Colonial Players Presents “The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time”

Now through May 18, Colonial Players is performing “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a show that delves into the wonders of life.

Based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens, the Colonial Players show is directed by Steve Tobin. Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, this show has been called beautiful, eloquent and dazzlingly inventive.

Director's Notes

To be able to “walk in another person’s shoes” is probably one of the hardest but most valuable skills we can have as a member of the human race. Empathy forms the basis for so much in our life. It is the essential element that allows us to create and sustain meaningful connections between each other. And so we have this remarkable play that provides us with a powerful, empathetic connection into a person - and a people - that are too often ignored, misunderstood or marginalized.

We do need to be careful because our hero, Christopher, is no more a stereotype of the neuro-diverse community than any individual is of a race, religion or gender identity. Christopher is doing what we all do - trying to find his place in a world that he doesn’t fully understand. We are all individuals, and we all deserve to be met where we are, and treated with empathy and respect. It is a noble goal, but one more honored in the sentiment than the practice. Perhaps we can and will be inspired to do better.

And speaking of respect, I am in awe of the group of people that has worked on this production. This has been an extraordinary process. I don’t think CP has ever attempted anything as complicated as this show (at least in my knowledge and experience). You are witnessing an amazing collaboration of technologies and artistry, of electronics and ensemble acting. The design/tech team and crew of this show are some of the finest and most skilled people to work in our theater, and the ensemble have poured their passion (not to mention their patience) into inhabiting their characters. All for the purpose of telling this unforgettable story with the humanity it deserves.

Lastly, I want to thank my family - especially Jo and Diana - for putting up with me during this intense and all-consuming journey. It has been a complicated year to say the least, and I don’t know how I would have made it without the strength and love I have received from you.

“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” — Shakespeare

Steve Tobin
Director

To learn more about the production and showtimes, visit www.thecolonialplayers.org.