THE HANGOVER REPORT – BALLS at 59E59 bounces vigorously, but perhaps a little aimlessly

Ellen Tamaki and Donald Corren in "Balls" at 59E59 Theaters.

Ellen Tamaki and Donald Corren in Kevin Armento and Bryony Lavery’s “Balls” at 59E59 Theaters.

Tonight, I caught One Year Lease Theater Company and Stages Repertory Theatre’s production of Balls at Off-Broadway’s 59E59 Theater. The play, written by Kevin Armento and Bryony Lavery, is very much an ensemble piece, despite depicting the historic 1973 one-on-one battle of the sexes showdown between tennis legend Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.

I admired a lot about the production, which is kinetically directed by Ianthe Demos and Nick Flint. It’s strikingly designed in all aspects – its sets, lighting, and sound have transformed 59E59’s Theater A (the busy complex’s mainstage) into an immersive and existential arena from and into which feminist reverberations are felt (and bounced). Balls is also enthusiastically acted by a young, refreshingly colorblind cast.

The problems lie in the fundamental construction of the piece. Despite portraying King and Riggs – playfully portrayed by Ellen Tamaki and Donald Corren – in such an iconic setting, there’s surprisingly very little of them in the play. Curiously, there’s more attention paid to the peripheral players – Billie’s ex-husband, her lover, her fans, and even the ball boy and girl. Even with cameos from the likes of Chris Evert, it’s hard feeling that the piece is lopsidedly shaped and perhaps a little aimless. Despite these misgivings, I was never less than entertained by this vigorously and stylishly realized piece.

RECOMMENDED

 

BALLS
Off-Broadway, Play
59E59 Theaters
1 hour, 25 minutes (without an intermission)
Through February 25

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

Leave a Reply