Weekend Showcase: Yellow Tree Theatre’s “The Curious Incident”
Yellow Tree Theatre kicks off their new season this weekend with “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night.”
As the play opens the audience meets a character named Christopher.
“Due to his behavior, we assume he is someone who is on the autism spectrum,” explains director Ellen Fenster. “He sees the world differently, communicates differently, he relates differently, he experiences sensory stimulation differently.”
Zach Schnitzer is a senior at Armstrong High School and does a wonderful job portraying a most unique character.
“In the past I’ve played a lot of characters that I’m similar to in my personality and Christopher is, we have similarities, but, he’s so distant from me,” says Schnitzer. “And I think that’s been the biggest challenge for me.”
The audience has as front row seat as Christopher navigates his family life and relationships.
Corey Mills plays Christopher’s father, Ed Boone. Mills says the relationship is unique and complicated.
“I think Ed’s got his own set of hurts and problems that he doesn’t know how to deal with. And at the same time he’s fiercely committed to Christopher, fiercely committed to raising him and supporting him and taking care of all his needs,” said Mills. “But Ed doesn’t know how to take care of himself.”
Although the play is very well done, it does deal with some mature themes. And there is some harsh language, but it’s not gratuitous, nor prolonged. One thing Yellow Tree does, which I applaud, is provide a show content button on their website. The information provides an honest assessment of the material. I’d recommend late teen and up for this show.
The “Curious Case of the Dog in the Night” is onstage at Yellow Tree Theatre now through October 13th.
To learn more about Yellow Tree Theatre and this production, click here.
