Billie Jean

By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Marc Bruni

The Yard

Presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater by special arrangement with Harriet Newman Leve

A visionary, a pioneer, a woman who changed the world.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater produces the world premiere of an electrifying new play about Billie Jean King. Following her path to becoming a sports icon, from her record-breaking victories to her relentless fight for equal pay and equal rights, Billie Jean explores the cost of public battles and private struggles—bringing us closer than ever before to a woman whose battle for identity and equality inspired and continues to inspire generations. Lauren Gunderson, one of the most-produced playwrights in America, and director Marc Bruni (The Great Gatsby, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) team up to stage this empowering new look at a living legend who shattered glass ceilings on and off the court.

Playwright Lauren Gunderson shared, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart. We want this play to be an exploration of contrast: instantly recognizable and also deeply surprising; athletic and also theatrical; heartfelt and heroic. I am honored and thrilled to have Billie Jean be a part of CST’s season.”

July 2025

7:30 PM / Friday , Jul 18

7:30 PM / Saturday , Jul 19

2:30 PM / Sunday , Jul 20

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jul 22

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jul 23

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jul 24

Sold Out

7:30 PM / Friday , Jul 25

2:30 PM / Saturday , Jul 26

7:30 PM / Saturday , Jul 26

2:30 PM / Sunday , Jul 27

7:30 PM / Tuesday , Jul 29

1:00 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30

7:30 PM / Wednesday , Jul 30

7:30 PM / Thursday , Jul 31

Tickets Available

Limited Availability

Multiple Performances

Sold Out

THU, AUG 03

WED, AUG 06

FRI, AUG 08

Presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater by special arrangement with Harriet Newman Leve