The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an award winning play by Simon Stephens based on a novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. It is a multi-faceted theatrical gem.
Christopher is the protagonist here, a 15 year old math genius who is somewhere on the autism spectrum. And one night just before midnight, he discovers that his neighbors dog has been killed by being stabbed with a pitchfork. While surveying the incident and mourning the loss of the dog, he is discovered by the neighbor who, of course, immediately suspects him. Christopher decides to become a detective for the moment in investigate Wellington’s death (that’s the dog) and discover the person who murdered him. His father forbids it. But Christopher determines that it is the right thing to do and continues on his quest anyway. And the drama begins…
The deeper subjects of the play are readily apparent in the text and actions on stage. Of course there are the stories around family and neighborhood and village…but we go on to get a glimpse into how people with autism perceive the world around them…and how the world around them reacts to them…there are myriads of subtle cues. But Christopher steps completely outside his comfort zone and shows remarkable focus and bravery, a positive message for all of us.
We have two Christophers here. Zane Kurs for the first half and then Skylar Staebler post intermission. Both young actors personified the goals and struggles that Christopher exhibited in his quest. The only quibble I have here is Kurs speech was lost or indecipherable at times in his efforts to adopt an English accent.
Despite not being the focus of the play, for me, I see Christopher’s dad, Ed, as the most dynamic character in the play. Played by Gabe Rodriguez, Ed swings from doting father, to demanding father, to angry spouse, to a confused and desperate adult in the just that moment’s notice that the play requires.
One other actor that I’d like to single out is Autumn G. Gill as Siobhan. Siobahn is Christopher’s personal support staff and mentor at the special school he attends. Gill is remarkable in providing the stable support and empathetic help he needs to find his way.
Christopher’s mother, Judy, is lovingly played by Mikaela Bowers. We don’t get to meet her directly until late in the play, but Bowers brings out a loving and protective mother who despite her feelings doesn’t quite always know how to react to Christopher’s needs.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has dozens of other characters who a played by an ensemble of remarkable young actors. Each one of them has to assume a number of roles (that is the way the script is written), from policeman, to principal, to a number of neighbors, to strangers on the street and train, to train station staff.
Director Ralph Janes is presenting this play in the round, using the Mainstage Theatre’s thrust for most of the action. In addition, a fair amount of technology is involved. Large screens are set up around the theater and behind the proscenium, as well as a half dozen monitors just about the stage. These were used to project scenic bits at times, like the train station that Christopher is looking for, and other times, video shots taken by ensemble actors with handheld cameras in the pit or the camera mounted to Christopher’s chest. I found these a bit confusing and distracting. If they were meant to signal the confusion that Christopher experiences outside his normal world, well maybe. But I think the action that Janes choreographed on stage with the cast was far more effective and deserved our full attention.
A better use of technology here might have been mics on the actors.
As I write this there are only two more performances….tonight at 7:30 and tomorrow, May 4, 2025 for a 2 PM matinee. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is being performed on the Mainstage Theatre in the Theatre Building at 2400 E Kenwood Blvd (just west of Mitchell Hall and North of Mellencamp Hall).
Extra Credit Reading: The Program is here.
