The Salem Community Theatre production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ opens its two weekend run with a performance at seven Friday night.
The play is based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted to the stage by Simon Stephens.
Director Taylor Parker feels the play has a special message.
“I’m on the theater board as the production committee chair and we were discussing various shows and this shows touch me in a certain way as a social worker as my profession. Discussing a child with autism and the obstacles that they face in their day to day world. Adults understanding them, them trying to process the world…it just hit a part of my soul that I thought this needed to be said and done.”
The autistic child is played by Dawson Deckard.
“He has to overcome a lot. Mostly its just confronting new people. I feel like him confronting new people and trying to figure out why his neighbors dog died. And then he struggles to go out on his own for the first time which is a very interesting story.”
Finding himself under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington.
This is Deckard’s 10th production, starting as a freshman in high school. It is his first starring role and Parker says he has been phenomenal.
The play will also be the introduction to the local stage of Kaskaskia College’s new theatre director Kevin McCarty.
The play will be performed at seven this and next Friday and Saturday nights, with Sunday matinees the next two weekends. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students.
There is an audience discretion warning for strong language and mild physical violence.
Policeman played by Andrew Hays (left) is confronted by Christopher played by Dawson Deckard. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Left to right: Ed (played by Kevin McCarty) with Hazel meets up with Christopher (played by Dawson Deckard), while Judy (played by Taylor Parker) watches. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Left to right: Judy (played by Tayor Parker), Christopher (played by Dawson Deckard), and Roger (played by Zach Torbek). Photo by Bruce Kropp.
