From Wednesday, September 17 to Sunday, October 5, 2025 – The King Black Box, in partnership with One East Productions, presents the world premiere of Jesse McQueen’s play Romeo Pimp. A high school senior’s life transforms when she falls in love for the first time – but as her world expands, so does the distance between the life she’s always known and the life she’s being pulled into.
A teen in love lured away from her life
Jamie’s life turns upside down when she falls in love for the first time with Ryan, a boy from a neighbouring school. Sparks fly as she finally feels seen, wanted and chosen. As their relationship deepens, she begins to drift from her family, her best friend and her former self. What begins as a love story unravels into a haunting examination of identity, intimacy and the invisible thresholds that separate freedom from control.
Directed by The King Black Box’s Artistic Director Sophie Ann Rooney, the cast features Charlotte Salisbury, Agape Mngomezulu, Athena Kaitlin Trinh,* Sam Wexler, Juliette Diodati, Brennan Bielefeld, Jesse McQueen and Jack Creaghan.
*CAEA Equity Members
Shedding light on a growing & disturbing crisis
Ontario mothers believe their daughters are going to the movies with boys their own age. In reality, many are being drawn into a dangerous world, one that many chillingly call “the Life”, where teenage girls are groomed and manipulated by school-aged boys who are sometimes coerced themselves. These girls are trafficked without parents recognizing the signs.
“As the number of missing and trafficked girls continues to rise across Ontario, particularly in the GTA, we cannot ignore the statistics. Through this production, we hope to bring urgent awareness to a crisis affecting countless families.”
– The King Black Box and One East Productions
In addition to the run, there will be a charity preview presentation on Sunday, September 14.
About The King Black Box
The King Black Box is a Toronto-based theatre company, launched in 2024 by founding Artistic Director Sophie Ann Rooney – and operated by Rooney and Executive Director Grisha Pasternak. The company’s artistic vision is to produce bold, socially urgent new works. Audiences can anticipate a dynamic but also passionate dedication to fostering inclusivity, social relevance and artistic excellence.
About One East Productions
One East Productions is comprised of Romeo Pimp playwright/actor Jesse McQueen and producer/actor Jack Creaghan.
(Photo credits: The King Black Box & One East Productions.)
Event details
Presented by: The King Black Box, in partnership with One East Productions
Type of event: theatre performance
Written by: Jesse McQueen
Directed by: Sophie Ann Rooney
Cast: Charlotte Salisbury, Agape Mngomezulu, Athena Kaitlin Trinh,* Sam Wexler, Juliette Diodati, Brennan Bielefeld, Jesse McQueen & Jack Creaghan
Dates: The show runs from Wednesday, September 17 – Sunday, October 5, 2025. There will also be a charity preview performance on Sunday, September 14.
Start time: 8:00 PM ET (doors at 7:30 PM)
Duration: approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cost:
- Arts Worker/Student/Senior Wednesdays: C$25.00 (+ $0.63 service fee)
- General Admission – Week One (September 17 – 21): C$40.00 (+ $1.00 service fee)
- General Admission – Week Two (September 24 – 28): C$43.00 (+$1.08 service fee)
- General Admission – Week Three (October 1 – 5): C$46.00 (+ $1.15 service fee)
Location: The King Black Box, 1224 King Street West, #300, Toronto, ON, M4K 1G4 (3rd floor, no elevator**)
Booking link: Book your tickets here by using the button under Time & Location to select the date you wish to attend.
Contact details: The King Black Box, 1224 King Street West, #300, Toronto, ON, M4K 1G4, Canada; thekingblackbox416@gmail.com, thekingblackbox.com
Content warning: Discretion is advised; recommended for ages 16+. Audience members are encouraged to care for their own well-being and review the content disclosure on the website (contains spoilers).
**Accessibility: They regret to inform patrons that The King Black Box is located on the third floor of the building and does not have elevator access, rendering the space not wheelchair-accessible. While they aspire to provide a fully inclusive environment, they currently lack the necessary funds for ground-floor real estate. They remain committed to enhancing accessibility and hope to expand their facilities in the future to better accommodate all guests. They sincerely appreciate your understanding and support.
Refund policy: All sales are final. For rescheduling inquiries, please contact thekingblackbox416@gmail.com