Sugar Ray at Bond Street Theatre

Sugar Ray Robinson was, pound for pound, the greatest boxer of all time. In his 25-year professional career, from 1940 to 1965, he was boxing history's first winner of five divisional championships (in the middle weight and welterweight divisions). This "King of Harlem" was renowned for his litheness, his power and his flamboyant lifestyle outside the ring. His career peaked between 1947 and 1950, before the era of TV boxing, so his style and legacy are less preserved today than those of other boxers, including his admirer, Muhammed Ali. That's why "Sugar Ray" by playwright Laurence Holder is so significant. It recaptures Robinson's life and boxing legacy in a biographical solo show that is exciting to those who idolized him and illuminating to those who grew up after his era. The play will have its theatrical premiere January 6 to 23, 2022 at Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street, presented by 24 Bond Arts Center in association with Faith Steps Productions and performed by AUDELCO-winnner Reginald L. Wilson. The theater's playing area will be transformed into a boxing ring for the production. Luther D. Wells directs.Wilson performed the show in New York once before, in 2016, in a site-specific dinner theater presentation at New Harlem Besame Restaurant at 2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. That location was the original home of Sugar Ray's bar/restaurant and business offices during the 50's and 60's. Directed by Woodie King Jr., the production received plaudits from the critics and was visited by notables including Ray Robinson II (the last surviving son of the famed boxer); Jimmy Hayes, a member of the vocal group The Persuasions; and Johnny Barnes,who played Sugar Ray in "The Raging Bull."January 6 to 23, 2022Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street (East Village)Presented by 24 Bond Arts Center in association with Faith Steps ProductionsPreview Jan. 6, opens Jan. 7, runs Thur through Sat at 8:00 PM plus matinees Sat and Sun at 3:00 PM.Tickets $32 gen. Adm., $22 seniors & studentsBuy tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4zmh57ffInfo: Gene Frankel Theatre 917-841-7567Runs 1:15.