HARTFORD—Friendship and basketball take center stage at TheaterWorks Hartford with “King James”, a new comedy that explores the role that sports play in people’s lives and relationships.  Once complete strangers to each other, dedicated basketball fans Matt and Shawn bond over their love for the sport and their hero—the “King”—LeBron James. The performance follows the pair’s meaningful yet turbulent friendship that develops throughout James’ career.  “Ever since I first experienced this story live in the New York production, I knew it would find a place in TheaterWorks Hartford’s season,” said Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero. “It’s some of the best writing that I’ve encountered. It’s funny, it’s real, it’s moving. It’s also one of the few plays that centers male friendship, and the challenges that come with that.” The performance, produced in partnership with Round House Theatre, makes its Connecticut debut on January 30, 2025, and runs through March 2, 2025.  “This season, we’re producing the work of some of the best contemporary writers in America, and King James takes the ‘crown,’” shared Ruggiero. “I really think this is on the short list of the best written plays we’ve produced. I cannot wait to share this extraordinary story with our audiences!” Making their TheaterWorks Hartford debuts, the cast includes George Anthony Richardson as Shawn and Greg Perri as Matt. The artistic and design team includes Director Rob Ruggiero, Managing Director Jeff Griffin, Assistant Director Tony King, Casting Director Sarah Cooney, Luke Cantarella on set design, Danielle Preston on costume design, John Lasiter on lighting design, Kevin L. Alexander on sound design, Lauren Marina as props lead, Naysan Mojgani as the dramaturg, Michael Lenaghan as the director of production, and Tom Kosis as the production stage manager.  Learn more about the performance and purchase tickets at twhartford.org or by calling 860-527-7838. Tickets range from $25 to $70. The show runs for approximately two hours and 15 minutes with an intermission.  Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with TheaterWorks Hartford in supporting the state’s Arts and Culture.  The post New Comedy, “King James,” Celebrates Basketball and Friendship first appeared on CTLN.