The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
at Robinson Secondary School

Reviewed on November 23, 2019

Elena Auclair
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Christopher often looked up at the stars--sometimes he pretended he was in space among all of them. He thought that he had the qualities to be a good astronaut. But for other people? Christopher and his behavior were just problems to be dealt with. Robinson Secondary School's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was a sincere look at how people are judged by the world, and in the end, how they launch their own story against the odds.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was adapted by Simon Stephens from the book by Mark Haddon, and won five Tony Awards in 2015, including one for Best Play. The story follows fifteen-year-old Christopher, who has a mind for numbers, but not social situations. When he starts to investigate who killed the dog next door, he discovers secrets about his family that invert his world and send him on a voyage all by himself.

Christopher (Harry MacInnis) was a wonderfully authentic actor who respectfully portrayed a person with behavioral difficulties. MacInnis embodied mannerisms like pacing and fiddling with his hoodie strings, creating a character who was focused on the details other people didn't seem to see. On stage and deep in character for the entire play, MacInnis was the lens through which the world was viewed, and he explored it with honesty and bravery.

Three important people in Christopher's story were Siobhan (Becca Diggs), Ed (Amari Lewis), and Judy (Taegan Pratt). Diggs, as Christopher's teacher and the narrator, was a calm and non-threatening friend, reminding Christopher in his head to just keep stepping forward. Lewis, as Christopher's dad, had consistent gestures, like putting his hands in his pockets, that created the image of a parent who didn't know everything, but was still trying. Pratt, as Christopher's mom, was an idealized memory in Act I, and a flustered adult in Act II, wanting to reach out but not knowing the best way.

The ensemble embodied Christopher's thoughts and real people he encountered. Working together to illustrate the play, the ensemble used acrobatics and blocking to create Christopher's house and the train station. Moving as one to illustrate the movement of a train, and breaking apart again to form a bustling crowd, the ensemble kept the play moving with high energy.

The technical aspects of the show were skillfully executed to demonstrate the inner life of Christopher. Lighting, led by Johnathan Breaux, used specific colors to signify Christopher's mental state. Red was a good color. Yellow, bad. White was used for dreamy space sequences, along with fiber optic curtains and star cutouts. Special effects designers, Leah Weinraub and Brooke Hander, created huge projections and animations of Christopher's thoughts in stark black and white. Sound, guided by Olivia Condit, Tori Layton, and Sophia Baez, highlighted the feelings of Christopher with high-pitched whines occurring whenever he was overwhelmed. A student-edited soundtrack supported the action on stage, with loud music in the train station, and video game-like tunes when Christopher played Tetris.

Christopher always liked looking up at the stars because they were far away. Sometimes he felt very small, and that was nice. If he had difficult things in his life, they could be considered negligible. Christopher was judged by many people in his world, but he persisted. As he listed his achievements and future dreams at the end of the play, he said, "I can do these things…I was brave." Christopher launched his own story, and unapologetically led the way for others to do the same.

Lucy Garretson
Quince Orchard High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

You know when you stare up at a starry sky on a particularly clear and dark night? Gazing into the milky cosmos, you get lost in the majesty of it all. The power of the stars and their simultaneous tranquility serve as a beautiful reminder of how vast our universe is, and how small we are by comparison. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Robinson Secondary School truly captured the wonder of the stars, with moments of quiet and introspection woven among moments of energy and force.

The play follows a 15-year-old autistic boy named Christopher who lives with his dad, Ed, and a pet rat, Toby. Christopher's world is shaken when his neighbor's dog is murdered and he, while innocent, becomes the initial suspect. In his quest to find out who really killed the dog, he uncovers some brutal family secrets. The play, based on a book of the same name by Mark Haddon, debuted in 2013 at the National Theater in London (captained by playwright Simon Stevens and director Marianne Elliot). It later transferred to Broadway, winning the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play.

