Review: CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Wright State University

I remember watching the Tony Awards in 2015 - the year THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME won several awards. Unfamiliar with the novel by Mark Haddon, I was intrigued by the clip of the show and the premise in general. The play, by Simon Stephens, did not disappoint me.

I had my opportunity to see the show on opening night last week at Wright State University. If you have never been to a show at Wright State, now is the time to go. CURIOUS INCIDENT is a fascinating look into the life of 15 year old Christopher Boone, as portrayed by Colin Hodgkin. While the science fiction-esque look and sound of the production put me off a little bit a first, I soon grew to understand their place in the overall show and then, the pieces fit together. Director Marya Spring Cordes kept the pace of the show moving quickly and the play, the music and the scene changes all worked together to tell the tale and give us a glimpse into Christopher's mind. Lighting Design by Matthew P. Benjamin, Sound Design by James Dunlap and Music composed by Darryl Robbins work together so well.

It never explicitly says in the show but Christopher appears to be fairly highly functioning, somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Consequently, he views life through a very different lens than the neurotypical people that surround him. The show begins as Christopher discovers that someone has murdered his neighbor's dog, Wellington. He sets himself on a course to find Wellington's killer at all costs but in the process, he discovers some difficult truths about his parents, which shakes his foundation to the core. In the end, it takes them all to a totally new place, as individuals and as a family.

Colin Hodgkin is just brilliant as Christopher. Not only is he on stage the entire time, driving all of the action, but he barely comes up for air with a mesmerizing, frenetic pace. Somehow he manages to both keep his character on an even keel and display an entire range of emotions. Hodgkin gives an impressive performance that should not be missed.

Justin Mathews and Katie Sinicki also give strong performances as Christopher's parents, Ed and Judy Boone. The cast is rounded out by the lovely and warm Kaitlyn Campbell as the narrator/Christopher's teacher and a chorus of actors playing a multitude of people that Christopher encounters on his journey.

The Dayton area has such a wealth of tremendous talent and when you are thinking about a show to see this weekend, don't forget about the young actors in our city in wonderful training programs. They turn out excellent work and should not be overlooked.

Wright State presents this show in conjunction with support from SICSA. Not only is the dog appearing in the show available for adoption but they have many other animals available as well. Please call SICSA at (937) 294-6505.

The remaining performances of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are October 5th and 6th at 8 PM; October 6th and 7th at 2:00; and October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for senior citizens and $15 for students. For tickets and theatre information call the Box Office at (937) 775-2500 Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm, or purchase single tickets online at www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information.

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