UTRGV Productions will perform “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” based on a book written by Mark Haddon, Friday through Sunday at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in Edinburg.
The play focuses on Christopher Boone, who possesses an incredible intelligence and has autism. Boone does not like to go out of his comfort zone, hates being touched and does not trust strangers. However, everything begins to change as he starts to investigate the death of a dog, even though his father warned him not to. Throughout the journey, Christopher goes through a life-changing experience.
“One of the themes is that no matter what our affliction is, we all have disabilities in some way,” said Brian J. Warren, UTRGV theatre associate professor and Theatre for Young Audiences specialist. “We are all joined by our humanity, and that we all, kinda, face the same obstacles in a way. I don’t think it’s good to look at people and separate us all according to different categories. It was a challenge trying to capture the mind and behaviors of this character. The actor that was cast for this is very talented, he is so good. His performance is quite extraordinary … I hope people come for him, but the rest of the ensemble and the cast are also very talented and they bring a lot to the table.”
Makeup artists, costume designers and everything that goes on backstage are essential to put on a good play. Actors need to mentally prepare to impersonate the character they are trying to portray. UTRGV student actors spend a lot of time to give their best performance.
“We are putting a lot of hard work and I really think it’s paying off,” said mass communication sophomore, Diego Ramirez Meda. “I play the character of Ed Boone … the father of Christopher Boone. My character is just trying [his] best to give the best life for his son. I am just thinking about what I would probably be like as a father. Maybe some of the struggles that my father has gone through or that I put him through. I am also really thinking of the struggles that come with dealing with someone who has some sort of mental disability.”
Dora Alicia Cantu, a senior double majoring in English and Mexican American studies, expressed her enthusiasm for Friday’s play.
“I love plays,” Cantu said. “You know the actors that we have here are so great. And the production, the way that they are able to take these plays and bring them to life, is just so magical.”
Showtimes will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Albert L. Jeffers Theater located in the Liberal Arts Building South in Edinburg.
General admission, including senior citizens and military members, will be $10, students and faculty will be charged $5 with a valid ID.
It is advised to take into consideration that this show contains language that may be inappropriate for children and special effects such as flashing lights may cause discomfort to those who may have photosensitivity.
Children below third grade will not be allowed in the theater.
For more information, contact 665-3581 or email theatreboxoffice@utrgv.edu.
