"Dogs are faithful and they do not tell lies because they cannot talk" Christopher [played by Adam Langdon] said as he addressed the Proctors audience during a scene from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The audience laughed, settled down, and then began to reflect on the truth and realism of what this character was saying.
The Tony Awarding-Winning play currently playing Proctors main stage is a brilliant, thrilling, emotional two and a half hour journey that needs to be experienced now.
Here's how the show is billed: "Fifteen-year old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but 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 an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever."
During a tumultuous time in the world and so close to Thanksgiving, it's nice to be reminded that we should be grateful for what we have - our minds, our family, a world that is filled with good people, as well as thought-provoking tales that continually remind and inspire us.
Adam Langdon plays Christopher, the exceptionally intelligent teen that is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life Langdon gives a performance that's honest, painfully expressed and drawn out, and extremely moving. Langdon has his work cut out for him. The actor has to meld reciting brilliant and exhausting monologues that carry most of the show and unique choreography that throws him around the stage, on the ground, and even in the air for two and half hours.
Gene Gillette brings to a character to life that's almost challenging, exhausting, and brilliant as Langdon does with Christopher. Gillette portrays Ed, Christopher's loving-yet-struggling father. Gillette's breadth of compassion shines through as he teeters with love and patience, or lack there of from time to time. Each person may have a different opinion but there's no flat lining - guaranteed, Gillette's portrayal will inspire you to have an opinion about Ed.
Maria Elena Ramirez pulls double duty as Siobhan as well as Siobhan the narrator, voicing Christopher's tales when he's mixed into the action. When Ramirez is onstage she quickly explains that concepts that create a play-within-a-play, many times. When Ramirez is onstage you feel a high level of warmth and comfort that puts the mind at ease.
The entire ensemble is wonderful. It's not completely uncommon but somewhat beautiful setup having the actors sit on the sides of the stage ready to jump in and tell Christopher's tale when he's ready to call upon them.
The National Theatre Production based on the award-winning book of the same name is not only a spectacle for the mind but for the eyes as well. Bunny Christies scenic design, melded with Paule Constable's beautiful lighting, and Finn Ross' video design is truly a sight to see. Add in Scott Graham's fast paced, challenging, and engaging choreography and you're truly in for an amazing piece of theatre.
Do yourself a favor and see this performance, though it may not be for children under the age of 13. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays at Proctors through Sunday, November 27.