Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone lives in Swindon, a quiet working-class town on the outskirts of London with his single father. After Christopher’s neatly structured world is sent unraveling by the death of his neighbor’s beloved dog, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. As Christopher sets out on his investigation, he grapples with the stresses and sounds of the world around him and discovers more about himself and his family. This powerful drama weaves together the excitement of mystery and adventure as well as heartwarming and heartbreaking aspects of love, trust, and family as Christopher’s investigation alters the course of his life.
This production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is Simon Stephen’s abridged theatrical adaptation of Mark Haddon’s 2003 best-selling novel, which was translated into 44 languages and sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide. The first production was in 2012 in London’s West End, winning seven Olivier awards including Best Play. When it was produced on Broadway, it won the 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and 5 Tony Awards, including one for Best Play. This abridged, 90 minute version traveled to more than 60 schools in the UK.
“Curious Incident” shines a spotlight on the neurodiverse community, giving a voice and representation to one not often seen on stage. “A lot of this play is about how Christopher navigates the world, and, because it’s through Christopher’s lens, you see other people learning how to best communicate with him,” says senior Jake Hanke, who plays Christopher’s father in the show.
“The play does a unique job of keeping the audience’s attention and making a character like Christopher relatable to the audience,” says Collin Cameron, who plays Christopher. “He has incredible confidence in what he’s able to get done, far beyond peoples’ expectations.”
One creative choice made by the production team is that the set is mostly depicted through architectural drawings and animations projected on the theater’s back wall. These are designed by Noah Bruggeman, Jerry Yu, and Clea Villaluz, with help from Nasreen Schulze.
Another unique aspect of the production is the use of stylistic physical expression by the company. Actors play many characters, but they also may play a refrigerator, a narrator, or they may be utilized to represent the way that Christopher feels about a situation. The actors have been training with a movement choreographer and a circus aerialist to learn new techniques and physical expressions.
Photos from rehearsal on Nov. 12 by Julie Reichle
Danielle Zaroukian as Siobhan 
Isabelle Myers as Mrs. Alexander with Collin Cameron as Christopher 
Ultimately, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” prompts the audience to take an epic journey with Christopher, as he deals with family betrayals, death, space, time, math, dogs, and train stations. Because of the discussions of death and betrayal, as well as some mature language, the play is recommended for mature audiences ages 12 and older.
For more information or questions about content, please contact director Kimberly Taylor at ktaylor@piedmont.k12.ca.us
The cast includes Sacha Andrews, Ali Atanasio, Collin Cameron, Caleb Canada, Jake Hanke, Dinar Kidane, Isabelle Myers, Ben Sachs, Friedie Schickedanz, and Danielle Zaroukian.
Set design is by Noah Bruggemann, Clea Villaluz, Nasreen Schulze, and Jerry Yu. Sound design is by Theo Ferguson and Chaz Amit-Guite. The play is directed by Acting Teacher Kimberly Taylor, with Assistant Direction by Louisa Symkowick and Mary Schickedanz.
Showtimes:
Thursday, Nov. 14 @ 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16 @ 7 p.m.
All shows at Alan Harvey Theatre at Piedmont High School, 800 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont CA 94611
Tickets can be purchased HERE
($12 for Students and $18 for General Admission)
