Magic/Bird to Play Broadway's Longacre Theatre; Dates and Additional Casting Set

The previously announced basketball drama Magic/Bird, which traces the fierce competition and eventual friendship between NBA icons Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird, has found a home court. Penned by Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson and directed by Thomas Kail, the play will begin its Broadway run on March 21 at the Longacre Theatre with opening night set for April 11.

At the heart of one sports history's fiercest rivalries, Johnson and Bird battled for three championships, bragging rights and the future of their sport in the 1980s. The duo electrified the nation on the court and eventually turned their rivalry into one of the most famous friendships in professional sports.


Joining already cast actors Kevin Daniels as Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Tug Coker as Larry Bird, will be Deirdre O’Connell as Georgia Bird/Shelly/Patricia Moore, Peter Scolari as Red Auerbach/Jerry Buss/Pat Riley, Rob Ray Manning Jr. as Michael Cooper/Henry Alvarado/Frank and Francois Battiste as Jon Lennox/Ron Baxter/Willy.

Magic/Bird reunites Simonson and Kail with their Lombardi creative team: David Korins (set), Howell Binkley (lighting), Paul Tazewell (costumes), Nevin Steinberg (sound). Wendall K Harrington (projections) will weave historic NBA film footage throughout the play.