The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on the award-winning book by Mark Haddon, is a stunning revelation of a play now onstage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Simon Stephens’ adaption of the book to a play is crisp and uncompromising, winning several awards (including a Tony on Broadway) before coming to the rest of America. Indianapolis is especially fortunate to see this production starring the outstanding actor Mickey Rowe, who portrays Christopher Boone with precision and clarity.
Taking place in Swindon (Wiltshire) and London, England, the story begins with Christopher determined to find out who killed a neighbor’s dog, Wellington, with a garden fork in the middle of the night. Christopher, who is on the autistism spectrum, sees himself as a seeker of truth along the same lines as Sherlock Holmes. Using his logic and determination, he interviews neighbors about the fateful night. He writes down his observations in a notebook, which he shares with his teacher Siobhan (Elizabeth Ledo), who encourages Christopher to direct his considerable intellectual skills to something productive, while helping him control his outbursts when he gets overwhelmed. Siobhan suggests turning the notebook into a play as a way of encouraging other students to collaborate. She also arranges for Christopher to take A Level exams in math, required to get into college, despite his challenges. As the story unfolds, the audience discovers that Christopher’s father (Robert Neal) has told the boy his mother (Constance Macy) is dead, leaving the two alone. Christopher discovers letters from his mother hidden away, figures out his father lied, and frightened for his life, he flees to London to safety. Why did she leave them for Roger Shears, the neighbor’s husband? Why did the father lie? The father also tells Christopher that he killed Wellington so that the dog’s owner, Mrs. Shears (Gail Rastorfer), could pay more attention to them. It is a terrifying journey to London for Christopher, who encounters challenges like how to find a train station, how to purchase a ticket, and how to navigate the Tube to find his mother’s apartment. Somehow he manages, finds his mother and Roger Shears (Eric Parks) together in a flat, but ends up going back to Swindon with her to take his exams. We discover that she thinks she’s a terrible mother for him, that he will do better with his more patient father. The play ends with Christopher passing his A Levels, getting a dog he names Sandy (Logan the dog from Humane Society of Indianapolis), and reconciling with his parents. The end of the play isn’t quite the end of the play — there’s a dazzling scene after the applause that must be seen to tie it all together.
For good reason, Mickey Rowe is getting huge buzz for his performance as Christopher. As an actor with autism, he is able to inform the character with insight and compassion without Christopher becoming a cliche. We see how his mind works differently, following precise logical forms and endless details that lead him to truths — his might not be our logic path, but it is valid and works for him. What may surprise some in the audience is the sheer physical demands of the role, with Rowe swinging, crawling, tumbling, and riding a unicycle. Surrounded by a great veteran cast from the IRT, Rowe truly shines in a difficult role.
The stage design by Russell Metheny is clean and reflects the connections between characters and story. Director Risa Brainin pulls great performances from the cast, plus creates a dynamic that rises and falls at surprising turns.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a must-see at the IRT this season. The show continues through October 14. Visit www.irtlive.com for tickets and reservations.
