“Billie Jean” a Definite Ace

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel

The world premiere of “Billie Jean”, by brilliant playwright Lauren M. Gunderson, had its opening at Chicago Shakespeare to a well-deserved standing ovation. Chilina Kennedy incarnates the energy and spunk of dynamo Billie Jean King, embodying her tenacity, physique, winning mindset, and activism. Dan Amboyer strongly matches as Larry King, Billie’s loving, caring, understanding, supportive lawyer husband.

The story starts with 14-year-old Billie Jean wanting to be the best player in the world; Julia Antonelli excellently characterizes Young Billie. Ms. King goes on to succeed in winning in doubles at Wimbledon; Elena Hurst excels as doubles partner and fellow tennis champ Rosie Casals. Ms. King, along with Ms. Casals, then began to take on the cause of women being paid equally to men for pro tennis; Ms. Magazine showcased Billie Jean on their cover after her historic win over Bobby Riggs in the literal “Battle of the Sexes”. It was a time of transition for her, as well.

The rest of the cast – Murphy Taylor Smith, Nancy Lemenager, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Jürgen Hooper, Carolyn Holding, Wynn Harmon, and Courtney Rikki Green – are equally up to the task. The set design by Wilson Chin is a very life-like tennis court, complete with a massive overhead electronic scoreboard, that rotates to accommodate the different scenes. All of this is brought together under the magnificent direction of Marc Bruni. The smash hit “Billie Jean” will be game, set, and match August 10th, so don’t hesitate to get your courtside seat at www.chicagoshakes.com.

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