Latest news with #TheCuriousIncidentoftheDogintheNight-Time
San Francisco Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Review: ‘Curious Incident,' about autism, demonstrates the power of great direction
The hallmark of Susi Damilano direction is joie de vivre. When the producing director of San Francisco Playhouse helms a show, it bursts with delight in the small and ordinary. You picture her encountering a crabby or loathsome character in a script and marveling at how one strand of humanity weaves into the rich texture of our world. Yet this quality alone does not cover the extent of her skill. Damilano also has the high-flying imagination and the communicative power to make her vision contagious, and all those talents are on splendid display in 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,' which I saw Friday, May 9. Simon Stephens' adaptation of Mark Haddon's bestselling 2003 novel is about a teenage boy with a condition that's never named but that looks a lot like autism. To realize the world of Christopher (Brendan Looney) as he decides to investigate the gruesome killing of his neighbor's dog, Damilano marshals the full power of theatrical design and straight-play choreography. When the word 'dead' is first pronounced, a whole ensemble positioned about the perimeter gasps. When an overwhelmed Christopher crouches and moans, the ensemble joins him, rocking back and forth. That superlative cast morphs into not just a flurry of supercilious neighbors, overager classmates and harrumphing strangers but their inanimate surroundings, too. Thanks to the inspired movement direction of Bridgette Loriaux, they're the garish signs and advertisements that overstimulate Christopher's senses. They're the trundling train he tries to take by himself for the first time and the waves his mother (Liz Sklar) dives under at the beach. They're a buzzing electromagnetic field, the furniture in Christopher's household, a space capsule hoisting Christopher above earth's orbit and the Tetris blocks of his favorite video game. When Wiley Naman Strasser as Christopher's neighbor flings open his door, beady eyes darting, posture coiled as if to protect his drug stash, a whole addled, washout life materializes. When Laura Domingo as a friendlier neighbor dodders and trembles, you see not just her character's dotage but the climate of fear and repression that prevails in their neighborhood. Actors in larger roles are just as strong. Looney nails the way Christopher has always steamrolled through life at the same pitch, choosing just the right moments as the mystery unfurls to show how his character slowly realizes he doesn't always have to tell the thorough, literal truth at every moment. When his father, Ed (Mark P. Robinson), asks if he's going to behave, Christopher's 'yeah' becomes two syllables, the second trailing off a cliff of unshared plans. Sophia Alawi, as Christopher's teacher Siobhan, is saddled with much of the show's narration, but she finds ways to make it ferocious as she channels her pupil's voice — the way an adolescent might finally spill innermost thoughts to the stars after clutching them close to the chest. And the incisive adaptation itself models the art of suggestion. Flights of fancy into outer space say what cannot be said. Seeds of doubt and clues percuss with the precision of a symphony score. Emotional beats tighten, then pluck, your heartstrings as if they knew your deepest yearnings. The world pegs Christopher — with his inability to read social cues, his tendencies to pee his pants, recoil at touch and bay when he loses control — as the abnormal one. But 'Curious Incident' points out that the very fact that he doesn't make the assumptions most people do makes him a great detective, even as the mystery he's solving expands to cover his whole cosmos. It also demonstrates that everyone in Christopher's life is deeply flawed in their own way, burdening their loved ones, but maybe still worthy of forgiveness for it.
