'The Curious Incident' opens on COD College Theatre stage March 2
College of DuPage College Theater presents Simon Stevens' "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" on March 2-19.
Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays in the Studio Theater of the McAninch Arts Center on the College's Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.
Daniel Millhouse, assistant professor of theater, directs.
Christopher is an exceptionally intelligent 15-year-old boy but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road but finds himself at seven minutes past midnight standing beside his neighbor's dead dog, Wellington, who was speared with a garden fork.
Christopher is under suspicion but is determined to solve the mystery by carefully recording each fact of the crime. His detective work takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.
"To me, this is a play about communication, acceptance and discovering what we, ourselves, are capable of accomplishing," Millhouse said. "When we are able to step outside our comfort zones and face our own interferences, that is where true growth and acceptance of oneself can begin. 'The Curious Incident' teaches us that it is our experiences that define who we are."
For Lilly Zúñiga, who portrays his mom, Judy, "The Curious Incident is one of the most powerful pieces about growth that I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. It takes such a charming and heartfelt look at what it is like to grow up as and with someone who is neurodivergent. But more than that, it tells such a beautiful story of the human condition. Loving who you become."
Tickets are $16 or $14 for students and seniors. Please note the play contains adult themes and language.
Talk back sessions will take place at 6:45 p.m. before the March 2 performance with the director and designers and after the March 10 performance with the actors, crew and Milhouse.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit atthemac.org, or call the MAC Box Office at (630) 942-4000. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday or three hours prior to performances.
Cast members include Alexander Sitman (Carol Stream), Elmeka Elme (West Chicago), Vinny Scanio (Glendale Heights), Lilly Zúñiga (Lombard), Antonija Magazin (Donwers Grove), Brandon Luna (Carol Stream), Dylan Bart (Willow Springs), Ryan Castiglia (West Chicago), Marco Salazar (Lemont) and Monica Rosales (La Grange Park).
The design team includes stage manager Rowan Brando (Naperville), scenic/prop designer Rick Arnold (Lombard), costume designer Kim Morris (Wheaton), lighting designer David Makuch (Lake Zurich), sound designer Fisher Parson (Chicago), department chair Amelia Barrett (Glen Ellyn) and technical director Sabrina Zeidler (North Aurora).