Leading the cast as famed boxer Jack Johnson is Khris Davis, who is making his New York stage debut; he is joined by McKinley Belcher III and John Lavelle. Rachel Chavkin directs, with an official opening night set for March 7 at Off-Broadway's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.

Ramirez is an award-winning writer for the hit TV series "Orange Is the New Black" and "Sons of Anarchy." The Royale received its world premiere at Los Angeles' Center Theatre Group in 2013 and has since enjoyed productions in San Diego and the U.K.

Here's how production notes describe the play: "Loosely based on the real-life experiences of Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight world champion, The Royale tells, in six rounds, the fictional story of Jay 'The Sport' Johnson (Davis), a charismatic Negro Heavyweight Champion. It’s 1905 and as Johnson faces his opponents – and confronts his demons – he exposes the troublesome events in his life that have propelled him into the ring with a burning desire to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world."

The production features sets by Nick Vaughan, costumes by Dede Ayite, lights by Austin R. Smith and sound by Matt Hubbs.

The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater is located at 150 West 65th St. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit LCT.org.