The Herald Scotland
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Pop singer Lulu to receive honorary doctorate from RCS
She will be given an honorary degree by the RCS at its graduation ceremony on July 3, along with set and costume designer Bunny Christie, and musician, composer and educator Wynton Marsalis. Ms Christie made history as the first woman to win the Olivier Award for Best Design and was also the first woman to receive the Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Awards for Best Designer. Born and raised in St Andrews, she has a long relationship with the National Theatre, designing in all its theatre spaces and devising shows at the NT Studio. Her work at the NT covers production and costume design for many of the classics and new plays. Read More: One of her most celebrated designs, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, premiered at the National Theatre before transferring to the West End and Broadway, winning widespread acclaim, and completing UK, US and East Asian tours. She also devised a small-scale touring version of Curious Incident, giving many students their first experience of live theatre and supporting the teaching of drama in schools. Mr Marsalis is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of American culture, widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in jazz. He is the world's first jazz artist to perform and compose across the full jazz spectrum, from its New Orleans roots to bebop to modern jazz. He has devoted his career to music education, mentoring generations of musicians and leading initiatives to bring jazz to global audiences. His impact has been recognised with numerous honours, including the National Medal of Arts, France's Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, and Japan's Praemium Imperiale. Lulu said: "I'm so honoured to be nominated for an honorary doctorate and I'm so excited to join students for their summer graduation. "The performing arts are so vital to our culture and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a fabulous institution. I can't wait to celebrate with everyone!' Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: 'Honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their respective fields and our cultural landscape, and Bunny Christie, Lulu and Wynton Marsalis exemplify this at the highest level. 'Bunny Christie's groundbreaking set and costume designs have elevated theatrical storytelling, Lulu has redefined what it means to be a performer – from timeless hits to her versatility across music, stage and television – and Wynton Marsalis's mastery and advocacy for jazz, classical and music education have cemented his legacy as one of the world's great musical ambassadors. "We're looking forward to welcoming them to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in July, where we'll celebrate our graduating class of 2025.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BPCC Theatre brings mystery to the stage with upcoming Spring play
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Bossier Parish Community College's Theatre Program invites audiences to experience a captivating mystery with their latest production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Presented by the Cavalier Players, this award-winning play explores the world through the eyes of a unique and brilliant 15-year-old boy as he sets out to solve the mystery of a neighborhood dog's death. More Entertainment News Performances will be held at the Bossier Parish Community College Theatre on the following dates and times: Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. Visit their website to purchase tickets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BPCC to use scenic projection to immerse audiences for upcoming spring production
BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) Theatre Program announced that their spring production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' will feature 'an innovative use of scenic projection to immerse audiences in the mind of the play's young protagonist.' 'As part of April's Autism Awareness Month, this production offers a powerful exploration of neurodivergence through the eyes of 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a teen with exceptional mathematical abilities and a unique perspective on the world,' a press release stated. 'After being wrongly accused of killing a neighbor's dog, Christopher sets out on a life-changing journey to uncover the truth—one that challenges his perceptions and reshapes his understanding of family, trust, and independence.' Shreveport Little Theatre stages Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' musical The production will use creative scenic projection technology, operated by BPCC Theatre student Lucie McDearmont, to show audiences the inner world of Christopher. According to the release, the scenic projection will transform the stage environment in real time, offering visual representations of Christopher's thoughts, emotions, and discoveries throughout the play. 'It's an honor to be responsible for the lights and projections running smoothly,' said McDearmont. 'Being part of this community and working closely with the technical director has been incredible, especially seeing my ideas come to life on stage. This role requires both teamwork and independent decision-making, and I love the challenge of bringing the show's world to life.' The release added that the production, directed by Dr. Ray Scott Crawford, allows BPCC Theatre students to gain valuable hands-on experience in all production areas, including costume design, set construction, stage management, and advanced digital projection techniques. The cast includes: Logan Pudak as Christopher Boone MC Carpenter as Siobhan Colby Garrett as Ed Boone Julia Parr as Judy Kelsea Lee, Ja'Siah Jackson, Jason Prothro, Michael Calvaresi, Madison Barfield, and Ellen Douglas as the ensemble. Register for film camps at the Robinson Film Center this summer Crew members include: David White – Technical Director Rona Leber – Costume Designer Lari Leber — Fight Choreographer Erica Brooks – Stage Manager Isaiah Chatman – Assistant Stage Manager Lucie McDearmont – Light Board & Projection Operator Chaz Hudson – Sound Operator Ellen Douglas – Fight Captain. Performances will be held on April 25, 26, and May 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m., and April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Stephen W. Slaughter Theatre in Building C at BPCC, 6220 East Texas St. in Bossier City. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Seating is reserved, and space is limited. For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
