Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens
Directed by Steve Tobin
Performance Dates: April 26 - May 18, 2024
Run time: TBD
(including intermission)
15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, this is a beautiful, eloquent, dazzlingly inventive show about the wonders of life.
To download the production postcard for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading.
About the Director
Curious Incident… marks Steve’s fifth Directing stint at CP stage. Steve most recently helmed CP's 1980’s Shakespeare extravaganza, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other CP directing credits include the Ruby Griffith Award-winning production of The Liar, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and for those of you with long memories, Catch Me If You Can. At Compass Rose Theater, Steve directed the Helen Hayes Recommended production of Richard Wilbur’s The Liar and The Diary of Anne Frank. Steve was also seen on the CP stage as John Heminges in The Book of Will, Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace, and he was a yellow-eyed Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol. Steve has a BS degree in Theater Studies from Yale studying with James Simpson, Murray Biggs, and Williamstown Theater Festival founder, Nikos Psacharopolous. He did his professional acting apprenticeship at The NJ Shakespeare Festival under Paul Barry and has performed professionally at the NJSF, DC’s The Source Theater, and Baltimore’s Center Stage. Steve has been on the Board of The Colonial Players for 7 years, serving the last 4 as President. He will be turning over the keys at the end of this season, and is looking forward to finally getting some sleep. ”As always, gratitude and love to Jo, Diana, Jeannie, Dad, and especially Mary Frances who now gets to watch everything from the best seat in the house…”
Director's Notes
To be able to “walk in another person’s shoes” is probably one of the hardest but most valuable skills we can have as a member of the human race. Empathy forms the basis for so much in our life. It is the essential element that allows us to create and sustain meaningful connections between each other. And so we have this remarkable play that provides us with a powerful empathetic connection into a person - and a people - that are too often ignored, misunderstood, or marginalized. We do need to be careful because our hero Christopher is no more a stereotype of the neuro-diverse community than any individual is of a race, religion, or gender identity. Christopher is doing what we all do - trying to find his place in a world that he doesn’t fully understand. We are all individuals and we all deserve to be met where we are, and treated with empathy and respect. It is a noble goal, but one more honored in the sentiment than the practice. Perhaps we can and will be inspired to do better. And speaking of respect, I am in awe of the group of people that have worked on this production. This has been an extraordinary process. I don’t think CP has ever attempted anything as complicated as this show (at least in my knowledge and experience). You are witnessing an amazing collaboration of technologies and artistry, of electronics and ensemble acting. The design/tech team and crew of this show are some of the finest and most skilled people to work in our theater, and the ensemble have poured their passion (not to mention their patience) into inhabiting their characters. All for the purpose of telling this unforgettable story with the humanity it deserves. Lastly, I want to thank my family - especially Jo and Diana - for putting up with me during this intense and all-consuming journey. It has been a complicated year to say the least, and I don’t know how I would have made it without the strength and love I have received from you. “I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” — Shakespeare
— STEVE TOBIN
The Cast
Penny Bedsworth (Sandy) - Penny is through the woof to be appearing in her first theatrical production at the young age of just 13 months (though she's 7 and a half in dog years). She has displayed a flair for the dramatic since her gotcha day, always stealing the spotlight with her small stature, runway-worthy strut, and adorable head tilts. In her free time, Penny is an avid birdwatcher and a champion napper. She has also become quite the foodie, and loves spending time with her older sister, Sammi, and best friends, Chase and Lulu. Penny would like to thank her mom and dad for their support during this show with all the chauffeur services, chew toys, and peanut butter treats..
Jane Carrigan (Ensemble) - Jane is again delighted to cross the boards at The Colonial Players after a long hiatus (very long) from theater. While she received a degree in theater many years ago, life happened and she detoured from that path. Jane has found theater again and joined The Colonial Players this season in Tartuffe and Wit. She is proud to be in the Ensemble and pleased to turn her skills to Mrs. Alexander, an old lady, busy body neighbor who befriends Christopher.
Dean Cottrill (Christopher - Understudy) - Dean graduated from South River High School, and then went to Anne Arundel Community College where he majored in Theatre Arts and graduated with an Associate’s Degree. This is Dean’s first production with CP.
Sean Morton (Ensemble) - Sean is excited to be in his first production with CP. Past roles include Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone (MAD), ensemble in Something Rotten (2nd Star Productions), and Frid in A Little Night Music (MAD again). He has has really enjoyed getting to work with such a wonderful cast and crew.
