https://oldfitz.iwannaticket.com.au/event/king-james-MzA4NTU

Cast and creatives are available for interview by arrangement. Media comps also available. Please contact Publicist, Aisling Brady e: aisling@aislingenterprises.com.au m: 0424520345

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CAST & CREATIVES:

Playwright: Rajiv Joseph

Director: Bali Padda

Associate Director: Abby Gallaway

Producers: Aaron Glenane & Izzy Williams

Set Designer: Ian Kanik

Costume Designer: Rita Naidu

Lighting Designer: Frankie Clarke

Composer & Sound Designer: Michael Toisuta

Stage Manager: Cindy Cavero

Dialect Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley