Adam Langdon as Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night Time. Photo by Joan Marcus.
by Mark G. Auerbach
When you look at Broadway series around the country, it’s very unusual nowadays to see a non-musical on the roster, unless it’s a star vehicle, or a large production with a big cast and some spectacle included. The last big play to visit The Bushnell was the stunning War Horse, which like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, swept the London theatre scene, picked up a slew of awards, and transferred stateside. The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time, which just closed on Broadway last fall, comes to Hartford with five Tony Awards, including “Best Play” and lighting and scenic design, and direction, all of which have been recreated for this tour.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a play adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel of the same name by Mark Haddon. The story concerns a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbor’s dog that is investigated by Christopher Boone, a teen with an autism spectrum condition, who has complicated relationships with his parents and his school mentor. Christopher tries to gain independence and maneuver within a framework that works for him, which is foreign to those of us who are not autistic.
Adam Langdon as Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night Time. Photo by Joan Marcus.
Simon Stephens’ adaptation of the Mark Haddon novel is dependent on high theatrics and special effects, and Marianne Elliott’s staging dazzles on every level, almost to the point of overwhelming the audience, in the same way that Christopher is overwhelmed by simple tasks and decisions. Bunny Christie’s sets, as lit by Paule Constable, and the video work of Finn Ross, are stupendous, and all work together in syncopation with Ian Dickinson’s sound, Scott Graham’s choreography, and Adam Sutton’s music. Every element is timed to the second, and this production, is one of the larger ones to play The Bushnell since War Horse, which shared many of the creative team.
Adam Langdon, seen last summer in Barrington Stage’s Kimberly Akimbo, is tour-de-force and then some in the role of Christopher, a character who is never offstage during the play’s two and a half hours. He’s bold, quirky, and energetic throughout, and riveting in every detail. Tim Wright and Felicity Jones Latta were compelling as Christopher’s estranged parents, and Maria Elena Ramirez was excellent as his mentor. The entire ensemble gave terrific performances as a variety of characters.
We don’t often get the chance to view the world through the eyes and ears of someone on the autistic spectrum, and Simon Stephens’ play offers sympathetic insight. But the dazzle of the production and the incredible staging give The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time its theatrical brilliance.
Adam Langdon as Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night Time. Photo by Joan Marcus.
The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time runs through New Year’s Day,.Note: Benjamin Wheelwright play Christopher on Thursday, Saturday matinee, and Sunday evening.
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The Bushnell presents The National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time. By Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon. Directed by Marianne Elliott. . Scenic and costume design by Bunny Christie. Lighting design by Paule Constable. Video design by Finn Ross. Choreography by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly. Music by Adrian Sutton. Sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. Through January 1..The Bushnell, Hartford, CT. For tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.bushnell.org..
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
