Opening Night of "King James" at the Mark Taper Forum

Disclosure: Center Theatre Group hosted us with two complimentary tickets to King James at the Mark Taper Forum. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Last night Center Theatre Group invited me to check out their newest play King James on opening night! I’ve seen shows at the Ahmanson before, but this was my first time at the Mark Taper Forum. As their website says, the Mark Taper Forum is “where we think about how art sheds a light on society. It’s where we produce plays—whether they’re world premieres, second productions, or the remounting of important works—that provoke conversations.” To say the least, I was super excited for our evening ahead!

Because it was opening night, we got to walk the “red carpet” and felt like VIPs! It was also fun getting to spot some celebrities as they started arriving for the evening.

Before heading inside the theatre, I had to say hi to Sheryl Lee Ralph! I grew up watching Moesha and it was such a treat getting to meet the real-life Dee in person. She was so kind and gracious to snap a quick photo with me which I appreciated so much.

I went into this play not knowing what to expect, and I walked out feeling reflective and moved by what I had just watched. Glenn Davis and Chris Perfetti did a phenomenal job as Shawn and Matt, and Khloe Janel pumped up the crowd with some throwback jams! On the surface, it’s a show about two friends and how their love for LeBron James bonds them together throughout their lives. This play had a little bit of everything - great music, nostalgia, and basketball - but on a deeper level, it was thought provoking about what a racially just America could be and had a whole lot of heart. This play is a definite must-see!

On our way out, I bumped into Lisa Ann Walter, and I literally felt like I won the jackpot meeting icons from my childhood all in one evening (Chessy is the absolute best from The Parent Trap). I realized later that both she and Sheryl were there to support Chris who is their fellow Abbott Elementary co-star! (It’s a show I need to watch ASAP!)

Huge thank you to Center Theatre Group for having me and for being so hospitable during my visit! Be sure to check out King James at the Mark Taper Forum (you can grab tickets here) now through 7/3!

xo,
Keshia