Submitted by Craig Edgerton
“I like dogs. You always know what a dog is thinking. It has four moods. Happy, sad, cross and concentrating. Also, dogs are faithful and they do not tell lies because they cannot talk.” Christopher is 15 years old. He is a math genius. He wants to be an astronaut. He likes dogs, and he has autism.
Fluvanna County High School (FCHS) theatre is excited to produce The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timefor the spring play. The play opens when Christopher, played by sophomore Simon Skinner, discovers the neighbor’s dog was murdered with a pitchfork. He then decides it is his job to “detect who killed Wellington,” but what he uncovers is oh, so much more.
Based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephen, the production won the Tony Award in 2015 for best play on Broadway. “After the success of Almost, Mainetwo years ago, we are returning to the Black Box for this production,” said Craig Edgerton, FCHS drama teacher. “It is an intimate story, so we wanted an intimate setting, a space that will bring the actor closer to the audience. This play deals with family and how an autistic child copes with the struggles families can face.”
The play is part comedy, part drama, part mystery, but all heart! The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timeopens Wednesday (April 17) and continues April 18, 19, and 20. All shows are at 7 p.m. with an additional matinee on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. Doors opens 30 minutes before the show. General admission is $14 for adults and $9 for children, but viewers can save $2 per ticket by purchasing online at fchs.seatyourself.biz. If the show is not sold out, tickets will be available at the door. Due to limited seating, everyone is encouraged to buy tickets online and arrive early for the best seats.
