SF Playhouse presents a brilliant production of Simon Stephen’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” through June 21. This awe-inspiring, feel-good show is one not to be missed.
Under Susi Damilano’s superb direction, a stellar cast weaves a spellbinding tale of 15-year-old Christopher, a mathematical genius, who is autistic and doesn’t like being touched or speaking to strangers. Upon discovering the violent death of his neighbor’s dog, Christopher launches an investigation to uncover the killer — finding the courage to talk with strangers and attempt an exciting, yet terrifying, journey that turns his world upside down.
“When I first read ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,’ I was awed not only by its original storytelling format, but by its unique invitation to experience the world through the eyes of someone whose brain works differently than most,” wrote SF Playhouse Artistic Director Bill English in the show program.
Actor Brendan Looney plays the role of Christopher as if he was born to it, and in a way he was. Also autistic, Looney understands Christopher’s shyness around strangers and his tantrum-like reactions when presented with too much stimulus.
“Like my character, we both know there is something unusual about our brains and that we process things differently,” Looney said.
Going through the play, Looney understood Christopher exhibited behavior that to a “neurotypical” would seem strange. Moments when something upsetting happens, Christopher will start making groaning noises. Looney does something similar when overwhelmed with stimulus.
“Sometimes there is just too much going on and doing something like groaning soothes you. It creates a white noise as well as a vibration in your body that is very calming,” he said. “Other times, I put on headphones to block outside sounds. It’s almost like meditation and gives me a way to be in contact with my body.”
Those moments where Looney’s character becomes overwhelmed and exhibits tantrum-like behavior are very emotional for the audience as well, especially a very touching scene with his father, played beautifully by Mark P. Robinson.
Sophia Alawi (Christopher’s teacher Siobhan) and Liz Sklar (his mother Judy) show their considerable acting talents as they help Christopher navigate his world.
Kudos to the six-person ensemble plays, who play multi-roles and skillfully create Christopher’s environment utilizing Bridgette Loriaux’s expressive choreography.
Gracefully crisscrossing the stage, they form various shapes and patterns that set the pacing and tone. Although not a formal dance, Loriaux has added clever, precise movements that help build suspense, inject humor and give insight into Christopher’s thoughts.
Sarah Phykitt’s inventive projections and James Ard’s original sound design add to the overall excellence of this production. Together with the stylized movement, they help us see the world from the young teen’s perspective.
Although this is Looney’s first lead role, he has no problem conveying his character’s myriad emotions as he utilizes his graceful, extremely flexible body.
“I think I’ve become a more empathetic person doing this role,” Looney said. “That’s the most powerful part of theater. Through these stories, you see the perspective of someone else and see not just one but several people who experience something in different ways.”
Winner of five Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” continues through June 21 at 450 Post St. in San Francisco. For tickets, call 415-677-9596 or go to sfplayhouse.org.
Pleasant Hill: While Lafayette’s Peter Pan Foundation produces elaborate musicals, it considers itself a nonprofit philanthropic organization rather than a theater company.
“Funding for our philanthropic efforts comes in large part from the proceeds of our performances,” said founder Leslie Noel Hansen. “Musical theater is a vehicle that helps drive our foundation.”
The group has raised over $200,000 for Children’s Hospital and granted many wishes for Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Their major fundraiser this year is a production of “Wish Upon a Star” — a high-energy musical featuring more than 200 performers. The Disney-inspired musical blends iconic songs, characters and stories into an original musical mashup that emphasizes the group’s commitment to inclusion.
Noelle Wilder, a deaf dancer, actor, choreographer and teacher, takes on the dual roles of Tinkerbell and ASL interpreter.
Wilder, who uses they/them pronouns, has been dancing since they were three. They move to the rhythm of vibration, feeling music in their body and translating it into an expressive performance.
“Wish Upon a Star” performs May 23-26 at Diablo Valley College on 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill. For tickets, go to peterpanfoundation.org.
Martinez: B8 Theatre continues Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” through Sunday.
With Wilde’s witty satire, Diane Rice’s colorful set, Taśa Gleason’s beautiful period costumes and Director Becky Potter’s talented cast, this is a sure winner for a light-hearted evening at the theater.
For tickets, go to campbelltheater.com/earnest.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.