May 1998 - FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS

MARRIAGE & MANIPULATION START NEW SERIES

On Wednesday, May 13, Footlights begins a new series, "Testing the Rules," with "The Rules of the Game" (1918), an unsettling portrait of marriage &manipulation, by Nobel laureate Luigi Pirandello. Full of "psychological probings, mordant ironies, & sharp character revelations" (Christian Science Monitor), the play "hums with suspense" (Time Magazine). Our discussion will feature director Steve Carpenter, whose production of "Rules of the Game" opened April 25 at the Washington Stage Guild.

We will meet at Luna Books, 1633 P St., NW (3d floor), a few blocks E of Dupont Circle. Dinner begins at 6:30; our discussion at 7:45. Make reservations now by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling (202) 638-0444.

You can get "The Rules of the Game" (Absolute Classics edition) at Backstage Books, 2101 P St., NW, or in "Collected Plays Volume 3" at Backstage Books & at Olsson's, 1307 19th St., NW. The Stage Guild is producing the Absolute Classics edition--better & slightly less expensive--but either will work for our meeting. Most libraries will not have this play.

FOLLOW "THE RULES" AT THE STAGE GUILD

On Sunday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m., Footlights will attend "The Rules of the Game" at Washington Stage Guild, Carroll Hall, 924 G St., NW (between Gallery Place &Metro Center metros). Tickets are $9 & include a post-performance cast discussion. Make checks payable to Washington Stage Guild & mail to Robin Larkin, 5403 Nibud Ct., Rockville, MD 20852 ([email protected]). We need to receive payment by May 13, also the last date for refunds. Robin will distribute tickets at the theater just before the performance. If you need a ride or can offer one, please call Florence Foss at (301) 443-8647.

FURTHER TESTS SCHEDULED

Our "Testing the Rules" series continues on June 18 with "Racing Demon" (1990), by English playwright David Hare. An "intelligent and noble play [that] can shake the soul" (Time Magazine), winner of the 1996 Tony Award, "Racing Demon" details the struggles of four Anglican priests in south London, each testing the church's rules in his own way. Our meeting will feature Rev. Elizabeth Orens, of the National Cathedral, & director Jim Petosa, whose production of "Racing Demon" opened at Olney Theatre April 14. We'll attend the closing performance Sunday, June 21, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18. Make your check payable to Olney Theatre and mail by June 8 to Robin Larkin, 5403 Nibud Ct., Rockville, MD 20852.

ROGERS ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Footlights' own Ian Rogers stars in "Much Ado About Nothing," on stage May 1-16 at Cedar Lane Stage, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda. Tickets are $9 ($8 students & seniors). For tickets or further information call (301) 493-6010.

CHICAGO CLUB HOSTS PRESIDENTIAL RECEPTION

On Thursday May 21 the University of Chicago Club of Washington--Footlights' original sponsor--will host a reception for university president Hugo Sonenschein. The reception will take place at the Russell Senate Office Building, 1st St. & Constitution Ave., NE, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($10 for 1988-97 graduates). For further information call the alumni association at (800) 955-0065 or Chuck Schilke at (202) 244-0150.

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