Tuesday, October 15, 2019

reviews - THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME - The Phoenix Theatre Company

Greg Nussen and Michael Kary
photo by Reg Madison Photography
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through November 10

"The theatrical adaptation of Mark Haddon's bestselling book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time won numerous awards in London and on Broadway, including the Tony Award for Best Play. The well-crafted drama is a detective story and also an emotional family drama that beautifully depicts through visual imagery and sound effects the inner workings of the thought processes of a teenage boy with developmental issues. The play makes its local Phoenix premiere in an engaging, intimate, and emotionally moving production at the Phoenix Theatre Company...While Haddon never specifically stated in his book what developmental disorder Christopher has, the symptoms as depicted in the play are similar to autism. The book and Stephens's stage adaptation afford a better understanding of how someone like Christopher struggles with human emotions while having to navigate through changing family dynamics and a world in which most people don't have much sympathy for someone who is different....The intimate setting of the Hormel Theatre stage at Phoenix Theatre provides an immediate connection between the audience and the actors, and Karla Koskinen's direction derives realistic and emotionally raw performances from the incredibly talented cast. Greg Nussen is a revelation as Christopher...a thought-provoking work full of insight, and Phoenix Theatre Company's production has a very gifted cast, accomplished direction, and superb creative designs that make for an immersive, engaging, and emotionally rewarding experience."   -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"...a psychologically complex drama that explores the brilliant mind of  the 15-year-old central character, Christopher, who has autism....Greg Nussen brilliantly captures the character as he sensitively mirrors the disease’s physical and mental challenges without any hint of forced artificiality....Karla Koskinen’s superbly paced and emotionally moving staging transforms the play into a rollicking and exuberant ride through Christopher’s brain as he solves situations and tackles daily life with his medical burdens....a moving and serious play..." -Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix (click here to read the complete review)

"...Director Karla Koskinen's sensitive direction gives breadth and depth to this very human story. Where other productions have saturated this play with digital projections, Koskinen has downplayed that element to give space and expression to the characters that occupy Christopher's environs. Bravo to her and her team for a powerhouse of a production."  - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)

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