By Gina Marie Rodriguez & Dave Tavani, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 03/27/2025
A different kind of March Madness is bringing basketball to the stage.
From Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, King James is a funny, heartfelt look at loyalty and ambition, and celebrates the connections that keep us going. Matt and Shawn, two Clevelanders, forge an unlikely connection over their shared passion for the Cleveland Cavaliers and rising basketball star LeBron James. Spanning 12 years, their friendship is shaped by the triumphs and challenges of both fandom and life itself.
Jersey Arts heads to the George Street Playhouse to speak with the cast and crew of "King James."
"King James" is presented by George Street Playhouse now through April 6, 2025 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ). Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
About the author: Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and actress. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Gina Marie boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.
Dave Tavani is a freelance videographer and still photographer based in the Philadelphia area. In recent years, Dave has worked on a variety of projects, mostly for nonprofit and arts organizations. In addition to JerseyArts.com, he works on video projects for McCarter Theatre Center, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, Visit Philadelphia, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and ArtPride New Jersey.
