Billie Jean
One may wonder if a theatrical play about tennis is worth seeing, so let me put that thought to rest. Billie Jean, a story about life legendary woman who shattered glass ceilings on and off the tennis court, who was relentless in her pursuit to be the number one female tennis player in the world, won 39 Grand Slam titles, 20 career victories at Wimbledon, considered the most prestigious tournament in tennis and Named 100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century by Life Magazine for her trailblazer in both womens tennis and her fight for Gender equality and equal pay for women. Billie Jean King, arguably one of the most notable women in American history, now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is indeed worth seeing. It's 2 hours and 10 minutes of sure joy. You will love every minute of this play. Even if you have little interest in tennis, this production of Billie Jean King as she champions women's rights, gender equality, her tireless advocacy for equal pay for women, and her courageous stand against racism, briefly mentioned in the play, will surely inspire you. The play starts with Billie Jean King, played by Chilina Kennedy, waving to the crowd after defeating Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," and pivots to the young Billie Jean, played by my show-stealer of the play, Julia Antonelli. Antonelli, performing as the bubbly Billie Jean, full of uncontrollable energy that she can't turn off, caught my eye as she effortlessly displayed her natural talent. Chilina Kennedy, who strikingly resembles a young 20ish King during her rise to fame, although she never received the fortune of equal pay, definitely felt the force of her choices. Kennedy delivers an outstanding performance as King, the "Pressure Is A Privilege" icon who broke down barriers and dispelled the misconception that women could not play, perform, or generate the same audience revenue as men. Dan Amboyer (Larry King), Elena Hurst (Rosie Casals), and other performances by Callie Rachelle Johnson (Ilana Kloss), Courtney Rikki Green( Althea Gibson/Venus Williams), and Wynn Harmon, who were strangely listed as "Woman Two," etc., added to the entertainment of the play.
The production delves into the admiration that King held for Althea Gibson, an African American tennis player who was a true trailblazer and an iconic figure, serving as an example of strength and resilience. The unwavering support of her husband, Larry King, whose deep love for her was a steady anchor throughout the tumultuous highs and lows of her remarkable career. Additionally, the narrative explores a pivotal moment that shattered her spirit and threatened to eclipse her legacy: the public revelation of her romantic relationship with a female partner, an event that brought both personal turmoil and a media storm that sought to define her in a fake, publicly outed, causing her to lose lucrative endorsement deals, enduring financial hardship.
Other plays have been written about Billie Jean King. "She Is King," created by Laryssa Husiak and directed by Katherine Brook, which recreated three notable TV interviews into a play — and "All Love," By Anna Deavere Smith, which also featured Chilina Kennedy as Billie Jean King, along with Elena Hurst, known for Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), My Soul to Take (2010) andThe Changeling, was oustanding a Rosie Casals in Shakesphere Billie Jean; which was the same role as played in "All Love." Nancy Lemenager and Lenne Klingaman also performed in both productions. Playwright Lauren Gunderson's play brings out the vivid, deep emotional life of King, where you feel connected, drawing us into her triumphs and tribulations — making her and us human. We get to see her as superwoman, fighting against adversity, while witnessing her vulnerabilities and fears, as well as those of the able Billie Jean. As a passionate sports enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the exhilarating highs of victory and the heart-wrenching lows of emotional defeats King experienced. I firmly believe that even those who may not have a keen interest in sports will be drawn to the fight for women's rights and the quest for authenticity, to love without shame, which will resonate profoundly with theatergoers. Sure, it's a play about tennis with no tennis. I do not believe I even saw a racket on stage, but Billie Jean won more than tennis games. She won the game of life, moving the needle of equality while showing the world that women can do anything men can do. King's close friend, Martina Navratilova, stated that the reason the 55-year-old Riggs lost to the 29-year-old King was simply because of age and that if he were 35, he would have beaten all of us." Well, maybe he should have kept his mouth shut.
As the World Turns, the fame of Billie Jean King and her accomplishments for women, sports, and women in general has, in the blink of an eye, faded from the minds of those who remember. But, paraphrasing from a play I saw recently at the Black Ensemble, "That's What Friends Are For," which reminds us of amazing icons, well, that's what plays are for.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Billie Jean
By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Marc Bruni
JUL 18–AUG 10, 2025
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