Award-winning 'Curious Incident' a must-see at Oriental Theatre
A dog struck dead by a pitchfork on a grid-patterned stage is the disturbing image that greets audiences for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
Now making a dazzling touring debut at Chicago's Oriental Theatre, this five-time Tony Award-winning Best Play import from the National Theatre of Great Britain is a near replica of the Broadway and London West End productions. It's also a hands-down must-see.
Fans of Mark Haddon's 2003 best-selling novel of the same name already know that the mystery behind who killed the dog is what sets off this engrossing drama. But even those familiar with Haddon's plot are bound to be impressed by playwright Simon Stephens' ingenious script adaptation and even more so by the wowing stage production of director Marianne Elliott (“War Horse”). These two British theater titans bring to vivid life the inner thoughts and everyday challenges of a likely autistic 15-year-old British boy.
The hero of “The Curious Incident ...” is Christopher Boone. It's a role so physically demanding that the actors Adam Langdon and Benjamin Wheelwright both star and alternate performances.
A whiz at math, computers and taking care of his pet rat named Toby, Christopher also has numerous quirks. These are both odd (Christopher hates anything yellow and brown) and potentially dangerous (if anyone unexpectedly touches him, Christopher can physically lash out or mentally withdraw).
Since Christopher is initially seen as a prime suspect, he sets out to document his investigation into who killed his neighbor's dog. Christopher's efforts are alternately encouraged by his kindly teacher, Siobhan (Maria Elena Ramirez), and discouraged by his brusque father, Ed (Gene Gillette).
But Christopher's clue collecting soon uncovers shocking family secrets involving his mother, Judy (Felicity Jones Latta), who is depicted via flashbacks and through handwritten letters. These unsettling revelations set Christopher down a dangerous path of discovery and self-realization.
Director Elliott (“War Horse”) shows off a mastery of multitasking to illuminate Stephens' script (which amusingly calls into question the unreliability of memory and re-creating events that have transpired). With the help of choreographers Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett, Elliott coaxes emotionally visceral and physically dexterous performances from the entire cast.
Throughout “The Curious Incident ...,” Elliott and her production design team create many technologically awe-inspiring moments. Yet all these effects ultimately enhance the emotional truths of the play.
Though production designer Bunny Christie's blank graphing paper set may look sleek and sparse, it's a complex canvas of windows and doors for her storytelling collaborators to open up the story and frequently show just what might be going on inside Christopher's head. Video designer Finn Ross and lighting designer Paule Constable both impress with plenty of flashy projections and effects, while sound designer Ian Dickinson alternately jars with disorienting feedback or delights with crystalline electronic bleeps of Adrian Sutton's background score.
Musicals typically make up most touring productions nowadays, but “The Curious Incident ...” bucks the trend with style, panache and genuine caring. And be sure to stick around after the curtain call for one last burst of stage magic to cap off this spectacle-filled production that teems with smart humor and heartbreaking moments.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
★ ★ ★ ★
Location: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, (800) 775-2000 or
Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (also Sunday, Dec. 11, and Monday, Dec. 19), 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday (no evening show Dec. 24), 2 p.m. Sunday (also Dec. 14, 21 and 22); through Dec. 24
Tickets: $22-$95
Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes with intermission
Parking: Area pay garages and limited metered street parking
Rating: For teens and older due to harsh language and violence