Columbus North High School’s theater department will present the play “The Curious Incident About a Dog in the Nighttime” at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Judson Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St.
The story hinges on a mystery over the death of a neighbor’s dog, a situation investigated by Christopher Boone (played by freshman Jaime Garcia, onstage for the entire show), a teen with autism and a math genius. The Mark Haddon novel upon which the Simon Stephens play is based does not detail the character’s specific condition, nor does this production. But online sources say the book’s blurb refers to Asperger syndrome.
Plus, the author mentioned in media interviews that the character, 15, would be considered as having that form of autism.
Because of that element, the school’s presentation is part of a recognition of April as World Autism Month and National Autism Awareness Month.
Director Julie Hult, a longtime local teacher and thespian whose students include those with autism, and North drama coach John Johnson came up with the idea of presenting the show several years ago. The script just became available for amateur productions within the past year, according to Hult.
“I think this show is especially important to build an awareness that people really are capable of a lot of wonderful things,” Hult said.
The show’s set and even costumes are designed to give viewers some idea of the sensory perception of an autistic youth, according to Hult. North graphics whiz Lilly Bringle created projections that include math equations and more to serve as much of the show’s minimalist set. Plus, Hult hatched the idea of having some of the costumes with wild and loud patterns to demonstrate how confusing some elements of everyday life can be for those with autism.
“They meant to draw upon what the character of Christopher sees,” she said.
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What: Columbus North High School’s presentation of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime."
When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 2:30 p.m Sunday.
Principal cast: Christopher: Jaime Garcia; Siobhan: Lily Johnson; Ed: Ben Dickerson; Judy: Sawa Hashizume; Roger: Paxton Rush. Director is Julie Hult.
Admission: $6 available via the Facebook page for North Drama or at the door.
Information: Facebook page for North Drama.
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