ENDING "THE RULES" WITH "BREAKING THE CODE"

On Monday, July 20, we conclude our series on "The Rules" with English playwright Hugh Whitemore’s "Breaking the Code" (1986). This "elegant and poignant biographical play" (Time Magazine), "riveting, strange and disquieting" (Christian Science Monitor), relates the tragedy of English mathematician Alan Turing, who invented the computer, broke the German Enigma code, & helped win World War II, only to learn that his country cared less about his genius than about his sexual orientation.

We will meet at Luna Books, 1633 P St., NW (3d floor) (202-332-2543), just E of Dupont Circle. Dinner begins at 6:30 and our discussion at 7:30. Make reservations by e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 202-638-0444. You can find "Breaking the Code" only in NW DC, at Backstage Books, 2101 P St., Olsson’s, 1307 19^th St., & Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave.

MORE CODE-BREAKING

On Saturday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m., Footlights will attend a video viewing of "Breaking the Code," starring Derek Jacobi, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Blvd. (US-50), corner George Mason Dr., 1 mile from Ballston metro (orange line). Singletarians of Arlington will provide refreshments, lead a discussion, & accept contributions for expenses. For reservations & directions, call George Manno at 703-370-1838.

For Saturday, August 1, from 2-4 p.m., Footlights has arranged a private tour of the National Cryptologic Museum, which features several Enigma machines & a video about Alan Turing’s wartime code-breaking team. Tickets cost $5 and space is limited. Make your check payable to "Footlights" & mail to Robin Larkin, 5403 Nibud Ct., Rockville, MD 20852 ([email protected]). The museum is on Colony Seven Rd., S of BWI airport & off MD-32 just E of the B-W Parkway. Robin will bring maps to our July meeting. If you need a ride or can offer one, call Florence Foss (301-871-1667 (h) & 301-443-8647 (w)).

COMING SOON: "OUTSIDERS"

This is our last e-letter until September. On Tuesday, September 15, we’ll begin a series of plays about outsiders with Christopher Fry’s romantic verse comedy "The Lady’s Not for Burning" (1948). Set in the 15^th century, the play provides "dazzling verbal invention" (New Statesman), "serious social issues beneath its bubbly exterior" (Variety), and at least two outsiders: a beautiful, eccentric woman fleeing charges of witchcraft; and a cynical, weary ex-soldier who demands to be hanged for murder. You can see "The Lady’s Not for Burning" through September 27 at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Call 800-511-SHAW for more information.

FOOTLIGHTS ON STAGE

One of the first plays Footlights ever discussed was Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Delicate Balance." From July 8-August 1 you can see "A Delicate Balance" at the American Century Theater, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 South Lang St., Arlington, VA. For tickets or more information call 703-553-8782. Earlier this year, in honor of Albee’s 70^th birthday, Footlights’ own Debbie Minter Jackson wrote a one-act play called "The Connection." You can see "The Connection" & 3 other short plays July 16-18 at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, 1556 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Call 202-462-1073 for more information, 202-884-0060 for tickets, or 202-484-8303 ([email protected]) to join a Footlights group Saturday evening July 18. Tickets are $12. From July 7-August 9, Footlights member Mary Suib will appear in Noel Coward’s "Present Laughter" at the Olney Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd. (MD-108). For tickets or more information call 301-924-3400.

MARYLAND SITE SOUGHT

Nearly a third of our members live in Maryland. But Bethesda’s North China Restaurant will soon close its separate rooms. So we’re looking for a new suburban Maryland location. We need a private, quiet, well-lit room seating 25-30, near the metro, with some main courses below $10, and we can’t pay extra for the room. If you know of such a restaurant please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 202-484-8303. Thanks!

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