By Ally Heatherly

Jeff Daniels’ “Pickleball” is not just a comedy, it’s a masterful blend of humor, absurdity and heart that delivers a unique and memorable theatrical experience. Put on by B Street Theatre, the production is a grand slam of creativity, serving up a craft cocktail of laughter and insight with every scene.

Set in the unassuming confines of a community center in a nameless town, “Pickleball” delves into the world of the fastest-growing sport in America. Here, a diverse group of players — each donning outfits seemingly plucked from a sporting goods store’s clearance section — brings the game to life. 

We meet Spike (Jason Kuykendall), a freshly divorced enthusiast with a passion for the game that borders on obsession; Larry (John Lamb), an earnest but bumbling would-be ladies’ man; Billie (Amy Kelly), a vibrant former tennis player with a poignant backstory and a zest for life  ; and Sheldon (Greg Alexander), a perennially injured hobby player who’s more interested in the snacks than the sport. 

Beneath these caricatures lies a rich tapestry of human experience, skillfully unraveled by Daniels’ script and the players’ skilled performances.

The heart of “Pickleball” is not just in the exhilarating matches but in the nuanced interactions between its characters. The game itself becomes a metaphor for life’s unpredictability — complete with its own rules, mishaps and strokes of fortune. The script, delivered with rapid-fire wit by the cast, deftly balances humor with emotional depth. Stephanie Atholtz’s portrayal of Perfect, the last and most enigmatic member of the cast, is a masterstroke, providing the fulcrum for the play’s emotional equilibrium and comedic brilliance.

Director M. Graham Smith brings a meticulous and insightful approach to the production,ensuring the comedy remains fresh and sincere, steering clear of clichés. His vision for the play, combined with a thoughtful world-building approach, provides the characters and narrative with depth and authenticity, even amidst the play’s most whimsical moments. The production’s accessibility is another triumph, with its exploration of pickleball jargon and culture made approachable for both novices and enthusiasts.

The choreography, crafted by the renowned Jacob Gutiérrez-Montoya, captures the sport’s energetic pace while showcasing the characters’ distinct personalities. The movement sequences are as smooth and precise as a perfectly executed shot, maintaining the show’s dynamic momentum and contributing to the overall experience.

On the design front, the set evokes the charm of a community center while accommodating the play’s more imaginative elements. The scenic work, lighting and sound design enhance each scene; from the vibrant court atmosphere to the introspective, ethereal moments off court. The auditory landscape is enriched with the distinctive sounds of pickleball, immersing audiences in the  story. Longtime B Street regulars also make cameo appearances, serving as Easter eggs for delighted theatergoers.

In true B Street Theatre fashion, “Pickleball” is a playful yet profound exploration of life’s quirks and connections with world-class production value and performances. It transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, offering a night of pure entertainment where every player — or theatergoer — is a winner. 

So, grab your paddle and head to the theater for an evening of laughter, demonstrating that sometimes, the greatest victories come from the simple pleasure of the game itself.

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19.