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Overview

Synopsis

“All actors remain on stage unless prescribed otherwise. There is also a dead dog. With a fork in it. Scenes run into one another without interruption, regardless of alterations in space or time or chronology.” So begin the stage directions for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. When the lights come up, the dead dog is seen onstage. It is immediately assumed that 15-year old Christopher Boone is responsible. He is innocent, however, and decides to investigate. Christopher has a unique mind that is phenomenal at math, but ill-equipped to understand everyday, ordinary life. His investigation (the details of which Christopher records in a book) leads him to discover not just who killed the dog, but secrets within his own family that turn his world upside down. Awarded both the Tony and the Olivier awards for Best Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time powerfully examines what it truly means to love, and the sacrifices it often takes to do so.

*The play is told from Christopher’s viewpoint, and he is onstage for the entire show. Many of the other characters only appear briefly and have few lines. Christopher is a very literal person and, as he wrote this story, he recorded what he saw, and only that - there is very little interpretation on his part. Therefore, it is up to many of the actors to decide how they want to portray their characters and the lines given them.

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2012
Genres
Drama
Settings
Contemporary
Time & Place
swindon, london, present day
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright