“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”

[rating=3]This is one of those rare moments where putting a rating on a production is difficult. It is also confusing. Let me take a few moments to explain. Tonight, at the Oriental Theatre, I was witness to one of the best theatrical experiences I have ever had! The performances were amazing! The direction outstanding! The design, choreography, technical aspects and the ensemble were sheer magic! The play, “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is indeed a memorable experience, mind -boggling from start to finish ( and even after the curtain-call)! Yet, the best rating I can give is recommended . because it is not a play for the majority of theater-goers, even in our Theater city of Chicago.

Written by Simon Stephens, adapted from the best seller by Mark Haddon , and directed (to perfection) by Marianne Elliott, “Curious Incident” is the saga detailing the life of one Christopher Boone (Adam Langdon is superb with extremely high energy and a way of capturing the eye and heart of every audience member in the packed house), a teen-ager who might be autistic, but nonetheless, despite his amazing intelligence has a difficult time adjusting to normal everyday life. When he is accused of killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to find the true killer and as he does, he becomes aware of a great deal more about his life, his parents and neighbors than he ever expected to.

He learns how to get from place to place on his own, that his mother has not had the fate he was told, that his father is not all that he should or could be, and that those around him care more about him and his future than he could ever have anticipated. There are many hidden surprises in this saga as it unfolds and I for one would never spoil the amazing effects that Director Elliott has put before us. We watch Christopher walk on walls, do numbers with his feet, open doors that are filled with props galore. The Choreography by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett is spell-binding, the set design (Bunny Christie), lighting (Paule Constable) and video (Finn Ross) along with the sound (Ian Dickinson ) and music ( Adrian Sutton) are the finishing touches on a work of art. Yes, this is more than a play, it is a work of art! The only problem is that this masterpiece will not appeal to everyone.

The ensemble in this production truly makes it all work! Josephine Hall (taking on the parts that are normally handled by Charlotte Maier) was divine. Tim McKiernan (handling the roles of Brian Robert Burns) did a solid job. The rest of the ensemble: Maria Elena Ramirez (Siobhan), John Hemphill, Gene Gillette (father), Geoffrey Wade, Francesca Choy-Kee, Amelia White, Felicity Jones Latta ( Mama) and Robyn Kerr and J. Paul Nicholas, make this show, which does last two-hours-thirty-minutes (with an intermission) breeze along. Benjamin Wheelwright also handles the tough role of Christopher on alternate performances.

“Curious Incident” will keep you on the edge of your seat, once you get into the show. Act Two is far stronger in audience appreciation, but, if you doze off in the first act and miss some of the intricate story-telling moments, even a perfect second act will leave you a bit cold. Have a cup of java or tea with caffeine in order to make sure you do not doze. This is a theatrical experience that you will want to keep in your memory for years to come. Do not leave after the curtain-call either. There is an added 5 minutes that will give you something to talk about for days to come! The production will only be here thru December 24th with performances as follows:

Tuesdays   7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.  2 p.m. matinées 12/14 and 12/21

Thursdays  7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. matinée  12/22

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  2  and 8 p.m. ( NO Evening on Christmas Eve)

Sundays  2 p.m. and on 12/11 a 7:30 p.m. in addition

Tickets range from $25- $98 as part of  the Broadway In Chicago Series and can be purchased at any of the Broadway In Chicago box offices, The Broadway In Chicago Ticketline at 800-775-200 , at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

The Oriental Theatre is located at 24 West Randolph Street with plenty of dining areas close by and public transportation making it easy to get to.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time”