National Tour of “The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time” Illustrates Communication With Brilliant Precision

Highly Recommended (Theatre In Chicago Review Round Up)

Reviewed by: Justin Williams

Communication is a foundation to life. To some it comes naturally, to others it is a challenge. The First National Tour of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, which opened its stay in Chicago last night, illustrates and executes this with precision.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, directed by Marianne Elliot (War Horse), is adapted from the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon.  It is the recipient of five Tony and seven Oliver Awards both including Best Play. A product of the National Theatre, the West End production has seen a few theatre transfers (one caused by a collapsed roof). The hailed Broadway production opened in October of 2015 at the Barrymore and recently closed after playing 800 performances.

The National Tour has now landed at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre with a brilliant cast led by Adam Langdon (Christopher), Gene Gillette (Ed), Felicity Jones Latta (Judy), Maria Elena Ramirez (Siobhan), and Amelia White (Mrs. Alexander). 

Mr. Langdon gives a masterful tour de force performance in the role of Christopher.  A 2015 graduate of The Juilliard Drama Division, Mr. Langdon is well on his to making a big name for himself. His physicality and attention to detail throughout the show is astounding.

In order to bring the audience into Christopher’s complex mind the ensemble moves about the stage with absolute precision, manipulating boxes that are all over the stage creating various locations and objects. The use of multimedia is another guide to Christopher. Whenever you see a production that uses devices like this you run into one of two things, either it’s completely unnecessary and distracting, or, in the case of Curious Incident it marries perfectly with everything else.

Through the ingenious designs of  Tony winners Bunny Christie (Scenic & Costume),  Finn Ross (Video Design),  Paul Constable (Lighting), Scott Graham (Choreography),  Oliver Award-winner Steven Hoggett, Adrian Sutton (Music) and Ian Dickinson (Sound), you are given perhaps the closest look into the beautiful mind of someone with autism.

In the time that we are living in communication is more vital than ever. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time is a great reminder of how important it truly is.

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time plays through December 24, 2016 at the Ford’s Oriental Theatre.  Visit BroadwayinChicago.com for tickets and more information.