'Billie Jean': World premiere of play about tennis icon Billie Jean King showing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater until August 10
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The world premiere of the powerful play “Billie Jean” is now at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Acclaimed performer Lily Tomlin loves the story of the tennis champ so much, she produced it and sat down with ABC7 to talk more about it.

Tomlin joined writer Lauren Gunderson, and Chilina Kennedy, starring as Billie Jean King, to explain why this is the perfect serve for the audience.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“I believe we’re in need of heroes today,” said Gunderson. “The theater allows us to engage with characters who matter, making us laugh, learn, and love alongside them.”

She never doubted she was right. She knew something was wrong about the business when she was a young girl and she set out to change it.

“She has achieved every title imaginable and made significant contributions to women’s rights and the LGBT+ community,” Kennedy remarked. “She’s a trailblazer who displayed remarkable courage, setting precedents in numerous ways.”

“The reality of Billie Jean’s story isn’t just historical; it’s ongoing,” Gunderson expressed. “She and her wife Alana continue to show us that the work persists, the community evolves, and the struggle belongs to all of us.”

The playwright explained why they decided to bring the show to Chicago.

“Chicago is for me a theater town, it is real people, real art,” Gunderson said. “We’re here at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and I think Billie Jean King is Shakespearean character, the heroism, the cost, the great love, the great work she went through in her life.”

“Every single night I discover something new in the piece and I hear it differently, and it’s exciting,” Kennedy said.

“Chicago Shakespeare Theater, it’s a wonderful complex, I’ve never even been over on this waterfront and I played here every year at Mr. Kelly’s, I’ve played at the Goodman,” Tomlin said.

Chicago means a lot to Tomlin.

“Yeah, I hitchhiked to Chicago when I was 15, 14,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin explained why telling the story of Billie Jean King was an important choice.

“The stage is a very powerful instrument whatever you can think up you can create on the stage, may not be wise or it may have been a fabulous thing, but that’s what it allows you,” Tomlin said. “It couldn’t be more timely than today, because the same kinds of fights, struggles are still going on with women, in general. She never doubted she was right. She knew something was wrong about the business when she was a young girl and she set out to change it.”

“Billie Jean” is playing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater through August 10.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A timeline of US attacks off South America and what Congress has had to say

Exploring the Chronology of U.S. Military Actions off South America: Congressional Insights and Reactions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the past two months, President Donald Trump and…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Florida Uber Eats driver noticed autistic son missing from car, continues delivery: police

Florida Uber Eats Driver Reports Autistic Son Missing During Delivery, Police Investigate

A Florida Uber Eats driver has been charged with child neglect after…
Hunter Biden Reveals Profane Rage, Near Threat Toward Obama After Infamous Moment on Stage With His Dad

Explosive Revelation: Hunter Biden’s Fiery Outburst and Tension with Obama Exposed

Hunter Biden doesn’t hold Barack Obama in high regard. Tension between their…
Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination portrayed as victim by school principal

Chicago Educator Allegedly Mocks Charlie Kirk Assassination, School Principal Defends Her Actions

The principal of a Chicago elementary school appeared to frame a controversial…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
St. Johns police reponds after student attacked on school bus

St. Johns Police Take Swift Action Following Alarming School Bus Incident

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement indicating that a…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…
Star-studded gala celebrates Misty Copeland as she takes final bow with American Ballet Theatre in NYC

NYC Gala Honors Misty Copeland’s Iconic Farewell with American Ballet Theatre: A Star-Studded Celebration

NEW YORK — Misty Copeland is set to retire her iconic pointe…
ted cruz, eric johnson, daniel comeaux speaks during conference

Dallas Mayor Criticizes Police Chief’s Solo Move to Turn Down $25M ICE Grant, Sparking Controversy

In Dallas, a debate has erupted among city leaders over the role…