The Great Leap
Every game is a second chance.
He went to China for basketball but quickly finds himself playing a very different game.
Playwright
Director
Summary
It’s 1989 San Francisco and Manford Lum, a gifted, fast-talking teenager, dominates the high school basketball courts. Facing an uncertain future, he convinces Saul, a cynical and crusty coach, to let him travel to Beijing for a “friendship” game in China. Waiting there is a Chinese national coach with unfinished business, both with Saul and with Manford. On the eve of historic demonstrations, all three men are challenged to define their pasts and their futures.
Press & Reviews
“A chief pleasure at Lyric Stage is Tyler Simahk’s all-out portrayal of Manford Lum, a driven Chinese-American youth. While “The Great Leap” is of course about more than sports, it helps that Simahk moves like a point guard and dribbles a ball between his legs with ease. He’s got game.”
Hoops and history converge in Lyric Stage’s ‘The Great Leap’ | The Boston Globe | Don Aucoin
“In many ways, Lauren Yee’s “THE GREAT LEAP” is a “splash” and nails the shot from about as far away as you can get – politically, anyway – China.”
“With playwright Lauren Yee’s thorough research, respect for authentic storytelling and representation, hilarious and heartfelt writing, Michael Hisamoto’s deft direction, and a winning cast, don’t throw away your shot – see Lauren Yee’s The Great Leap.”
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot, See Lyric’s ‘The Great Leap’ | Theater Mirror | Linda Chin
“Beautifully directed by Michael Hisamoto, filled with surprising reversals and satisfying moments. Yes, it is filled with laughs, but that laughter, as Hisamoto explains, draws the audience in and opens viewers to the moving revelations that occur later in the show.”
The Great Leap Review | Stage and Cinema | Lynne Weiss
“Under Michael Hisamoto’s careful direction, the Lyric Stage Company of Boston’s area premiere scores a theatrical slam dunk.”
The Great Leap’ is more than a play about basketball | Jewish Journal | Jules Becker
“The Great Leap” is greatly satisfying and its ending alone is worth the price of admission.”
Production Cast
Production Photos
Production Crew
Scenic Design**
Costume Designer**
Lighting Designer
Sound Designer
Production Stage Manager*
Assistant Stage Manager*
Assistant Sound Designer
Props Artisan
Wardrobe
Head Electrician
Audio Supervisor
Production Sponsor
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