'The Royale' tells story of Jack Johnson, 1st Black boxer to become heavyweight champion of world

Theater 'The Royale' tells story of Jack Johnson, 1st Black boxer to become heavyweight champion of world 'The Royale' at Writers Theatre in Glencoe tells the story of Jack Johnson, the 1st Black boxer to become heavyweight champion of the world. WLS By Hosea Sanders , Marsha Jordan Monday, November 9, 2026 11:14PM Share GLENCOE, Ill. (WLS) -- "The Royale" is a powerful play at Writers Theatre on the North Shore, getting rave reviews. It's inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, the first Black boxer to become the heavyweight champion of the world. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch Director Tyrone Phillips talked about the groundbreaking passion project. Johnson was a towering hero in the Jim Crow era to some and a dangerous threat to others. Johnson is known as "Jay" in "The Royale," so writer Marco Ramirez could "interpret" the story for the stage. "I learned he was fighting not only in the ring but political stories, as well, and traumas, as well. He was fighting society overall," Phillips said. "He was saying, 'we are all equal.' He grew up with white people; so he didn't see a color line. He didn't see a barrier; he saw humanity." La'Tevin Alexander is "Jay." James Vincent Meredith, Ajax Dontavius and Scott Aiello round out the cast. "I call it a boxing ballet. There's never a punch landed in the script; so there's an artist in a way we represent boxing itself," Phillips said. The historic Royale was a brutal spectacle, with Black boxers fighting to the finish, and the last man standing. Evanston Township HS student killed in Deerfield crash involving Chicago Tribune box truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over 2023 Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE while boarding domestic flight to be released The champion made Chicago his home. SEE ALSO: Chicago International Film Festival honors Carrie Coon with Artistic Achievement Award "Jack Johnson participated in his first Royale in Chicago. He came here intentionally; he loved Chicago. He had a restaurant on the South Side of Chicago, as well. Chicago was a safe haven for him; he bought his mother a home here," Phillips said. The giant has his final resting place in Chicago. Hyde Park resident Phillips created Definition Theatre: a Black multi-cultural ensemble. He partnered with Director Phylicia Rashad at Steppenwolf on Tony winner "Purpose." She was at "The Royale" debut to cheer Phillips on. "I went to high school at Niles North not too far from this theatre, where my whole career in the arts began, truly," Phillips said. "I don't think I could have done a lot of what I've done in my career without the city of Chicago behind me." Johnson's legacy is still important in the modern day. "I think the legacy is that when you're the best, it does come at a cost. He was a very bold person. He pushed and changed people's perspective; I think it will change you and make you care about your neighbor and someone who doesn't look like you," Phillips said. "The Royale" is at Writers Theatre in Glencoe through Nov. 29. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT GLENCOE THEATER BOXING Chicago Bears bring sold-out fan fest to McHenry Outdoor Theater Chicago International Film Festival honors Carrie Coon Steppenwolf's 'Topdog/Underdog' stars Namir Smallwood 'Topdog/ Underdog' play getting rave reviews at Steppenwolf Watch Live ON NOW ETHS student killed in suburban crash involving Chicago Tribune truck 1 hour ago Bill Belichick's ex-girlfriend Jordon Hudson sues over Ring cam video 30 minutes ago Wisconsin state trooper detained by ICE to be released Man convicted of fatally stabbing young suburban mom 120 times in 1966 12 minutes ago Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane after taking off from LAX 3 hours ago Voice recorder from Florida jet crash recovered by investigators 1 hour ago Mother charged in OD death of 12-year-old daughter: Joliet police Suburban hospital placed on EMS bypass as owner fails to make payroll