The play is typically helmed by its lead actor, as we're shown the world through Christopher's perspective. The role itself demands great skill, requiring quiet, emotional instances (such as when Christopher reads his allegedly dead mother's letters) as well as the louder meltdowns (anytime Christopher is touched) and impeccable comedic delivery. Harry MacInnis took on the role with acting chops to rival the pros, adopting the idiosyncrasies of an autistic character with not only realism, but sensitivity. With every twitch, shaky breath, or tortured groan, MacInnis granted insight into everything the character was feeling and invited the audience to experience it alongside him, leaving a shortage of dry eyes in the packed auditorium. While Christopher was the defining character of the work, a body of supporting characters and ensemble members contributed significantly to the world-building (literally), contorting with impressive synchronicity to act as a door or a train or even ocean waves. Highlights of the supporting cast included Amari Lewis as Ed and Taegan Pratt as Judy (Christopher's father and mother, respectively). Both actors showcased duality in the gentleness with which they approached the anxious Christopher and their eventual frustration when met with deterrent, illustrating not only the struggles of living with autism, but also the trials faced by those with loved ones on the spectrum.

Lastly, the technological aspects of the show truly solidified its greatness. The lighting and projections designers-- Johnathan Breaux, Brooke Hanser, and Leah Weinraub-- encapsulated Christopher's physical and emotional journey phenomenally through yellow lights (Christopher's most hated color) that signified unsavory occurrences, colorful light-up blocks, projections that illustrated Christopher's every thought, and beautiful starry scenes. Every element of tech and performance culminated to tell a beautiful story of human emotion, one as impactful and fascinating as the night sky.

Abigail Johnson
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

The crowd murmurs with anticipation, waiting for the show to begin. The multiple constellations are seen everywhere on stage, spreading curiosity throughout the audience. The lights start to dim, and the crowd is silent. A spotlight hits center stage, and Robinson Secondary School's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time begins.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was adapted by Simon Stephens and based on the novel with the same name by Mark Haddon. The play premiered in London in 2013 and then moved to Broadway in 2014. The story of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows a young boy named Christopher Boone who has an autism spectrum condition, but that doesn't stop him from being a genius in math, and investigating the death of his neighbor's dog.

The cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time works together to create an insight into the life of someone who has an autism spectrum condition. Each cast member works in harmony with one another, to create these dramatic scenes.

The life of Christopher Boone is a difficult role, yet actor Harry MacInnis portrayed him perfectly. MacInnis captured both Christopher's comedic and genius side, as well as, Christopher's panicked, autistic side, where every tick and every action seemed very realistic. You could also see his authentic connection with his parents, and his mentor Siobhan, played by Becca Diggs. Diggs added a realistic sense of security for Christopher, and did a fantastic job. MacInnis' connection with his parents Ed and Judy played by Amari Lewis, and Taegan Pratt, was also truthful. Both actors portrayed their characters with grace. You could see what they were going through by their actions and facial expressions.

The ensemble added amazing effects to the play, with every action they took. Mrs. Alexander played by Lily Brintzinghoffer, added perfect comedic timing and never failed to make the audience laugh. In the scenes where Christopher was in the train station, or when he was searching for his book, the ensemble worked together to create chaos. Pieces of furniture were used to generate Christopher's views of his surroundings. Even though the ensemble was onstage during the entire play, they were always in character, and focused on their surroundings.

From the makeup team representing authentic old age makeup, to the costumers incorporating Christopher's favorite and least favorite colors into the people around him, and to the brilliant minds of the scenic and lighting designers, every technical aspect of this show was creative, beautiful, and very well thought out.The concept of red and yellow in the costumes and lighting enhanced Christopher's thoughts and actions throughout the show, and the incorporation of constellations and stars onstage were beautiful and eye-catching.

Robinson Secondary School's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was brilliant in all ways, and transformed the lives of every audience member. From this play, the audience could directly experience the lives of people who live with autism. The audience now knows what it's like to live on the autism spectrum.

Isabel Auclair
Teen Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

There are no words to laud Robinson Secondary's presentation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Like protagonist Christopher Boone, how can one possibly find any words besides the prime numbers up to seven thousand and fifty-seven?

Adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, the play, first presented at the National Theatre in London in 2012, also won Best Play at the Tony Awards in 2015. It chronicles the journey of Christopher Boone, a fifteen-years, three-months, and two-days old boy who can't bear to be touched who discovers his neighbor's dog Wellington stabbed with a garden fork. Christopher decides to investigat, and While making inquiries, he discovers his mother, whom his father told him was dead, is alive and in London because of an affair. Travelling to London, Christopher faces challenges both internally and externally, trying to process information and make decisions through a whodunit, an adventure, and a family drama.

From the harsh world of trains to the tense moments of silence where actors simply stood and looked each other in the eyes, the cast and crew allowed the audience to experience the joy, pain, and uncertainty inside Christopher's mind. With authentic interactions from the ensemble and the painstaking care to the continuity of tiny details such as the soothing red of Christopher's jacket, the focus of the show repeatedly honed in on Christopher and his perspective.

Brilliantly displaying a socially awkward, straightforward Christopher Boone, Harry MacInnis kept the audience at the edge of their seats. Using self-stimulatory actions, MacInnis showed Christopher's reluctance to engage with people masterfully. In scenes where Christopher sealed himself off from the world or mimed the bathroom of a train, MacInnis alternatively made the audience hold their breath and roar with laughter.

Acting as people, inanimate objects, as well as feelings, the ensemble manifested around MacInnis, forming the world around him before fading into the background when their jobs were done. Almost always onstage, acting as both cast and crew, the ensemble used various methods and formations to always turn focus towards MacInnis' actions. More prominent roles such as Siobhan (Becca Diggs), Ed (Amari Lewis), and Judy (Taegan Pratt) fluidly moved between ensemble and supporting roles as needed. In scenes like Christopher's imagination of space, his memory of his mother at the beach, and the Tube fiasco with his pet rat Toby, ensemble members took on roles as stars, particles of water, and concerned passengers, always connected to the main narrative.

Johnathan Breaux on lighting kept audiences enthralled during the narrative, with strobe lights mirroring the chaos inside Christoper during stressful sequences, and primary colors labeling people and actions as good, bad, and unknown. Towards the end of the production, the stage was washed in purple, a mixture of red and blue, to signify the meeting of what was acceptable and what was unknown. Leah Weinraub and Brooke Hanser coordinated special effects to the lights and action onstage. A two-layer projection kept visual track of Christopher's thought processes, black-and-white student-crafted animations showing the audience the literal nature of the protagonist.

Take a couple of left-rights down the red line to Robinson Secondary's presentation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Stay for the post-show, four-minute, in-depth explanation by Christopher of how he got an A-star with the twenty-quid question: "How do you know a triangle is right-angled?"

Colleen McGuire
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Stars. As far as the eye can see. Intriguing patterns of light interrupt the dark solitude of a night sky. What would it take to explore these life-giving molecules? What release or freedom would be provided by such a journey? These are the things Christopher Boone longs to understand.
Robinson Secondary School did an extraordinary job of exploring the answers to these questions and more in their magnificent production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Based on Mark Hammon's novel of the same name, Simon Stephen's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year old on autism spectrum. After a neighbor's dog is mysteriously killed, Christopher decides to investigate the circumstances, bringing him down a mysterious road of self-exploration. The play premiered at London's Royal National Theatre in August 2012, and was well-received by critics everywhere, winning seven Olivier awards in 2013 as well as the 2015 Tony award for Best Play.

It is an extremely difficult and daunting task to navigate the treacherous waters of portraying a character with special needs. Harry MacInnis lived up to the challenge with a realistic performance as Christopher Boone, every movement contributing to the development of his character. As he remained on stage for the entire show, MacInnis was forced to always be in character, never once lacking in his portrayal. The profound and varied levels of emotion brought out by MacInnis allowed for a deeper look inside the mind of Christopher, shedding light on both the blessings and curses of being "different".

Serving at times as the play's narrator, and other times her own character, Siobhan (Becca Diggs) provided a calming and comforting presence to Christopher. The teacher's reading of the story during classes gave the illusion of a "play within a play". Ed (Amari Lewis) and Judy (Taegan Pratt), Christopher's parents, showed the true difficulty of raising a child on the spectrum with the clear uncertainty in their actions.

