The National Theatre Brings ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ to L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre

Tony Sokol

Animal cruelty is one of the first signs of a budding sociopath. But when it turns up in the mind of a socially awkward math whiz, it doesn’t add up. The National Theatre will calculate the unthinkable when they bring the Tony Award-winning drama “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” to L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre on Aug. 2. The National Theatre’s touring production of the play opens Aug. 3 and continues through Sept. 10.

British writer Mark Haddon’s 2003 mystery novel “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” got the title from Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1892 Sherlock Holmes story “Silver Blaze.” It is told by Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year-old boy suspected of killing his neighbor’s dog. Boone has an almost genius IQ, but has trouble interpreting everyday life. He takes it upon himself to solve the violent crime.

Haddon’s book, which was published simultaneously in separate editions for adults and children, won the Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel and Book of the Year, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book, and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize.

The book was adapted by playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Tony winner Marianne Elliott. The play premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2012 and was transferred to the West End. It opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater on Broadway on Oct. 5, 2014, and ran through Sept. 4, 2016.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” stars Adam Langdon as Christopher, Gene Gillette as Ed, Felicity Jones Latta as Judy, Maria Elena Ramirez as Siobhan, and Amelia White as Mrs. Alexander. It also features Brian Robert Burns, Francesca Choy-Kee, Josephine Hall, John Hemphill, Robyn Kerr, Kathy McCafferty, J. Paul Nicholas, Geoffrey Wade, and Tim Wright. Benjamin Wheelwright plays Christopher for certain performances.

The production is designed by Tony winners Bunny Christie and video designer Finn Ross. Lighting was designed by Tony winner Paule Constable. The play was choreographed by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett. The music was composed by Adrian Sutton. Sound was designed by Ian Dickinson.

The National Theatre’s touring production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” runs from Aug. 3 through Sept. 10 at the Ahmanson Theatre.