Ellen Quay (Judy) - Ellen is thrilled to be back at The Colonial Players and honored to be a part of this phenomenal show! You may have seen Ellen here last January as Chick Boyle in Crimes of the Heart, at ASGT as Vi Moore in Footloose and Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone (WATCH award winner for Outstanding Cameo in a Musical), and in Sondheim on Sondheim at Silhouettes Stages, playing Ellen (WATCH award winner for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical)! A Voice Actor by day, Ellen loves to narrate audiobooks where there are no lines to memorize and she gets to play all the parts! She’d like to dedicate this performance to Nathanael, Caedmon, Corawyn, Ransom, Meia, and Kelli!
Lauren Riley Sayles (Ensemble) - Lauren is thrilled to be making her CP debut! Lauren was most recently seen as the villainous Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Vagabond Players in Baltimore, her favorite role to date. Other favorite past roles include Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Old Opera House Theater Company, Charles Town, WV), Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock: The Musical (Landless Theater Company, Frederick, MD), Catherine in Proof (Old Opera House Theater Company, Charles Town, WV), and Cassie in A Chorus Line (Apollo Civic Theater, Martinsburg, WV) - when she was younger and her legs could still move like that. Her favorite current roles include proud mom to budding stage star Lillian, adoring wife to veteran stage star Tim, and obsessed mom to her should-be stage star cats Ruth Bader Ginsburg Riley Jackson Sayles and Eleanor Roosevelt Riley Jackson Sayles. Lauren was also recently elected as the new Marketing Director for 2nd Star Productions in Bowie. By day, Lauren is a speech-language pathologist for AACPS where she gets to work with and learn from the most amazing students every day. Thank you to Steve for the opportunity to work with this magical group of people. And thank you to the audience for supporting live theater! Enduring love to LMJ, TFS, cheese, coffee, gin, and TV, not always in that order.
Drew Saint Amour (Christopher) - Drew is ecstatic to be playing Christopher in his CP debut. He lives in Crofton with his family, and is a sophomore at Crofton High School. He takes tap classes at Stageworkz Theater Arts Project with Bobby Smith, Andrew Gordon, and Vicki Smith. He takes contrabass lessons with Broc Mertz, and is the bassist of Crofton 3, a rock band he co-founded. Drew has appeared as Tyler K in Mean Girls, Chad in High School Musical, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and Chad in All Shook Up with the Talent Machine Company. He has additionally performed as Von Hussler in Mary Poppins and Phil in Almost, Maine with the Cardinal Players. This summer, he will travel to California to play Jonah in the feature film Bad Liar with filmmaker Zack Conklin. In addition to acting, Drew enjoys assistant choreographing at Crofton Middle School, where he has worked on Suessical and Grease. At Crofton High School, he is part of orchestra, concert choir, men’s choir, student council, mock trial, improv comedy, a capella choir, Music Honors Society, National Honors Society, marching band, big band, and is Secretary of Model United Nations. Drew thanks his acting coach Bobby Smith for always believing in him and pushing him to be his greatest self, Vicki Smith for sparking his love of theater, and his artistic parents for always surrounding him in the arts. He credits the success of this play to Steve Tobin, whose artistry is genuine, creative, and inspiring.
Melanie Shipp (Ensemble) - Melanie is thrilled to be in her first show with The Colonial Players! She is so excited to work with such a talented cast and is immensely grateful to have this opportunity. Thank you Mom, Dad, Mandy and Amber for all of the love and support!
Todd Smith (Ensemble) - For the past four years, Todd has been the director of fall plays at Crofton High School and was a founding advisor for The Cardinal Players theater troupe. Additionally, Todd was a director of high school shows in Brick Township, NJ in the 1990's. This is Todd's first on stage role in 25 years. Todd is thrilled to be acting again with such a dedicated group of volunteers and professionals. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Aparna Sri (Siobhan) - Aparna is tickled pink to join The fabulous Colonial Players, renowned for showcasing uniquely memorable and meaningful plays to the community! After a hiatus involving mini bipeds and work stuffs, she blasted off like SpaceX's Falcon 9 and performed prolifically across Maryland theatres in 2023-24, having appeared in 8 shows and 2 readings within 12 months. She relishes the classics (i.e., Shakespeare, Agatha Christie), yummy murder mysteries, clenching drama, Brit humour, and movement-forward farcical comedies! She draws enormous strength and love from her family, and owes her sweet husband a lifetime supply of Almond Joys and "honey no-do" lists. Although she squarely (yet affectionately) blames Richard A-N for being bitten by the CP bug, she is nonetheless copiously grateful for Steve's brilliant direction and the entire CP family for warmly welcoming her into the fold. Now, relax and let us take you on a beautiful journey through time and space...