The entire ensemble of background characters worked marvelously together, with cast members acting as various set pieces such as beds and doors. The athleticism of their movements was shown through beautifully choreographed transitions, complete with acrobatic exercises. The group was completely in sync with each other at all times, bringing the show into cohesion. Although the entire cast was onstage for the majority of the show, the energy never dwindled, and the audience remained at the edge of their seats through it all.

Astounding technical aspects brought professionalism to the show, with beautifully crafted animations projected at the back of the stage. Detailing the progression of Christopher's thoughts, the projections allowed for a deeper dive into the character's mind. Several actors stood behind the translucent backdrop at times throughout the show, giving the illusion of a different universe.

Spectacular lighting brought the show to a new level, subtle color changes between scenes displaying different moods throughout the play. Remote-controlled glowing blocks contributed to the ambiance of the show, acting as the main set pieces. Programmed with subtle color differences to express Christopher's feeling towards his environment, the blocks were yet another factor that brought the audience directly into the story.

Robinson's breathtaking production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time marvelously navigated the portrayal of a member of the autistic community, with apparent attention to detail shown at every moment. Remarkable technical aspects, as well as clear cohesion within the ensemble, transported the audience inside Christopher Boone's mind, leaving them awe-struck and longing for more.

Ella Fosse
Lake Braddock Secondary School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Watch out, Nancy Drew - mystery has a new leading man. However, in investigating the murder of a neighbor's dog, Christopher Boone will uncover a lot more than he bargained for. Robinson Secondary's production of Simon Stephens's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was an incredibly powerful show that combined fantastic acting and awe-inspiring technical aspects.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was originally a novel written by Mark Haddon. It was adapted into a play by Simon Stephens and premiered at the National Theatre in London in 2012. It came to Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and won Best Play in the 2015 Tony Awards. The play focuses on the adventures of Christopher Boone, a 15 year old boy with high functioning autism, as he navigates a mystery that goes from a murdered dog to the discovery that the mother he thought was long dead is actually alive.

This production was all centered under the central theme of space - both personal and in the literal sense. Christopher's autism makes him unable to bear anyone touching him, emphasizing his personal space. Every production element played around his love of outer space, incorporating stars and constellations into the set as well as some lighting. The anchoring element of space not only tied the production together, but added an extra level of depth to the play.

Harry MacInnis played Christopher with a quality that was near professional level. As a character with autism, the part is especially hard to take on, but he performed the role with brilliantly informed character choices. He was constantly moving-there was never a moment where he wasn't fiddling with his hoodie strings or biting his thumb. There was never a moment where it seemed like he was simply a neurotypical person trying to play an autistic character. He was able to convey the complex emotions and intricacies of the character with such authenticity that it was hard to tell if he was even acting at all. MacInnis's Christopher did not seem to be a role, but a real person telling his story in his own way.

In many instances, the ensemble is often thought of as mere background characters with little actual effect on the overall show. In Robinson's production, the ensemble burst out of that niche and were an integral part of the storytelling. They had amazing physicality, doing somersaults and cartwheels, and even picking actors up as if they were in the ocean or floating in space. Most ensemble members had a small role, and often acted as inanimate objects such as a door or a table. The movement and direction of the ensemble contributed to the feeling that the audience was seeing the world from Christopher's perspective, and it was truly invigorating to watch.

The lighting, designed by Johnathan Breaux, utilized intelligent lighting equipment spectacularly. It was used to delineate not only scenes, but Christoper's emotions and the tone of the entire play. It was able to shift color at the drop of a hat. Breaux used color theory as well as the clever usage of Christopher's favorite colors to make scenes pop. His design continued the theme of space, using colors and even special gobos to achieve that effect. Riley Blackburn's set integrated moving blocks and cleverly hidden cabinets in the extended apron to achieve a minimalist yet very effective and moving appearance.

Robinson Secondary School's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was a stunning, brilliantly executed play that excelled in every aspect.