The Knockturnal had the honor of attending “The Crossover” premiere at the Hollywood Athletic Club. “The Crossover” is the television adaptation of Kwame Alexander’s novel-in-verse. Alexander won the 2015 John Newbery Medal and a Coretta Scott King author honor for his work, and serves as the executive producer and showrunner for the new series. “The Crossover” follows Josh (Jalyn Hall), nicknamed “Filthy”, and Jordan Bell (Amir O’Neil) throughout their middle school experience while they figure out how to balance their social life, school, and basketball. The teenagers are coached by their dad (Derek Luke), a former professional basketball player.
Their mom, played by Sabrina Revelle, helps the boys with their trials and tribulations as she navigates motherhood and her own flourishing career. The television show is narrated by the adult version of Josh (voiced by Daveed Diggs) and spoken word poetry is creatively interwoven into the narration. The series includes flash forward scenes in which the adult version of Josh has a career in basketball. This allows audiences to view the teenagers’ situations in context, and provides viewers with anticipation and excitement for the boys’ future with basketball. To celebrate after the reception, the Hollywood Athletic Club served New Orlean’s style cuisine such as Po Boy sandwiches and beignets. As there were many children in attendance, the venue provided basketball arcade games and entertainment after the show. The Knockturnal had a lovely evening celebrating, and audiences can watch Alexander’s innovative show on Disney+ now!
