Juilliard graduate Alex Sharp makes his Broadway debut as Christopher John Francis Boone, a socially awkward, mathematical savant who is written as though he fits somewhere on the autism spectrum (although it is never determined). Much like Mark Haddon's 2003 best-selling novel of the same name, he aims to uncover how the titular "Dog" was speared by a garden fork in the middle of the night.
"It's one of my mother's favorite books," 25-year-old Sharp explained in an interview with Playbill magazine. "It's an incredible book… It spoke to me then, and it speaks to me, obviously, now."
Christopher, explained playwright Stephens, "thinks with a sense of wonder. I think he talks with a sense of wonder, and I think Christopher has a real sense of wonder at the world... We hanker for a sense of awe."
Directed by Tony Award winner Marianne Elliott, preview performances began Sept. 10. The cast also includes Ian Barford (August: Osage County) as Ed, Tony nominee Helen Carey (London Assurance) as Mrs. Alexander, Francesca Faridany (The 39 Steps) as Siobhan and Enid Graham (The Constant Wife) as Judy.
Rounding out the ensemble are Jocelyn Bioh (An Octoroon at Soho Rep), Mercedes Herrero (The Laramie Project), Richard Hollis (Hit-Lit at Queens Theatre), Ben Horner (War Horse) and David Manis (War Horse). Taylor Trensch (Matilda the Musical) plays Christopher at certain performances.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time transferred to London's West End following a sold-out run at the National's Cottesloe Theatre in 2012. The production received seven 2013 Olivier Awards, including Best New Play.
Here's how it's billed: "Fifteen-year old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever."
The production is designed by three-time Olivier Award winner Bunny Christie, with lighting by Tony Award winner Paule Constable, video design by Finn Ross, movement by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. Casting is by Daniel Swee and Cindy Tolan.
The play is produced on Broadway by Stuart Thompson, Tim Levy for NT America, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures Inc., Nick Starr and Chris Harper for NT Productions, Bob Boyett, Roger Berlind, Scott M. Delman, Roy Furman, Glass Half Full Productions, Ruth Hendel, Jon B. Platt, Prime Number Group, Scott Rudin, Triple Play Broadway and The Shubert Organization.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time offers over 50 tickets at $27 for every performance. Tickets are on sale by phone at (212) 239-6200, online at Telecharge.com and in person at the Barrymore Theatre box office (243 West 47th Street).
