Review Roundup: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG AND THE NIGHT TIME at Actors Theatre of Louisville

Tenacious and intelligent, Christopher is an autistic teenager who's better at solving equations than reading social cues, and he sometimes struggles to navigate a world that's stubbornly out of sync with how his mind works. But when his investigation uncovers painful truths about his family, he dares to strike out on his own, embarking on a thrilling adventure in this Tony Award-winning adaptation of the bestselling novel.

Alexander Stuart makes his regional debut as Christopher Boone. Stuart recently earned his B.A. in theatre from Columbia College Chicago, where he worked with Interrobang Theatre Project, Citadel Theatre Company and RhinoFest 2018 at Abaisses Theatre.

Tina Chilip (Classic Stage Company, Fiasco Theater, Ma-Yi Theatre, National Asian American Theatre Company, Huntington Theatre Company - IRNE Best Actress nom) makes her Actors Theatre debut as Christopher's beloved teacher Siobhan.

Local audiences will be delighted to see two familiar faces from last season return to the stage: Brian Slaten (Angels in America, Parts One and Two) and Jessica Wortham (Marginal Loss) in the roles of Christopher's parents.

Sherman Fracher, Sunny Hitt, Maya Loren Jackson, Luis Moreno, Trevor Salter and Seun Soyemi create the ensemble, each playing multiple roles.

The creative team features scenic design by Kristen Robinson, lighting design by Paul Toben, costume design by Kathleen Geldard, sound design by Christian Frederickson, media design by Philip Allgeier and movement direction by Sam Pinkleton. Talleri McRae will serve as the production's Access & Inclusion Consultant. Paul "Pablo" Mills Holmes will serve as production stage manager, Jessica Kay Potter will serve as assistant stage manager and Jenni Page-White will be the dramaturg.

Actors Theatre is committed to investing in accessible theatre-going experiences and will present a Sensory Friendly performance on Sunday, October 7. This performance affords a relaxed atmosphere with slightly raised house lights. Audience members are encouraged to move about or exit the theatre as needed. McRae explains, "The performance itself will remain virtually unchanged, though the theatre environment may feel different. Actors Theatre will provide patrons with detailed information about what they can expect while at the theatre, as well as a list of some of the more sensory-intense moments in the show, and when to expect them."

The Theatre will offer an open captioned performance on September 29 and an audio described performance on September 30. For more information on the facilities and all services offered, visit ActorsTheatre.org.

Tickets are now on sale to the public and are priced from $25. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Actors Theatre Box Office at 502.584.1205 or online at ActorsTheatre.org. Special ticket rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 502.585.1210.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is made possible in part by series sponsor Brown-Forman, the Kentucky Arts Council and Fund for the Arts. Additionally, Actors Theatre's educational outreach for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is made possible by Yum! Brands Foundation and their sponsorship of Actors Theatre's Student Matinee Series.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Eli Keel, Insider Louisville: Back to Stuart, the actor playing Christopher. The fact that he is an autistic actor is important on a political and intersectional level, and I applaud Actors Theatre for their best practices for casting in addition to their art. But none of that should overshadow the quality of Stuart's performance.

Marty Rosen, Leo Weekly: Brian Slaten and Jessica Wortham play Christopher's estranged parents. Their love is a currency he cannot comprehend - but the audience surely can, and it can understand the impulses that drive them to continually make promises they will never be able to deliver. Tina Chilip plays Siobhan, the teacher and advocate who understands Christopher best - and one wishes that every neurodiverse child had the support of such a teacher. All the other performers (Maya Loren Jackson, Trevor Salter, Luis Moreno, Sunny Hitt, Sherman Fracher and Seun Soyemi) and every role - neighbor, ticket clerk, police officer, fellow traveler on the train to London - is vividly depicted by the ensemble.

Nettie Farris, Charlestown Courier: Although the staging of the production is minimalist, it is accompanied by projections of images on 2 screens, largely of concrete objects, emphasizing Christopher's obsessive focus on specific detail. In addition, we have sounds and lights and movement contrasting tranquil experiences with chaotic. We have little figures of a bridge, a Ferris wheel, a clock, and a train track, suggesting London.

Anette Skaggs, BroadwayWorld: Run, do not walk, to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and immerse yourself in this magnificent, Tony Award-winning play. You may learn something about someone or even about yourself.

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