Theater Review – October 11, 2019

MARVELOUS LOCAL PRODUCTION OF “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” DEBUTS AT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

“THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix, AZ

Over the past several seasons, The Phoenix Theatre Company consistently presents the best local productions of Broadway musicals.  And now, with an engaging local premiere production of the 2015 Tony Award winning play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” they bring the same perfection to a psychologically complex drama that explores the brilliant mind of  the 15-year-old central character, Christopher, who has autism.

The success of any production of this insightful play rests with the actor portraying Christopher.  Los Angeles actor Greg Nussen brilliantly captures the character as he sensitively mirrors the disease’s physical and mental challenges without any hint of forced artificiality.

Based on Mark Haddon’s novel, Simon Stephens’ script explores Christopher’s challenge of solving the murder of a neighbor’s dog that he is wrongly accused of killing.  To discover the truth, Christopher’s journey allows him to utilize bravery as he opens up secrets within his own troubled family.

In addition to Nussen’s dynamic creation of Christopher, 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. The final critical element to bring this work to flawless fruition “The Curious Incident…” must be staged in an intimate theater where the audience literally becomes part of the discussion as Christopher’s mind puts his life’s puzzle together.  The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Hormel Theatre is the ideal venue as Christopher’s issues develop on Douglas Clarke’s artfully designed setting that permit the play’s multiple locales to unspool with never halting momentum.

The performing ensemble brings the myriad of supporting roles to vivid life.  Kelly Pekar is touching but fearsome as Christopher’s two-timing mother.  Michael Kary is amazingly modulating as Christopher’s bizarre father with his own underhanded secrets.  Elizabeth Brownlee Blair serves as Christopher’s muse who stimulates him to keep moving with his explorations and the troubling solutions he uncovers.  The remaining performers, all artfully perfect, essay a variety of diverse characters that cross through Christopher’s life and his thoughts.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a moving and serious play.  It won’t be for those seeking mindless entertainment but for those interested in what an autism diagnosis means this is a penetrating production.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” continues through November 10 at The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Hormel Theatre.  To order tickets, contact The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A