Breaking the Code tells the tragic and moving story of one of the world's most brilliant mathematicians. A true genius who broke too many codes. The fact that you're reading this via computer is partly down to the genius of Alan Turing, yet his is not a household name. Turing was the father of modern computers and artificial intelligence. And during the Second World War his work at Bletchley Park helped save The Allied Nations from Nazi domination by breaking the infamous German Enigma Code. Yet, despite Turing's brilliance, his country turned its back on him for naively revealing the nature of his sexual orientation. Britain eventually arrested and prosecuted him for ‘Gross Indecency' - the law by which Oscar Wilde had been ruined a half century before.
This incredible play by Hugh Whitemore tells the story of Turing's life from childhood (his first day at school coincided with a general transportation strike in Britain so he cycled the 60 miles to school so as not to be late) and ends with his tragic death.
Turing is portrayed with stellar intensity and sensitivity by the award-nominated actor Sam R. Ross, who starred last year in TheProdCo's beautiful ‘M. Butterfly'. It's a mesmerizing performance - he even manages to make complex mathematics understandable. The entire cast is near perfect. David Ross Peterson is excellent as Turing's boss at Bletchley Park, the dotty professor Dillwyn Knox. Adam Burch is suitably dangerous as
Ron Miller, the 'bit of rough' Turing picks up in a Manchester pub. Sarah Lilly subtly ages with every scene as Turing's mother, Sara. And Joanna Strapp (returning to TheProdCo after the highly acclaimed ‘Mrs. Warren's Profession') is beautiful as
Pat Green, the woman who falls in love with Turing. Armand DesHarnais as beleaguered defender of the law Mick Ross layers his character with genuine conflict and humanity while his overseer
John Smith is played by
Barry Saltzman with sinister single-minded assurance. Michael Tauzin as Nikos and David Ro
Bert May as Christopher Morcom shine in their beautifully crafted scenes that book-end Turing's amazing and tragic life.
Director Robert Mammana was Ovation award-nominated twice as ‘Best Director' including for his ‘Best Play' nominated production of ‘Wit' last year at The Chandler. Both thought-provoking and entertaining, Robert has nourished the play with humanity and humor, and has conceived the mind of Turing on stage in a remarkable, simple, and beautiful way.
What the Press has said of the play:
"Powerful, riveting drama." N.Y. Daily News.
"Elegant and poignant." Time Magazine.
"The most important serious play of the season." Christian Science Monitor.
BREAKING THE CODE
Written by Hugh Whitemore Directed by Robert Mammana
Featuring Sam R. Ross
Adam Burch Amand DesHarnais Sarah Lilly David Ro
Bert MayDavid Ross Paterson
Barry Saltzman Joanna Strapp Michael Tauzin
Assistant Directed by Alisa Banks
March May 15th through June 20th, 2009
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Special Sunday Matinees 6/7 & 6/14 at 3 PM
The Chandler Studio Theatre Center - 12443 Chandler Boulevard - North Hollywood, CA 91607
Tickets $22. - charge your tickets at
www.theprodco.com or 1-800-838-3006. Cash only at the door.
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