By Jennifer Mustoe and Craig Mustoe
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Pioneer Theater in Salt Lake City is a mouthful of a title. It seems fitting that so many words are used to title this one play, as Curious Incident has a big message for its audience. When I mentioned to Craig that we were seeing this play, he said, “All I remember is it’s about a dog who dies.” After seeing this memorable play, we will remember far more than a dead dog.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Christopher Boone (Harrison Bryan), a 15-year-old young man with autism who is brilliant in maths and has a pet rat, Toby. Christopher has a rough time of it with unhappy parents, an obvious disability, and the natural disillusionment of a teenager. When his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, is killed (by a pitchfork–ick—the dog on stage is a stuffed animal, though, so don’t worry), Christopher decides he will do some detective work, like his hero Sherlock Holmes. As he investigates this rather insignificant mystery, he finds out far more, and much that he finds out is far more distressing than a dead dog. However, he is also able to discover much in the world that is beautiful. And curious.
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon and written for the stage by Simon Stevens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is presented as a book by Christopher himself that he often narrates. Siobhan (Melissa Miller), his mentor, also narrates as if reading the book. Craig felt this device was superfluous, but I actually liked it. The synergy between Bryan and Miller is palpable and perfect. They are so in sync and yet so separate. With all that Christopher had to go 
through (and I am purposely revealing little of the plot because it will really be spoilers all over the place), I was so grateful for Siobhan–a friend and refuge, a comfort and a guide in the storm that is Christopher.
Bryan is brilliant as Christopher in Curious Incident. Like others who have played men with autism (Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man and Leonardo DeCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? come to mind), I was completely convinced that Bryan did indeed have autism. To handle stress, Christopher relies on prime numbers, chanting them over and over to help him calm down. (And it works.) There are so many interesting and profound monologues, so many laughs, and so much math! Every moment he is onstage is stellar.
The cast is small, with only four of the actors playing single characters. All other ensemble members (
Sarah Shippobotham, John Fork-Dunker, Michael Keyloun, Michael Rudro, Sam Bruce, Tia Speros) play several characters, and with costume and acting choices, carry it off handsomely. We especially liked the scenes in the train station, with all characters dressed in trench coats, whirling around Christopher or rumbling along in the tube. These are all excellent directing choices by Director Karen Azenburg and costuming choices by Costumer K.L. Alberts.
Azenburg brings much movement to the stage, even though the scene often only 
required Christopher and his father, Ed (Tom O’Keefe) or Siobahn, or his mother, Judy (Stephanie Howell). Azenburg does this by including ensemble members, standing on the glorious set by Daniel Meeker, almost as part of the scenic design. Craig didn’t like this device until Act Two, but I loved it. It offers an insight into the mechanisms of Christopher’s mind by postulating that perhaps this is how Christopher sees life: with all these people at the edge of his existence, all the time.
O’Keefe has a difficult role to play as Christopher’s father, Ed: is he kind or is he awful? I loved how he kept me guessing on this–he is a sympathetic character, but clearly one with flaws. Howell as Christopher’s mother Judy has some of the most powerful scenes with her son. Her love and frustration with this delicate, demanding, and often violent teenager is real and 
raw. I also found myself wondering: is she a loving mother or a horrible parent? I liked that she might be both. I liked the layers of the story and I liked that both the parents had serious flaws. Dealing with a child with these issues takes it out of a person–I’ve seen this with friends who have children with autism (though in the play it is never called this–Christopher’s diagnosis is vague.) These two actors do a fine job–it is painful and it is meant to be.
Sound Design by Joe Payne and Lighting Design by Paul Miller play a huge role in this production and brought out the emotion, the singularity, the beauty, and the pain of this piece. Pioneer always does a great job with the technical aspects of their productions, but I noticed it particularly in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and you will, too. 
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There are two adorable scenes in this show that brought a huge sighing, “Aw,” from the audience. I wish I could tell you what they are, but I’m no spoiler revealer. But really, I’ve never seen an audience get that sweet and giggly. You’ll see what I mean.
While heartfelt and moving, there are some things audience members should be aware of when deciding whether or not to attend the show. There is a fair amount of violence (excellently choreographed by Fight Choreographer Christopher Duval) and some profanity, so this is a PG-13 show–sort of. Because it has such a hopeful message, and because the harsh parts (except for the F words) aren’t really in your face, this show may be okay for tweens who are insightful and interested in seeing people with disabilities in a different light. And honestly, anyone who likes math (“maths”, because this takes place in England) should see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Pioneer Theater.
The ending of the show is startling and had everyone cheering for awkward, lovable Christopher. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a triumph. All theater lovers in Utah, Idaho, or anywhere else need to experience this fabulous, internationally acclaimed 2015 Tony winner. You will leave with a curious mind and eyes that are open to the beauty of the world.
Pioneer Theater Company presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stevens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, The University of Utah, 300 1400 E #205, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
September 15-30, 2017, Mondays-Thursdays 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM Fridays and Saturday Evenings, 2:00 PM Saturday Matinees
Tickets: $40-62, $5.00 more if you buy the day of the show.
Contact: 801-581-6961
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