World Premiere of The Royale Opens May 5 at Kirk Douglas Theatre

By Carey Purcell
05 May 2013

David St. Louis
David St. Louis
Photo by Craig Schwartz

The world premiere of Marco Ramirez's new play The Royale opens May 5 at the Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre.

Directed by Daniel Aukin, the cast includes Robert Gossett, Diarra Oni Kilpatrick, David St. Louis, Keith Szarabajka and Desean Terry.

"In The Royale, set in the boxing world of the early 1900s, Jay 'The Sport' Jackson has talent and confidence and wants what he feels is owed to him: a shot at the championship," press notes state. "Even though blacks were not offered bouts with white boxers, Jay wants to be the first African American crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, and he is pushing hard to have that dream realized, no matter the consequences."

The Royale is loosely inspired by the story of Jack Johnson, who was the first African American sports icon, and who reigned as the world heavyweight champion in the early part of the 20th century.

Set and costume design is by Andrew Boyce, with lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Ryan Rumery, movement by Ameenah Kaplan and casting by Mark B. Simon. The production stage manager is Randall K. Lum.

The production will run through June 2. Tickets can be purchased by calling (213) 628-2772 or at CenterTheatreGroup.org.