2023/2024 Season
Love All
World-Premiere Play
Jun 3 – Jul 2 Mandell Weiss Theatre
By Anna Deavere Smith Directed by Marc Bruni
The extraordinary life of the champion Billie Jean King
Love All is the triumphant story of the rise of sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King. The trailblazer for equality faced tough competition on the court and adversity in the world, all against a backdrop of the massive social changes of the 1960s and 70s.
With the support of Billie Jean King herself and featuring Broadway star Chilina Kennedy, Love All features a line-up of tennis legends whose lives intertwined with Billie Jean’s extraordinary career – Alice Marble, Althea Gibson, Margaret Court, Rosie Casals, Arthur Ashe and more.
This exciting world premiere comes from the pen of award-winning playwright, professor, actor and author Anna Deavere Smith (whose screen roles include The West Wing and Nurse Jackie). Deavere Smith’s artistry is evidenced by the groundbreaking work that she has created for more than four decades, including the Tony-Award nominated Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.
Under the skillful hand of director Marc Bruni (director of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Love All asks not just what it takes to be a champion, but what it takes to change the course of history. Descripción en Español
“We’ve been curtsying for years. Now it’s time to stand up.” Billie Jean in Love All
» Click here to read the program online
“An inspiring story of a gifted athlete’s heroics on and off the court”
— LA Times
“Insightful and funny…Capturing the honest, fiercely driven personality of tennis superstar Billie Jean King”
— The San Diego Union-Tribune
“Editor’s Pick”
“Hilariously fierce Frankie Durr (Lenne Klingaman)”
— San Diego Magazine
“La Jolla Playhouse Scores with Premiere of Billie Jean King Bio-Play”
— San Diego Story
“Hard to imagine almost anyone not enjoying Love All…or raving about it”
“Gives us reason to more fully appreciate the role this civil rights leader played in creating the kind of equality in recognition, opportunity, and funding that we’re closer to seeing today….”
— Stage and Cinema
Ticket Information
Single tickets and subscriptions are now on sale.
First Look (previews): June 3 – 8*
Weeks 2 – 4: June 9 – July 2
Interested in other shows too? Book 3 or more shows to save on tickets, get early access to the best seats, free exchanges, pay no fees and enjoy additional perks. Explore subscriptions now.
*‘First Look’ performances are the first week of the run of each show prior to opening night (with some exceptions). First Look tickets are lower price and offer the opportunity to experience the show while the creative team are still polishing and making changes. This is a vital element of a show’s evolution, allowing the creative team to step back and see the show through the eyes and experience of the audience. Playhouse staff speak to the audience briefly before the show starts, and the creative team may be seated near you taking notes.
Ticket discounts
The Playhouse offers a range of ways to save on tickets, including Military, Student and Rush discounts, and $25 tickets in Area 3. Discounts are subject to availability and conditions may apply. Read more here or call our Box Office at (858) 550-1010 for more info.
Audience Engagement Events
Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.
Talkback Tuesday
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following the performance.
Tuesday, June 13 and 20, after the 7:30pm show
Discovery Sunday
Hear from guest speakers in a moderated discussion exploring the themes of the show.
Sunday, June 25, after the 2pm show
Access Performances
ACCESS Performance (ASL interpretation): Saturday, June 24 at 2pm
ACCESS Performance (Audio Description): Saturday, June 24 at 2pm
Access performances offer American Sign Language interpretation for patrons who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your needs. Find more info about access here.
Useful Information
Parking
Parking is FREE for La Jolla Playhouse patrons in the South Parking Structure (formerly known as Osler Parking) when a valid parking pass is displayed. Take advantage of the free shuttle to the theatre. Find all parking information here.
Duration
Approx. 2 hr 30 mins including one 15-20 min intermission.
Duration is subject to change and may be updated as the run commences.
Content Advisory
This play includes a gunshot sound effect. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.
Covid-19 Policy (Updated October 31, 2022)
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. For up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 safety procedures, please visit our Covid Safety Page.
Onsite Dining
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, is open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tuesday – Sunday). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reservations can be made by phone as well as OpenTable. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available.
Concessions
Concessions opens 60 minutes before showtime. Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.
La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.
Production Sponsors
Denise & Lon Bevers
Jay Jeffcoat
Billie Jean King in action at Wimbledon, circa July 1973. King won the Women’s Singles Final, beating Chris Evert of the United States in straight sets. Photo by Ed Lacey/Popperfoto via Getty Images.
Cast & Creators
- Creators
- Cast
- Design
Kate Rockwell
Marilyn Barnett
- Robert BrillScenic Design
- Ann Hould-WardCostume Design
- Jiyoun ChangLighting Design
- Darron L. WestSound Design
- S. Katy TuckerProjection Design
- Jared JanasWig and Hair Design
- Cassie WilliamsWig and Hair Design
- Alisa SolomonDramaturg
- Ann JamesSensitivity Specialist
- Amy StollerDialect Coach
- The Telsey OfficeNew York Casting
- Jacole KitchenIn-House Casting
- Brian BoginStage Manager
- Topaz CooksAssistant Stage Manager
- Becca DuhaimeProduction Manager
- Ryan MeisheidGeneral Manager
- Erin Keen-LouieExecutive Producer
Gallery
Venue Info
Mandell Weiss Theatre
The Mandell Weiss Theatre is a 492-seat proscenium arch theatre, with two front rows of removable seats allowing for a greater stage length. The theatre also maintains an upstairs wooden deck for parties, receptions and outdoor gatherings, and a small outdoor amphitheatre for pre-show entertainment.
