THE ROYALE to Begin Previews at CTG's Kirk Douglas Theatre, 4/28

"The Royale" by Marco Ramirez, will be directed by Daniel Aukin in its World Premiere at Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre. The show begins previews April 28 and opens on May 5, running through June 2, 2013.

Set in the boxing world of the early 1900s, Jay "The Sport" Jackson has talent and confidence and wants what he feels is owed to him: a shot at the championship. Even though blacks were not offered bouts with white boxers, Jay wants to be the first African American crowned undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, and is pushing hard to have that dream realized, no matter the consequences."The Royale" is loosely inspired by the story of Jack Johnson, who was the first African American sports icon, and whose reign as the world heavyweight champion lasted from 1908 to 1915.

The production runs in previews Sunday at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. No performance on Monday. Opens Sunday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Regular Performances: (Beginning May 9): Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No performance on Mondays. Exceptions: No public performances on May 7, 8, 14 and 15 (Student matinees only). No 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 11.

Ticket Prices: $20-$50 (Ticket prices are subject to change.) Tickets are available by calling CTG Audience Services at (213) 628-2772, in person at the Center Theatre Group box office (at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles), online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or at the Kirk Douglas Theatre box office two hours prior to performances. Hot Tix: $20 each may be purchased in advance or, subject to availability, on the day of performance at the box office (no checks). Groups: (213) 972-7231. Deaf community: information & charge, TDD (213) 680-4017.

The Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, Calif. Ample free parking and restaurants adjacent.

Pictured: David St. Louis in staged reading of "The Royale". Photo Credit: Craig Schwartz.