'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' to be staged at Cresson Lake Playhouse

CRESSON, Pa. – A heartfelt story of family, trust, honesty and braving the unknown will take take center stage in this production.

The play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sept. 14 and 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto.

“Every year at Cresson Lake, we try to give the audience an array of different theater experiences, so we like to have a big musical, a smaller artsy musical, a comedy play and a dramatic play,” said Davey Beyer, the playhouse’s artistic director.

“I was shown ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,’ and what really drew me to it is it’s a very interesting concept and artistic.”

Based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling 2003 novel, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a thrilling and heartwarming adventure featuring an unforgettable young hero.

During its premiere run, the production tied the record for winning the most Olivier Awards (seven), including Best New Play at the 2013 ceremony.

Fifteen-year-old math whiz Christopher Boone lives with his divorced dad in Swindon, a working-class town west of London.

After being falsely accused of killing a neighbor’s dog, Christopher – who is brilliant but has difficulty dealing with the sounds and stresses of everyday life – decides to investigate the crime.

The secrets he unearths prompt him to leave his trusted teacher and the familiar streets of his hometown for a life-changing train trip to London.

“This is him trying to navigate this world and these very tricky social situations while also trying to solve the murder,” Beyer said. “It’s sort of a mystery and all from his perspective, so it’s almost like a play within a play.”

Serving as director is Ben Cossitor, of Altoona, who is directing his first production at Cresson Lake Playhouse.

The production features a cast of 10 actors who are seasoned performers and those who are new to the playhouse stage.

They include Nathan Ebersole, Jason Schwartz, Ally Piper, Stephanie Reese, Gina Volpe, Bradyn Yahner, Jake Herbster, Lauren Cox , Cindy Baney and Beyer.

“Nathan, who is playing the main character, is on the spectrum, so we’re excited to have an actor who really resonates with this character,” Beyer said.

“Everyone loves this script, and it’s really fun to be a part of it.”

He said audiences will go on an emotional ride throughout the performance.

“They will laugh and they will cry, and I hope they see a story that they wouldn’t normally get to see in theater because it’s a unique theater experience,” Beyer said.

Due to language and adult themes, the production is recommended for audiences 13 and older.

Tickets range from $16 to $23.

For more information, call 814-472-4333 or visit www.cressonlake.com.