Millennial Notes

Lauren Yee Scores Big with Basketball Comedy

by Hamilton Nguyen

Inspired by a young San Francisco Chinatown basketball player, “The Great Leap” blends sports, family, and a University of San Francisco team trip to Beijing. Center REP has cast four top-notch actors to explore Chinese American identity at a crucial moment in world history.

Eighteen years after the USF coach introduced basketball to China, playwright Lauren Yee depicts a Friendship Game in 1989—the year of the Tiananmen Square student revolt. Her play showcases the dreams of American and Chinese players and coaches. Director Nicholas C. Avila seamlessly weaves a powerful coming-of-age story into U.S.-China politics.

“The Great Leap” evokes the basketball mantra: “Ball Is LIFE!”

Yee reminds us that the game echoes Life: filled with joy and sadness. Her hero Manford (charismatic James Aaron Oh) believes in the American motto: “It’s always my turn.”  We laugh and squirm in our seats—thanks to witty dialogue and awkward international handshakes.

Chinatown’s relentless, young Manford leaps over personal and political hurdles. He aggressively challenges preconceptions about race, height, and exclusion. Manford’s legendary talent in Chinatown pick-up games helps him break into the USF roster for the trip to Beijing. And Manford has a secret family reason for going on the trip.

Manford’s fiery spirit ignites his underdog energy. Energetic Oh has us cheering him on as he works hard to win over foul-mouthed, soft-hearted USF Coach Saul (admirable Cassidy Brown). Brown’s Saul is a delightful comic version of American basketball mania.

But Saul’s failing coaching career mirrors his personal life, a fast break gone wrong. He is out of shape, divorced, and misses his young daughter. All for a dismal “8-20” win-loss record at USF. Brown’s voice softens with desperation as he pleads for his daughter’s attention; then he amps it up for coaching. His vocal variety highlights the widening conflict between his family and his dreams.

Manford’s “Cousin” Connie (spirited Nicole Tung) lovingly supports him, even when his goals are mysterious. Tung embodies a loving and protective sister, fiercely grilling Coach Saul. Blood relation or not, what more can you ask of a “sister”?

In China, unassuming Coach Wen Chang (multi-faceted Edward Chen) grimaces at Saul’s U.S. pride. In their last meeting, Saul asserted: “No Chinese team will ever beat an American team.” After 18 years, it’s time for a USF-Beijing showdown. Saul will pay for his arrogance.

Chen’s discreet expressions show the Chinese coach in conflict, torn between fear of the Party and his personal desires. When the trapped bureaucrat hints at his unexplored passion for the game, we relish his subdued flickers of excitement.

Driven by the Party and his own self-doubt, Chang represents a yearning for control over our lives. Chen vividly depicts a reserved man struggling with a Big Secret. The Chinese coach opens his closed heart, forced to confront his past romance. At the same moment, the 1989 pro-democracy student uprising is unrolling in Tiananmen Square.

While the production could benefit from more on-court action to solidify the sports connection, it’s packed with ambition, humor, and family relations. “The Great Leap” delivers a brilliant union of the personal with the political. Catch this heartwarming dramatic comedy before it bounces away!

“The Great Leap ” by Lauren Yee, directed by Nicholas C. Avila, scenic design by Yi-Chien Lee, lighting by Spenser Matubang, costumes by Maggie Whitaker, sound by Lyle Barrere, at Center REPertory Company, Lesher Center, Walnut Creek, California. Info: lesherartscenter.org – to  April 7, 2024.

Cast: Cassidy Brown, Edward Chen, James Aaron Oh, and Nicole Tung.

Banner photo:Manford (James Aaron Oh) finds himself in a pivotal historic moment. Photos: Alessandra Mello