The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through January 1, 2017
by Jarice Hanson
 |
| Photo by Joan Marcus |
Told from the perspective of Christopher, a 15-year old
autistic boy, this play overwhelms the audience with heightened sensory
overload. The touring company’s rendition of “Curious Incident” at the Bushnell
is largely effective, even though the play most certainly works even more
effectively in a slightly smaller theatre where the sound system is more evenly
balanced. Still, the grid-like set, complete with video projection and LED
lighting contributes to an evening that draws the audience into the story and
makes you understand what life is like for an autistic individual who struggles
with complex situations.
Christopher becomes obsessed with trying to find out who
killed his neighbor’s dog. As he begins his detective work, he learns a family
truth that has been withheld from him, and he goes about seeking answers—a
difficult path for a young man who doesn’t comprehend irony or metaphor. The
role of Christopher is exceedingly physically and vocally demanding and for
this company, performances are shared by Adam Langdon and Benjamin Wheelwright.
On the evening I saw the show, Langdon embodied the role with dexterity and
energy, though his voice is a bit too mature for a teen. I’ve seen this
performer before, and Langdon is undoubtedly an actor to watch as his career
develops. He’s aided in this production by a multi-racial ensemble of seasoned
veterans. Gene Gillette as Christopher’s father is particularly effective as a
parent who tries to do the right things for his special-needs son, only to find
that good intentions sometimes backfire.
The Broadway production of the play received five Tony
Awards in 2015 for Best Actor, Best Play, Best Director, Scenic Design, and
Lighting Design. The success of the show is balanced with all of the components,
though the actor playing Christopher has the greatest burden in terms of
maintaining stamina and gaining sympathy from the audience. Based on the
first-person book written Mark Haddon in 2003, the story gives the audience a
sense of what it is like to live with autism, and we cheer when we find this
truly original hero optimistic about his future and his ability to live in the
complicated “typical” world.
