Josh Groban and More Celebrate The Royale, Starring Khris Davis and Montego Glover

Marco Ramirez’s new drama is directed by Rachel Chavkin.

Tricia Baron

March 8, 2016

Khris Davis and Montego Glover lead the cast of Marco Ramirez's The Royale at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. — Khris Davis and Montego Glover lead the cast of Marco Ramirez's *The Royale* at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.
(© Tricia Baron)

Marco Ramirez's new play The Royale is now in performances at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, preparing for its official March 7 opening.

McKinley Belcher III, Khris Davis, John Lavelle, Montego Glover, and Clarke Peters make up the cast of The Royale. — McKinley Belcher III, Khris Davis, John Lavelle, Montego Glover, and Clarke Peters make up the cast of *The Royale*.
(© Tricia Baron)

Directed by Rachel Chavkin, the cast includes Tony nominee Montego Glover (It Shoulda Been You) and Tony-nominated book writer Clarke Peters (Five Guys Named Moe) as well as McKinley Belcher III, Khris Davis, and John Lavelle.

The Royale is directed by Rachel Chavkin and written by Marco Ramirez. — *The Royale* is directed by Rachel Chavkin and written by Marco Ramirez.
(© Tricia Baron)

Loosely based on the real-life experiences of Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight world champion, The Royale tells the fictional story of Jay "The Sport" Johnson (Davis).

Guests at the opening-night festivities included Josh Groban, who will make his Broadway debut in Rachel Chavkin's production of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. — Guests at the opening-night festivities included Josh Groban, who will make his Broadway debut in Rachel Chavkin's production of *Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812*.
(© Tricia Baron)

In the play, it's 1905 and as Johnson faces his opponents — and confronts his demons — he exposes the troublesome events in his life that have propelled him into the ring.