Q&A: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Zoetic Stage and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County are proud to present The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Simon Stephens’ Tony Award-winning adaptation based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel. Playing January 17-February 3, in the intimate Carnival Studio Theater (Ziff Ballet Opera House), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time continues Zoetic Stage’s 2018-2019 season at the Arsht Center as part of the Center’s Theater Up Close Series.

Directed by Stuart Meltzer, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of fifteen-year-old Christopher, a young man who is exceptionally intelligent but not well equipped to deal with everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery that will change his life. This is an incredible journey to the world of a very special mind.

The cast includes: Stephen G. Anthony, Ryan Didato, Niki Fridh, Margery Lowe, Michael Mckeever, Zack Myers, Rachel O’hara, Gretchen Porro, Barbara Sloan, and Seth Trucks.  

It was a pleasure to sit down with Ryan, who plays the lead role of Christopher Boone, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did you begin performing, and how did it happen?

I started when I was 13 in 8th grade, because I was terrible at sports and I needed a different after school activity.

How did you get cast in this production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

Last year I was doing the world premiere of Wrongful Death at Zoetic and they said they had plans to do this show. I have dreamed for a long time to be a part of this play, and I asked to play any role. About a month later they emailed me and asked if I would play the lead.

Knowing that the production on Broadway won many awards including the Tony for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play, is there additional pressure on you?

There is pressure, but not form the fact that it won so many accolades. The pressure comes from a play that you love and doing it justice. There is also pressure to do the character justice.

Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?

My favorite role was in The Red by John Logan. This play was about Mark Rothko the painter and I stared in that at the Gable Stage. I love art and, it was right up my alley.

What is your fantasy role?

To be in a musical, but I am so terrible at dancing and singing it will never happen, and that’s probably for the best. I admire people that could do all that.

What should our readers expect from this production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

You should expect it to not be like any other production you have ever seen of Curious. Stuart Meltzer brings a different take on the show. And if you haven’t seen it before, it’s a very touching play, and it’s a very exciting journey to take with Christopher.

Tickets to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are $50 & $55*; and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center Box Office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at Arshtcenter.org.

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By Scott Holland

5 years ago

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