Category Archives: On Stage

(CINCINNATI, Sept. 9, 2019) – Xavier University Theatre kicks off its 2019-2020 season with a production of Simon Stephens’ heartwarming drama The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Based on the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon, the Tony Award-winning play runs Sept. 19 to 22 in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

Christopher, a 15-year old boy with a penchant for math and a perfect memory, resolves to uncover the mystery surrounding the untimely death of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington. But when his investigation crescendos into a devastating personal reveal, Christopher is spurred to undertake a life-changing trek across southern England.

“I’m incredibly excited to tell this story and to start our season with this show,” said Stephen Skiles, director of theatre at Xavier and the production’s director. “Christopher’s journey is heroic, and his worldview offers an important perspective for students to experience. The show is also technically difficult, a tremendous challenge for us to tackle. Our cast and production team are doing terrific work. I think audiences will not only be moved by the story but also amazed at the technical proficiency of our team.”

“This has been one of my favorite rehearsal processes by far, and that’s primarily because of how challenging the show is,” said junior Holland Taylor, who plays Siobhan, Christopher’s teacher. “It’s a complex piece, and I’m very proud of what our team has created. An audience member is going to get very detailed insight into Christopher’s mind, and I think that’s extremely special.”

Senior Gigi Relic, who portrays Christopher’s mother, notes the larger implications of the young man’s story. “Curious Incident reminds us of the power we have to succeed when we make up our mind to do something. Through every obstacle he faces, Christopher shows courage and persistence.”

The cast for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time includes sophomores Dylan O’Leary, Connie Kavensky and Elliot Auch; juniors Holland Taylor, Thomas Wehby and Amara Shroba; and seniors Andrew Leonard, Ellie Conniff, Matt Wilkinson and Gigi Relic. In addition to Skiles, other members of the creative team include Joe Leonard (Set Designer/Technical Director), Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer), Joe Beumer (Lighting Designer) and Kevin Semancik (Sound Designer). Katherine Ivins, junior, is the stage manager. Assistant stage managers are sophomore Lauren Davidson and junior Steven Lindner.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19, 20, 21 and 22 and 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 22. Tickets for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. They are $18 each for adults and $13 each for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit www.xavier.edu/theatretickets or call 513-745-3939.

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