A dog lies dead in a garden. A 15-year-old boy stands beside it.
The boy is Christopher Boone, a brilliant math student with autism, and the scene sparks a journey that’s part mystery, part emotional odyssey. What begins as an investigation into the dog’s death soon unravels a complex web of family secrets, personal revelations, and a powerful coming-of-age story told through a lens both singular and universally human.
San Francisco Playhouse’s staging of this Tony and Olivier Award-winning play is captivating—visually, emotionally, and intellectually. Under Susi Damilano’s clear and compassionate direction, the production draws on stunning design and movement elements to immerse us in Christopher’s mind while never losing sight of the tender human story at its core.
Brendan Looney makes a stunning Playhouse debut as Christopher. An actor with autism portraying an autistic role, Looney brings truth, nuance, and intensity that make this portrayal particularly poignant. This marks a turning point not just for Looney’s career, but for Bay Area theater representation more broadly.
Liz Sklar (Judy) and Mark P. Robinson (Ed) deliver compelling turns as Christopher’s parents—flawed, loving, and struggling with their own truths. Sophia Alawi gives a calm, steady presence as Siobhan, guiding Christopher with warmth.
The supporting ensemble—Cassidy Brown, Laura Domingo, Whit K. Lee, Catherine Luedtke, Renee Rogoff, and Wiley Naman Strasser—morphs effortlessly between characters and moments, helping to build a cohesive world where every element—movement, sound, visuals, and narrative—serves a unified vision.
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This production succeeds on all levels. Like a master painting built from layered textures, each theatrical choice adds definition and emotional depth. It’s a master class in integrated stagecraft:
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Narrative: A compelling mystery that becomes a deeply moving emotional journey.
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Performance: Anchored by a remarkable portrayal of Christopher, supported by an expressive, adaptive ensemble.
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Visuals: A vivid map of Christopher’s mind brought to life through precise, electric, and ever-shifting design—including tightly integrated projections that enhance both setting and emotion.
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Movement: The choreography is the glue and the guide—holding the story together while revealing inner truths.
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Sound: A rich, immersive soundscape that echoes Christopher’s heightened perception and emotional states.
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Choreography Highlight
The movement direction by Bridgette Loriaux is transformative. Her choreography is central—turning narrative beats into kinetic bursts of insight, structure into emotion, and ensemble transitions into visual poetry. It’s through her work that Christopher’s inner world comes vividly alive on stage. The choreography doesn’t just support the story—it is the story’s heartbeat. Kudos to Loriaux for crafting a movement language that elevates this production to something extraordinary.
Design and technical execution are equally impressive. Scenic designer Bill English creates a flexible, geometric environment pulsing with light and motion, thanks to Christian Mejia’s lighting and Sarah Phykitt’s projections. James Ard’s sound design and Kimberly Mohne Hill’s dialect coaching enhance the clarity and emotional impact of every line and cue.
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Tickets & Info:
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Through June 21, 2025
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San Francisco Playhouse – 450 Post Street, San Francisco
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Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7 PM
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Wednesdays: 2 PM & 7 PM
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Fridays & Saturdays: 3 PM & 8 PM
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Sundays: 2 PM
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Tickets: $35–$135
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Box Office: (415) 677-9596
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Online:sfplayhouse.org
Imaginative, emotionally charged, visually striking — The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a rare theatrical event that fully engages the heart and the mind—anchored by movement that makes it soar.
