The Language of Friendship

King James – Steppenwolf Theatre

Henry David Thoreau once said, “The language of friendship is not words, but meanings.” He could’ve been giving his reaction to the beautiful new play by Obie Award winner, Rajiv Joseph, the intuitive and gifted playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist of “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.” This World Premiere is about two young men who start out as total strangers and end up as the best of friends. And although plenty of words are spoken, it’s in the unspoken, the meaning of what they say and the silences that sometimes occur that emerge with the loudest voice.

This extraordinary, moving production has been lovingly guided and shaped by Kenny Leon, the Tony Award-winning Broadway director of last year’s Pulitzer Prize drama, “A Soldier’s Play.” If, like so many people, you’re finding today’s world filled with nothing but negativity and depressing news, then this production is the perfect show for you. It will restore your faith in the human race and remind you of what’s truly important in life. The play’s title doesn’t refer to a famous monarch from the Bible or British history: it’s a nickname given to the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball phenom, Lebron James. Although the sports legend never actually appears in this play, his fame and skill are what draw Matt and Shawn together.

Like so many men and women, sports is a huge part of the lives of these two men. Both of these Cleveland guys live for each new season of Cavaliers basketball, and especially to worship their talented hero, Lebron James. As the play begins, Matt, a young steward employed in a bougie wine bar, is awaiting Shawn’s arrival. He’s been referred by a mutual friend as someone who’d be interested in buying Matt’s season tickets for the Cavalier games. Matt is desperately in need of cash to pay off his debts but, although Shawn loves his team and dreams of finally attending a game in person, he just can’t afford the steep price that the young man is asking. After much bartering and haggling a price is finally reached. But much more than the sale of basketball tickets that takes place in that first scene: a deep, lifelong friendship is forged that will span years that are filled with both good and bad times.

Kenny Leon has skillfully and sensitively directed his two talented actors and focused this heartwarming, comic drama on the importance of friendship. There are certainly countless references to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the titular King James, and the two young men do play a round or two of fantasy basketball using wadded up paper and a waste can. But you don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate the deep camaraderie that blooms and flourishes between these two loners.

An Artistic Director at Steppenwolf Theatre and a Company ensemble member, Glenn Davis has been enjoyed in such productions as “Downstate,” “The Christians,” “You Got Older” and “The Brother/Sister Plays.” As Shawn, Mr. Davis shows his talent and skill at creating a real character who begins the play as a down-and-out young man with creative ambition, and ends up on top of the heap. Chris Perfetti, who beautifully portrays Matt, can currently be seen on television in “Abbott Elementary” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” He also appeared on Broadway in “Six Degrees of Separation” and a revival of “Picnic.” Here, this gifted young performer is simply exceptional, taking his character on a subtle journey from desperate outsider to popular entrepreneur, and then back down the mountain to disappointment. But for both of these men, the real achievement in their lives, in addition to witnessing the Cavaliers’ Championship win, is the great, profound friendship they find in each other. Despite spats and disagreements, these two guys have more in common, and will be buddies for life.

The way Rajiv Joseph’s two-hander gradually builds to its heartwarming climax, and the skill with which Kenny Leon has brought this story to life is rewarding. It’s especially poignant during the times in which we’re now living and all that the world has gone through during the past two years. The artistry in Todd Rosenthal’s intricately detailed scenic design, that especially surprises in Act II, cannot be understated. Whoever searched for and provided the props for this show deserves a medal. And the sound design by Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen provides yet another layer of enjoyment to this production. Glenn Davis and Chris Perfetti both create honest, flesh and blood characters who work their way into out hearts. We truly care about these two individuals and find ourselves cheering for their success, especially as friends. In the end, it isn’t so much the words that these two buddies speak to each other, but what lies beneath; and what they really mean that’s unspoken builds a solid friendship.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 3-April 10 by Steppenwolf in the Downstairs Theatre 1650 N. Halsted Street, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Steppenwolf box office, by calling 312-335-1650 or by going to www.steppenwolf.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.