The Scarlet Letter. Phyllis Nagy's non-musical adaptation of the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel opens Dec. 10 for a run through Jan. 25, 1998. Previews began Dec. 4.

When Hester Prynne falls in love with minister Dimmesdale, the Puritan society of Boston shuns and humiliates her; she's forced to wear a big red "A" -- for adultress -- on her blouse. This sits least well with her recently returned husband, who embarks on a course of revenge.

Playwright in residence at London's Royal Court Theatre, Nagy is also the author of Weldon Rising. Her adaptation of The Scarlet Letter is basically faithful, though with a slight thematic twist for the priest's final declarations.

Starring in Footsteps' Scarlet Letter are Anastasia Basil, Rebecca Covey, Edward Cunningham, Ron Wells, Danne Taylor, Wendi Weber and William J. Watt.

For tickets ($10-$14) and information on The Scarlet Letter, at Footsteps Theatre Company, 5230 North Clark St., call (773) 878-4840. Footsteps is also responsible for the continuing action-theatre show, Babes With Blades.

-- By David Lefkowitz