A Curious Success: Five Reasons to See Curious Incident

July 29, 2015

Written by Arye, Edited by Gabrielle

I am not much of a “play” person, I prefer Broadway musicals, but wow! Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime was breathtaking. This play is spectacular, and unlike anything I’ve seen on Broadway before. Here are my Top 5 Reasons to see this groundbreaking show.

Alex Sharp. I’ll Repeat: Alex. Sharp.
After just graduating last year from Julliard, Sharp landed a role most actors don’t get their hands on in a lifetime. Sharp portrays the character of Christopher with such authenticity and commitment – a role both mentally and physically demanding- that I’ve rarely seen on stage. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is based on a novel of the same name and is written in first-person perspective. Through the brilliant direction by Marriane Elliot, the audience gets a glimpse of the world through Christopher’s perspective. I’ve seen the play twice, and Sharp was in both performances; however, at certain performances, the immensely talented Taylor Trensch, last seen as Michael Wormwood in Matilda: The Musical, takes on the role of Christopher. I have heard from several people that his performance is nothing short of phenomenal.
An Incredible Supporting Cast
The incredible supporting cast carries the show (sometimes quite literally) and brings each performance to another level of theatrical excellence. Francesca Faridany, Ian Barfod, and Enid Graham act as players in what is really Christopher’s universe. The entire company deserves mention and ensures this show is a tier above all of the other plays of the 2014/2015 season.
It’s Not Just the Actors That Give You All the Feels
The show is an immersive experience that allows audience members a glimpse of what Christopher is going through and how he experiences life. Much of this is attributed to the brilliant tech in the show, like lighting by Paule Constable (who won a Tony for his work on Curious), and scenic design by Bunny Christie and Finn Ross (Tony winners in their category, as well). They, in a large sense, play another central character in the show: they bring the story to life and allow the audiences to feel as though they are a part of Christopher’s sensory and intellectual experiences.
Narrative/Story
The title of the play is a nod to Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, setting the stage for the show’s story line involving the mysterious death of a neighborhood dog. As Christopher embarks on solving this whodunit, we’re treated to so much more than a crime story. I would elaborate, but I’m not one for spoilers. The twists aren’t just intriguing, they’re an emotional journey, too.
Ticket Prices
If you didn’t need any more convincing (if I didn’t mention,among other major awards, their recent 5 Tony wins including Best Play!), you can still get $27 tickets for the last two rows of the mezzanine. Sometimes those seats are a bit of a deterrent, but I found that for this show there simply isn’t a bad seat in the house. I sat in the corner, second-to-last row and didn’t miss a thing on stage. You can also purchase tickets in the rest of the mezzanine and orchestra, ranging from $59 to $155. TodayTix is a great way to see the show at a discounted price.