Rajiv Joseph Reveals “What’s Wrong with America”

by Mary Lou Herlihy

Rajiv Joseph’s “King James,” a brilliantly crafted two-hander, continually reveals “What’s wrong with America.”

You don’t have to love sports to love “King James.” But for basketball fans and LeBron James’ followers, the insider gossip and Cleveland Cavaliers’ traditions will delight and amuse. And there’s plenty of passionate razzing, too.

Under Giovanna Sardelli’s lively direction, actors Kenny Scott (Shawn) and Jordan Lane Shappell (Matt) take flight. Their natural playfulness and chemistry, even their staged awkwardness make their growing friendship believable and endearing.

A spirited, if unlikely, friendship develops between Matt and Shawn when Shawn buys a pair of season tickets from Matt, who needs fast cash. Their shared passion for basketball and worship of LeBron James connects them over twelve years as they go together to the Cleveland Cavalier games. Of course, there’s debate over the dominance of Michael Jordan vs. LeBron—all in good fun.

Rajiv Joseph’s fast paced, hyper-realistic dialogue sparkles with biting humor and reveals more than the two bros realize. The strains between aspiring writer Shawn and repeat small business failure Matt grow as their differences emerge.

In each ‘quarter,’ we follow their emotional reactions to LeBron’s career. His departure for Miami leaves Shawn feeling shaken and betrayed. Shawn questions why he let himself be distracted for so long by this “addiction.”

In disgust, Shawn tears off his #23 jersey and tosses it on the floor. But Matt defends sports fanaticism, comparing it to religion. Shawn responds, “And like most religions, it’s rotten to the core!” A big rift emerges between two tight bros—one whose family rejects him, and one who fills in the gap for the other’s parents. A toxic brew.

In Shawn and Matt, we see two opposed Americans: One who seeks to better himself and one who expects to be rewarded “as is.” Matt, a man of privilege, repeatedly says, “And THAT’s exactly what’s wrong with America.”

Why is it that the people who complain about America are the ones who have the most? And are LEAST willing to tolerate change for others? They could be our two presidential candidates!

Lurking beneath Shawn and Matt’s friendship lies everything that’s “wrong with America.” Matt’s veiled desire to keep LeBron—and Shawn– IN HIS PLACE, to keep people of color in line, rears its ugly head in the third quarter. Even as Matt claims to support Shawn’s departure to NYU, he prefers him beholden, and in debt.

As issues of jealousy, privilege, and betrayal brew, Christopher Fitzer’s spectacular sets provide comfort and comedy. Matt is working in La Cave du Vin, a wine bar with bright murals. Later we find Shawn working at Armand’s, Matt’s parents’ eccentric upholstery and curiosity shop.  “Armand,” the store’s ridiculous dusty mascot, like Matt, is protected, preserved, and eventually, SOLD.

But it’s not too late for the two unlikely friends brought together by King James.

“King James” is a comedy of the highest order. The kind that makes you laugh out loud and then think about it later. Don’t miss this rich, comic confrontation with our American obsessions!

“King James” by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Giovanna Sardelli, scenic & costume designs by Christopher Fitzer, lighting by Steven B. Mannshardt, sound by Gregory Robinson.

—at TheatreWorks: Silicon Valley, Mountain View, California. Info: theatreworks.org – to November 3, 2024.

Cast: Kenny Scott & Jordan Lane Shappell.

Banner photo: Kenny Scott (Shawn) & Jordan Lane Shappell (Matt) negotiate season tickets. Photos: Kevin Berne