“Spectacular theatricality! A stand-out cast! 
Jeff Smith, San Diego Reader

“Packs a punch! Keeps audience mesmerized. An arresting production - Rachel Chavkin’s staging brims with tension. Robert Christopher Riley, a star of Broadway and television, plays Jay with an impressive emotional range and deft physicality. Tony nominee Montego Glover portrays Nina with dignity and quiet ferocity. We think we know where this is going - then comes a whole new bout.” 
James Hebert, U-T San Diego

“Based very loosely on the story of Jack Johnson, who in fact became the first black heavyweight champion, The Royale is a taut 80 minutes. Chavkin’s staging is bold, self-assured and ultimately convincing. Robert Christopher Riley is every inch an acting champion here, light on his feet, flick-quick with his fists and bright of spirit. Respect and wisdom wreaths Ray Anthony Thomas, Okieriete Onaodowan is versatile and sincere as an upcoming apprentice.” 
Welton Jones, San Diego Story

Before Jesse Owens
Before Jackie Robinson
There was Jack Johnson

Loosely inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight champion, Marco Ramirez's (“Orange is the New Black”) new play brings to explosive life the sights and sounds of the early-20th-century boxing circuit, and the ultimate fight for a place in history. Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for “the fight of the century,” The Sport just might land a place in the ring with the reigning white heavyweight champion.

Running time: 1:20


Contains strong language.

GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY
Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust and U.S. Bank.