‘Curious Incident’ deftly reminds us of our differences — and similarities
It’s unusual for Theater West End to stage a nonmusical, but its current production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” shows that the Sanford venue shouldn’t shy away from occasionally giving its singers a break.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a tricky proposition: The book on which it is based is beloved, it requires an actor who can effectively portray aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder, it handles heavy themes with characters who are flawed to the point of unlikability.
A lot can go wrong in a production, but as directed by Ben Gaetanos at Theater West End, things mostly go right.
Strong performances, especially from Harvey Evans in the leading role, the space’s intimacy and strong lighting and sound design all contribute to the success.
The story opens with a gruesome discovery: A dog has been found dead — nicely staged by Gaetanos, with the eerie sight of a suspended pitchfork, the murder weapon. Young Christopher Boone, an English neurodivergent teen, decides he will track down the killer. His quest leads to a series of adventures, including a trip to the police station and a bewildering train journey from his home into the big city of London.
Evans gives a compelling performance as a teen who takes the world and its language literally while he advocates for truth and justice. He is a true hero, which makes his occasionally violent or dramatic reactions to overstimulation even more affecting. It’s a top-notch performance: Consistent and endearing without sugarcoating Christopher’s reality.
If Evans is all logic, Kate Bustillos beautifully is all heart as Christopher’s teacher Siobhan. Bustillos has just the right tone as a reassuring guidepost for the teen throughout his chaotic life.
Whitney Goin also creates a dynamic picture of a woman we hear much about before seeing. She successfully marries the elements of a complicated character.
As Christopher’s long-suffering father, Brian Brightman deftly reflects a man in pain, though his emotions are a tad too internalized. On the other hand, director Gaetanos lets Chase Williams get a bit too stagy as a belligerent adult who enters Christopher’s life.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is known for using theater’s technical skills to replicate the sensations inside Christopher’s mind. Luke Walchuk’s sound, Dana Mott’s video and Lance LaBonte’s lighting designs work together effectively with the size of the theater to convey fear and confusion when called upon.
After a taut first act, the tension flags some in the second; Christopher’s adventurous journey to London doesn’t feel quite as intimidating as it should.
But the play’s message that life is messy and everyone copes as best they can shines through. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a powerful reminder that individuals are more than their perceived weaknesses — and that everyone has strengths, even if outside the norm, from which they can draw.