When audiences walk into The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, they are immediately transported to a tennis match. Scenic designer Wilson Chin completely transforms the space— with audience stands on either side of the stage and a tennis court at the center. The specificity is stunning, and is only heightened by lighting designer Jen Schriever’s collaboration. Considering this is the story of Billie Jean, the former world number 1 tennis champion, the setting may not be a surprise to audiences as they settle into their seats.
However, part of the cleverness of Lauren Gunderson’s writing is that this play is not just about tennis. This is a story of perseverance and resilience. There’s love and heartbreak. There’s advocacy and change. This is a story of a woman who truly broke the glass ceiling and paved the way for women everywhere to excel at sports. Her battle simply begins on a tennis court.
Seamlessly directed by Marc Bruni, this world premiere is about the sports icon Billie Jean King (Chilina Kennedy). We begin with young Billie Jean (Julia Antonelli), a young person who simply wants to play tennis, a sport that continues to belong to men. As she moves into adulthood, we witness the various obstacles that come her way, most notably the obvious sexism of the field. The play may begin on the tennis court, but Gunderson’s story moves far past that into the larger political landscape of women’s sports. Billie Jean paves the way for folks simply wanting to play—and she does not make that journey entirely unscathed. As Billie Jean confronts every argument that comes her way, Gunderson invites us to consider “What are we willing to do for the things we love, and at what cost?”
Gunderson’s play is an ensemble piece at heart, and Bruni’s cast as a whole masterfully rises to the challenge. In collaboration with movement director Steph Paul, this production never utilizes an actual tennis racket. Rather, Paul works with the cast to build a creative vocabulary that represents the movement of the sport. Rarely do they stop moving, and the ending result parallels the pace of Gunderson’s writing. Once the play begins, it moves like a train that simply does not stop until the lights come down.
Playing the role of a real-world figure is not an easy task. Billie Jean King is meant to be a competitive trail-blazer, and it can often be tough to find the nuance amidst the biography that one is trying to embody. However, Kennedy certainly rises to the challenge. Her Billie Jean is a strong-willed woman—there is no mistaking that. However, part of what drew me personally into the story was the heart that she brings to the role, particularly through her relationships that create an access point into better understanding her challenging journey.
Billie Jean and Larry King (Dan Amboyer) have a complicated marriage. At first, the main obstacle seems to come in Billie Jean’s tennis schedule. However, as the story goes on, it becomes clear that there are quite a few more challenges beneath the surface, and this couple is just trying to hold on to any sense of normalcy.
In a key moment of the play, Billie Jean’s sexuality is brought into question due to a secret affair that rises to the surface. She and Larry must do a tv interview to try and calm the accusations, but both know the truth of what occurred. Video and projections designer David Bengali projects the interview onto a large screen above their heads, allowing every audience member to absorb the scene as if it is televised. Kennedy and Amboyer ground this scene in a heartbreaking, genuineness. It is easy to play the relationship as one that is struggling; however, something that Kennedy and Amboyer balance is the clear love that that this couple shared. Regardless of the choices that Larry and Billie Jean make, they do care for each other, and the actors infuse that nuance into the story.
Clever writing and a top-notch cast make Billie Jean a must-see. To say this is a 4-star piece is an understatement. Whether you are a long-time tennis fan or simply a theatergoer, this play holds a little something for everyone.
Billie Jean runs through August 10 in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave. For tickets and information, see the Chicago Shakespeare Theater website.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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