Catch Breaking the Code by Hugh Whitemore at Falcon Theatre. Under the capable direction of Ed Cohen, this play tells the story of Alan Turing, a British mathematician, known as the father of theoretical computer science and Artificial Intelligence. Ten years ago audiences ran to see Benedict Cumberbatch play Mr. Turing in the film The Imitation Game, which focuses on Turing’s contributions to the war effort in the 1940s. We met this brilliant man, whose only crime was not being born in the right time period, so he could be open about his homosexuality. Breaking the Code explores the story further.
The Production Team
No stranger to being in the Director’s chair, Ed Cohen delivers a beautifully crafted piece with some of the best movement and pacing imaginable. Set Design (Mr. Cohen and Falcon’s Producing Artistic Director, Ted Weil) is simple in the best of ways: it is effective and offers easy use of the entire space. Costumes by Rachel Scardina are also smartly chosen: they fit the time periods in the script and allow for swift and slight alterations to their look in order to imply the passage of time. The exception to time-period appropriateness would be the length of some of the skirts worn by Alan’s mother: they are above the knee and even shorter when the actress sits down which is a bit distracting.
Amazing Ensemble in Breaking the Code
Breaking the Code has a strong ensemble of actors who give excellent individual performances while contributing what is necessary to form a cohesive group. This is no easy task and that alone deserves recognition.
Notable Performances
Ted Weil is marvelous as detective Mick Ross, a character who embodies a range of emotions kept in check as a member of law enforcement. Mr. Weil’s delivery, expressions, and command of the stage are beautifully subtle – in other words, he makes a huge impact on his scenes without having to so much as raise his voice or make any sudden movements. It is a delight to see him in this role on his own stage.
The role of Alan Turing can be a tricky one. Fortunately, Rick Grant’s stellar portrayal is breathtaking. Mr. Grant expertly pivots between a university-age Turing to a more adult Turing and back again without issue. His physicality, his cadence of speech, and his array of emotions are a work of art. Mr. Grant shows commitment from the first breath he takes on stage until his last. Cincinnati is lucky to have him back!
From L to R: Rick Grant as Alan Turning, Ted Weil as Mick Ross, and Lawson Smith as Ron Miller in Breaking the Code at Falcon Theatre. Photo credit to Claudia Herschner.
One more performance of note is Linda Callahan as Sara Turing, Alan’s mother. In addition to being affable and engaging, Ms. Callahan presents the best dialect on the stage, full stop. While her character’s sunny disposition is mostly on display, we also get to see some heartbreaking moments in her scenes as well which can make a stone weep. (It’s me; I’m the stone.)
The Sweet and Lowdown
Breaking the Code is an interesting and entertaining play. It touches on problems which continue to rear their ugly heads: the ignorance and fear surrounding both science and anything outside the realm of heterosexuality. Playwright Hugh Whitemore loosely quotes a famous Austrian philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, in what is probably one of the most insightful and honest point of view: We feel that even if all possible scientific questions be answered, the problems of life have still not been touched at all. Of course there is then no question left, and just this is the answer.
Tickets for Breaking the Code
Breaking the Code at Falcon Theatre runs now through March 30. Tickets are going fast, so purchase yours now by visiting FalconTheater.net. Show time is two and one half hours.