Paul Valleau (Ed) - Paul is excited to return to The Colonial Players stage. This has been the most unique, and collaborative experience. Thank you to our entire team for your vision and support in our journey. Paul would also like to thank his beautiful wife, your unconditional love and adventure inspire my heart, PS. Mom, thank you for all your love and encouragement. Paige and Sebastian, our talented and beautiful kids, you are the greatest actors in our vibrant life play. Paul's previous roles include Co-Director of The Crucible, and Talk Radio, and playing Michal in The Pillowman, all at Vagabond Players. James in Book of Days, Mike in 33 Variations, Homer in Mornings at Seven, Lt. Kaffee in A Few Good Men, Leo Irving in In The Next Room, Producer of Agnes of God, Director of Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, all at The Colonial Players of Annapolis. Brandon in Next Fall, Kent in Reasons To Be Pretty, at Stage West Theater. Leo Bloom in The Producers, and Robert in Don't Dress For Dinner, at The Des Moines Playhouse.
Sarah Wade (Ensemble) - Sarah is delighted to take part in this remarkable show with old and new friends. Prior CP credits include: Gloria in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, Elaine Harper in Arsenic and Old Lace, Honey in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (WATCH award winner for Best Supporting Actress); Gabriella in Boeing-Boeing; Cecily Cardew in Ernest in Love; twins Sabine and Isabelle in The Liar; multiple roles in A Christmas Carol; Catherine in These Shining Lives; the Star-to-be in Annie; Jessica in Communicating Doors; and Kitty in Taking Steps. She directed the 2019/21 productions of A Christmas Carol. Sound designer: Love, Loss, and What I Wore; Sex with Strangers, Calendar Girls, Watch on the Rhine, and Side Man.
Julia Williams (Ensemble) - Julia is thrilled to be making her debut with The Colonial Players! Recent credits include Aunt March/Hannah/Mrs. Kirke in Little Women (Strand) and Charlotte Cushman in The Lady Was A Gentleman (Strand). She is a cast member at the Maryland Renaissance Festival and recently played Sir Timothy Tawdry in The Town Fop. Julia earned her BA in Theater & English from McDaniel College ('11), trained in improvisation at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick, and with Second City and ComedySportz in Chicago. She thanks her family, her landlords, CP, and darling friends.
The Production Staff
Richard Atha-Nicholls (Video Projection Designer) - Richard agreed to help Steve on this show forgetting he was producing the preceding show. He particular likes the sound of deadlines as they go rushing by. He is usually found in the tech booth at The Colonial Players designing sound/projections or designing and programming the stream camera cuts. His sound design has garnered multiple WATCH nominations. Richard has appeared on area stages and in his spare time helps run Discworld™ conventions. He recently directed The Colonial Players’ production of The Book of Will in 2023 and Produced the The Baker’s Wife this season. He’d like to thank all those who spend countless hours creating amazing theatre. He’d especially like to thank Amy, who takes care of the circus in his absence. Love to C, A, P, K, I & J. Always in my heart, O.
Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) - Steve and Ernie, (not Edie) together again for the fourth time. Maybe they'll eventually get it right. This also brings in Ernie’s 10th year working with CP, where he’s been seen (or not seen if he's doing it right) as booth technician, stage manager, lighting designer, and producer. He currently serves as the CP safety manager for the operations team and as the outgoing Production Director.
John H. Purnell III (Lighting Designer) - This is John's 12th and most ambitious lighting design for CP including the WATCH-nominated A New Brain in 2019. John has served for six years as CP's lighting consultant and twice taught a comprehensive lighting class at CP. His design credits also include nine other productions at ASGT and Silver Spring Stage including the WATCH-nominated design for Rock of Ages at ASGT. John has performed on stage, most recently as Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol at CP and Mayor Josiah Dobbs in Bright Star at ASGT. John's wife Claire and two grown daughters support John's theater addiction.
Devin Thrasher (Assistant Director) Devin is humbled to be a part of this production. Marking her first attempt on the directorial side, she is grateful to Steve, CP, and the cast for this opportunity to help bring this story to life. Thrasher has previously been seen on stage last season as Marcy in Ravenscroft.
