REVIEW: The friendship in IRT’s ‘King James’ left something to be desired

I’m still thinking about “King James” but probably not for the reason you think. The play was good. I’ll start with that so there is no confusion about what kind of review this is. The play was good, the actors were fantastic and received a standing ovation. “King James” was funny and tense and had a heartwarming ending. “King James” by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Jamil Jude, follows Matt (Quinn M. Johnson) and Shawn (Enoch King), two men who meet and become friends over their shared love of LeBron James. The story follows their lives over a period of 12 years and has scenes that take place in 2004, 2010, 2014 and 2016. It’s onstage at the Janet Allen Stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre now through Feb. 9. “King James” — which is a nod to basketball legend LeBron James — takes place on a basketball court style thrust stage with two distinct settings: a dingy wine bar in Cleveland and an oddity store named “Armand’s.” The Cleveland skyline hangs above the stage, and a montage of audio clips introduce each quarter by setting the proverbial and real stage with soundbites of pop culture, sports and politics as a...