Based on conversations with Johnson and Bird, this six-character play chronicles the rivalry, friendship, and intertwined life stories of these two influential figures in sports and pop culture.

Simonson is currently represented on Broadway by his play Lombardi, about Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi. Simonson won the 2006 Oscar for Documentary Short for A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin. He is an ensemble member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and his plays include Carter's Way, Honest, Fake, and The Song of Jacob Zulu. In addition, he co-wrote Nomathemba with Ntozake Shange and Joseph Shabalala.

Magic / Bird will be produced in association with the National Basketball Association and Johnson and Bird themselves will participate in the creative process.