December 20, 2015 (Also 9/27/14 in London) – “The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time” at the Shubert’s, Ethel Barrymore Theatre October 5, 2014. Written by Simon Stephens (2/6/1971- ) based on a novel by Mark Haddon (9/26/1962- ); Directed by Marianne Elliott. Opening night was October 5, 2014. It was a transfer from London’s West End where it was produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain. It won Tony Awards in 2015 as Best Play, Best Lead Actor, Best Direction, Best Lighting and Best Scenic Design.

The story is about an autistic adolescent boy, Christopher, who lives with his father Ed and coached by Siobhan – A dedicated educator and companion. Christopher finds a neighbor’s dog that has been killed by a garden pitchfork. He sets out single handedly to search for the killer. When he finds out it is his father, he decides he cannot live with someone who lies to him, so sets out for the first time in the world outside his home, to find his mother – Judy, who lives in London with her new husband, Richard. Various policemen help Ed in the search for his son that he thinks is lost. There is an extensive interaction, recrimination, empathy and a plethora of emotions between the main characters.

Curious incident is a stunning and amazingly real portrayal of special needs individuals and shows the emotions parents go through while raising a child with needs. Christopher is excellent in his role and carries the show as is to be expected. The parents are weaker, particularly the mother. Father has some good moments. The aid does her job well, but the school head and others need to up their game a bit. Overall it’s an engrossing and brilliant piece of theatre that worked better in London’s West End than New York. However, it is well worth while putting on your list to see, if nothing else but to get a real insight into the struggles of special needs individuals.

In most performances, Christopher Boone is played by Tyler Lea (Debut) who is the principal character. Christopher is played by Benjamin Wheelwright (Debut) on Wednesday evening and Saturday matinee. Alex Sharp was the originator on Broadway from 9/10/14 (preview) to 9/13/15 and won a Tony for his effort.

Mrs. Shears & others are played by Mercedes Herrero (Debut); Siobhan by Rosie Benton (Stick Fly, Les Liaisons Dangereuses); Mr. Thompson, policeman & others by Ben Horner (War Horse, Macbeth); Roger Shears & others by Richard Hollis (Debut); Ed played by Andrew Long (Debut); Rev Peters, policeman & others by David Manis (War Horse, The Coast of Utopia, Henry IV, Arcadia); No 37, Street Lady & others by Keren Dukes (Debut); Mrs. Alexander & others by Nancy Robinette (Debut); Judy by Enid Graham (The Constant Wife, Fortune’s Fool, Dinner at Eight, Honour).

An amazing show on a terrific set and well worth while seeing.