**** Recommended I really enjoyed Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s world premiere production of Billie Jean. Although there wasn’t a lot of suspense to the story – it’s all about Billie Jean King’s life in tennis – it kept my attention. I thought I knew a lot about Billie Jean King, after all, she’s a sports legend, but there was a lot that was new to me. 4 Spotlights
Billie Jean is biographical, so the story begins when Young Billie, played beautifully by Julia Antonelli, discovers tennis. Even though tennis considered to be a rich person’s sport, she was determined to learn the game. She even accosted Althea Gibson, the reigning women’s champion, to ask for tips on how to succeed in the game.
While still in her teens, Billie Jean Moffat (Chilina Kennedy) met and married Larry King (Dan Amboyer), who became focused on her career, doing everything he could to help her succeed. Although she asked him several times for a divorce, he always refused, even when she was exploring her sexuality with other people.
As Billie Jean began winning major championships, she learned about the disparity between the prize money awarded to men and the pittance awarded to women. She fought the powers-that-be at Wimbledon numerous times to get equal pay. Billie Jean and her friend Rosie Casals (Elena Hurst) dominated women’s tennis in the 60’s.
Billie Jean founded the Women’s Tennis Association which was the organizing force behind parity for women in the sport. She won every major championship, but it was the challenge match against Bobby Riggs – which she won handily – which really catapulted her into the national spotlight.
By the way, kudos to Scenic Designer Wilson Chin for the revolving tennis court, with bleacher seating on either side. It provided a simple yet authentic backdrop.
Also appearing: Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jürgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager, and Murphy Taylor Smith.
Billie Jean was written by Lauren Gunderson, a fabulous playwright who also wrote one of my all-time favorite plays, Georgiana and Kitty. The CST production is directed by Marc Bruni. Interestingly, it was produced by Harriet Newman and Stephanie Sandberg with Lily Tomlin (who attended opening night) and Jane Wagner.
Billie Jean runs through August 10th in the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, Chicago. Parking in CST’s designated area in the Navy Pier Garage is available at a 40% discount with validation from CST.
Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes, with an intermission. Performances: Tuesdays at 7:30 pm; Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:30 pm; Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2:30 & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm. Tickets range from $70-$124. FYI (312) 595-5600 or www.chicagoshakes.com
Billie Jean King with the cast & crew of "Billie Jean"