The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
As part of its 2024-2025 Season, The Old Academy Players is proud to present a powerful and poignant journey with the award-winning play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by English playwright Simon Stephens, adapted from English author Mark Haddon's bestselling novel of the same name. Directed by OAP member Josh Tull, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Old Academy Players’ 545th production, will run March 7–March 23, 2025; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm (no performance March 9). It is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was originally a 2003 mystery novel. Its title refers to an observation by the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (created by Arthur Conan Doyle) in the 1892 short story "The Adventure of Silver Blaze". The play was adapted by Simon Stephens and originally premiered on August 2nd 2012 in the Cottesloe Theatre at the Royal National Theatre in London before transferring to the Apollo Theatre in the West End on March 12th 2013. The play involves a significant, yet faithful, reworking of the source material in adopting a play-within-a-play approach. In 2015, it was nominated for six Tony Awards and won five including Best Play. It went on to be Broadway's longest running play in over a decade, enamouring audiences with its brilliant staging and poignant messaging. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time explores a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbour's dog that is investigated by young Christopher Boone, who is autistic, and his relationships with his parents and school mentor Siobhan. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows Christopher as he investigates the mystery of who killed his neighbour's dog and navigates social interactions of those in his greater community.
Content Warning: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time contains adult themes and adult language; it is not suitable for young children. Viewer discretion is advised.
Josh is excited to direct this important show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, at OAP. Recent directing credits include Next to Normal and Mean Girls. Previous OAP productions (roles) have included: The Broken Hollow Banshee (Silas Pembroke), Company (Bobby), and The Fantasticks (Matt). The stellar cast includes: Matt Johnston as Christopher, Grace Monahan as Siobhan, Tom Stone as Ed, Christie Fischer as Judy and Michelle M. Charles, Asher Chancey, Victor Trujillo, Laura Young, Samantha Stec, and Nuri Muhammad playing multiple characters and voices in the ensemble. The show is being produced by Chris Wunder (The Weir, Outside Mullingar). Lighting design is by Steve Hnatko (Next to Normal, Godspell) and original music is by Matt Friedman.
Ticket prices are: $25 per adult; $15 for students under 25 with valid ID; group rate (15 or more) $21 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.OldAcademyPlayers.org. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling the Box Office at 215-843-1109. Old Academy Players is located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Parking for all performances is free.
The Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater entertainment since 1923 and is a non-profit community theater in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Most notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Robert Prosky and Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly. Support is provided by the "Philadelphia Cultural Fund" and the "Sylvia W. and Randle M. Kauders Foundation".
