Since assuming office in 2009, President Obama has addressed the nation 10 times after mass shooting incidents. Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith has fought for gun reform for years; this week, a staged reading of a new play brings her personal and professional causes together. Eric Ulloa’s docudrama 26 Pebbles remembers the victims of the 2012 tragedy in Newtown, Conn. During his research, Ulloa spoke with many Newtown residents—business owners, parents of victims, and teachers, among them—in order to create a verbatim recollection of the event and its aftermath. In D.C., veteran actors like Edward Gero, Joshua Morgan, and Lise Bruneau will give life to the emotional text. Read more >>> The reading begins at 8 p.m. at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. $20. (202) 554-9066. arenastage.org. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

Miss out on Restaurant Week last week? Some places are extending the promotion, which includes at least three courses for $22 at lunch and $35 at dinner. Among the places where you can still find the deal are Mike Isabella’s restaurants Kapnos, Kapnos Taverna, and G. Floriana, STK, Willow Restaurant, Slate Wine Bar, and more are also making it Restaurant Weeks. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

First wave California punk band 7Seconds formed in 1980 and continues to tour. They play Rock & Roll Hotel tonight with Canadian act Bishops Green, Seattle’s Success, and local hardcore band Walk the Plank. 7:30 p.m. at 1353 H St. NE. $15.

Head to DC9 for a night of laughs, where 10 local comedians will perform as part of “Comedy Wars.” Jelani Wills serves as host. 8 p.m. at 1940 9th St. NW. Free.

Celebrate the first day of school at the Goethe-Institut, which screens Fack ju Göhte, a comedy about two teachers who fall wildly in love, as part of its summer film series. 6:30 p.m. at 812 7th St. NW. $4–$7.

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