John Michael Higgins starred as the one-time tennis titan "Big Bill" Tilden in the Williamstown world premiere, which ran July 2-13. He will repeat his performance in New York. David Cromwell, Stephen Rowe and Margaret Welsh were also in the cast. Mark Lamos directed. The play is a rare venture into historical drama for Gurney, who is known for his WASP-populated comedies like Later Life, Labor Day and The Fourth Wall. Tilden dominated courts during the 1920s and was also a successful journalist, writing about the sport. His life was triumphant until he was arrested for homosexuality and henceforth shunned by the public and the sport he loved. He died broke and alone in 1953.

Higgins is known for wry performances in such films as "Best in Show" and Off-Broadway in Tiny Alice.

Big Bill's design includes sets by John Lee Beatty, costumes by Jess Goldstein and lights by Rui Rita.