Short & Sweet: 'The Curious Incident' a must-see show this holiday season

Guest host Emily Fremgen, stepping in for Diana Martinez, met with Daily Herald guest critic Kelly Dean of Palatine to discuss the production of Broadway in Chicago's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," playing through Saturday, Christmas Eve, at Chicago's Oriental Theatre.

By Emily Fremgen

Within the first five minutes of the show it is evident why it won five Tony Awards® in 2015, including Best Play.

This show follows the journey of 15-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone, an exceptionally intelligent boy who is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life, as he sets out to identify who killed his neighbor's dog. Within his detective explorations, he uncovers an earth-shattering discovery that will change his life forever.

Between the fantastically innovative set design by Bunny Christie, the intense movement by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett, and the captivating story, all of your senses are sure to be fully engaged throughout the entire show. There's almost an overwhelming amount of stimuli on the stage, but it serves the purpose of putting you into Christopher's world and giving the audience an idea of how he perceives seemingly normal everyday occurrences.

Leading actor Adam Langdon portrays Christopher and this recent Julliard drama graduate delivers an impressive performance that will linger in your memory long after the show ends. He manages to frustrate and endear himself in equal measure.

The script, adapted from the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon by Simon Stephens, cleverly incorporates a play within the play that allows for moments for the characters to break the fourth wall and address the audience.

Without giving away too much, the show is filled with several surprises that will emotionally resonate with you and possibly bring a tear to your eye. One such surprise happens after the curtain call, so be sure to stick around for it -- you won't be disappointed you did!

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" continues only through Dec. 24 at the Oriental Theatre. It's suitable for ages 10 and up due to some strong language that is used in the show. Get your tickets quickly before the show leaves town. On behalf of Broadway In Chicago and the Daily Herald, thanks for reading and see you at the theatre!