“one of the finest productions to be staged by steppenwolf theatre in recent years” – wttw
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Great Leap tells the story of Manford Lum, a local star of the sidewalk basketball courts of San Francisco’s Chinatown who strongarms his way onto an American college team travelling to Beijing for a “friendship” game. Set amidst the friction of post cultural revolution China, this Chicago premiere explores the cultural collide of identity and politics through the game of basketball. Witty and weighty, Lauren Yee’s The Great Leap keeps tensions high right up to the final buzzer.
FROM PLAYWRIGHT LAUREN YEE
“Growing up, my father dominated the basketball courts of San Francisco’s Chinatown, and in the 1980s, his legendary game won him a spot on a friendship team headed to a newly open China to play a series of exhibition games against the best teams in the People’s Republic. That nugget of his history formed the inspiration for my play The Great Leap nearly 40 years later."
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Watch & Listen
Content Advisory
Steppenwolf does not proactively offer advisories about the content of shows, as sensitivities vary from person to person. Click below to learn more about the content of the show.
If you have further questions, contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Stage Effects Advisory
Steppenwolf does not proactively offer advisories about stage effects, as sensitivities vary from person to person. Click below to learn more about the stage effects used in the show.
If you have further questions, contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Additional Information
Last minute offer!
For all remaining performances of The Great Leap, groups of just 6+ can get a discount on tickets. Enter code GROUP6, get $10 off each ticket—there's no such thing as a small group!
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Lauren Yee
- Director Jesca Prudencio
- Scenic Design Justin Humphres
- Costume Designer Jenny Mannis
- Lighting Design Keith Parham
- Sound Design & Original Music Pornchanok Kanchanabanca
- Projection Design Rasean Davonte Johnson
- Company Voice & Text Coach Gigi Buffington
- Production Stage Manager Christine D. Freeburg
- Assistant Stage Manager Kathleen Barrett
- Casting Director JC Clementz
The Cast
Reviews
"Poetic and resonant" – Chicago Tribune
“The play’s relevance could not be more immediate” – Chicago Sun-Times
"A fast-paced, energy-charged, witty play performed by an exceptional cast" – Chicago Theatre and Arts
“Obrero is an utterly dazzling ball of fire… his award-worthy performance drives the entire show" – Windy City Times
“Kupferer is simply perfection” – WTTW
Press
“Fall Arts Preview 2019: Director Jesca Prudencio on Sports, Family and Culture in Lauren Yee’s 'The Great Leap'” – Newcity Stage
“Five Plays you should See This Fall” – Crains Chicago Business
“Lauren Yee’s ‘The Great Leap’ takes a jump shot on past to reach the future” – Rolling Out