‘Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time’ proves dazzling
I tend to prefer more traditional types of staging plays. But I have to hand it to Center Theatre Group and Tony winner Marianne Elliott (“War Horse”) for directing one of the most spectacular and dazzling modern productions I have ever seen. I’m referring to the Los Angeles engagement of the National Theatre production of at the Ahmanson Theatre, which runs through Sept, 10.
From the moment I entered the theater, I knew the box set containing what appeared to be thousands of LED lights was going to be a treat for the eyes – and it certainly was.
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning best play by Simon Stephens, adapted from the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, centers on 15-year-old Christopher who has an extraordinary brain and highly mathematically intelligence. But due to being on the autism spectrum, he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to and a journey that will change his life forever. Taking on the challenging role is the highly energetic and flexible Juilliard graduate Adam Langdon (with the role shared by Benjamin Wheelwright from the play’s Broadway production).
SPOILER ALERT: During his search for the truth, Christopher’s strained relationship with his father Ed (Gene Gillette), leads to a reunion with his mother, Judy (Felicity Jones Latta), after finding hidden letters she has been sending to him from London.
That discovery is triggered by Christopher’s search for his notebook in which he writes his secret thoughts (read by Siobhan during the play, portrayed with calm and dignity by Maria Elena Ramirez), which his father took and put in a box with the letters after admitting to his son his mother is still alive. He further admits to taking the life of a neighbor’s dog in a fit of jealous rage. Again, you will know something is going to be told about the departed dog as soon as you walk in, as there is a large stuffed dog placed prominently center stage.
As the story is told, the scenic design by Bunny Christie (who also designed the costumes) morphs thanks to Paule Constable’s amazing lighting design into the many locales Christopher visits during his journeys around his small town and later during his emotionally overwhelming encounters on his train ride to London as well as upon his arrival looking for his mother in the vast city.
Video design by Finn Ross and sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph enhance the light show, offering much-needed bits of realism to the highly impressionistic set.
My only problem was with the much-too-bright lighting bursts, which made me turn away from the set until my eyes recovered from the shock. Certainly, that effect was meant to take us inside Christopher’s overwhelmed brain during his mind-boggling journey, and Langdon beautifully channels Christopher’s autistic reactions to his many new challenges, especially since he cannot bear to be touched other than with a slow high-five he uses to express love with his parents. Elliott’s direction and Langdon’s dedication to the role allows him to fully embody his differences as well as the inherent humanity in Christopher’s soul, making Langdon’s portrayal one you should not miss for its complexity and beauty.
The many people necessary to the production as Christopher travels about are played by an amazing ensemble who often move as one as well as distinct individuals thanks to Elliot’s dazzling direction with choreography by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggert for Frantic Assembly (a most appropriate name!) Kudos to the entire ensemble (as listed in the program): Amelia White, Kathy McCafferty, John Hemphill, Brian Robert Burns, Francesca Choy-Kee, Geoffrey Wade, Josephine Hall, Robyn Kerr, Tim McKiernan, J. Paul Nicholas, and Tim Wright who also serves as the production’s dance and fight captain.
I promise you many surprises and moments of incredible wonder, as well as a few visits from live animals onstage, which generated many “ahs” of cuteness from the audience on opening night. Just be aware British accents may sometimes be difficult to comprehend and just go with the flow during this heart-warming tale of self-discovery during incredible bouts of wonder thanks to awe-inspiring technology.
Tickets (ranging from $25 to $130) for “The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time’ are available by calling 213-972-4400, online at CenterTheatreGroup.org. The Ahmanson Theatre is at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.
