Written by orange• March 24, 2026• 5:32 pm• Newport Beach, Newport Theatre Arts Center, Review, Theater, Uncategorized

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime @ Newport Theatre Arts Center – Review

photo credit: Sarah Whitwell

Written by Zack Johnston

Newport Theatre Arts Center’s latest play is a tender and impassioned drama about truth and what it means to be different in a world so quick to be dismissive of others.

Story:

The Tony-winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, is an unlikely hero’s journey told through a unique lens. Simon Stephens originally adapted it from Mark Haddon’s novel.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone (Emiliano Cummings) is determined to uncover the truth of who killed his neighbor’s dog—much to his father’s dismay. His limited investigation ultimately leads him to discover more than a few truths about his past and the trajectory of his future.

Living as a neurodivergent individual. Christopher is intellectually gifted and true-hearted, but struggles with interpreting metaphors, understanding emotional complexities, or accepting physical contact.

Acting:

Cummings tirelessly leads the cast with energy and passion. He consistently maintains Christopher’s hyperaware tendencies and social quirks, while honoring the curious humor that makes the character so endearing.

Most, if not all, the actors are on stage for the entire performance, flanking both side walls when not in the scene. They seamlessly enter in, some as multiple characters, and help tell Christopher’s dynamic story. We not only hear the story through Christopher’s words but also see the world through his lens.

Set Design/Video:

The stage is contained in monotone gray walls with large gridlines that neatly fit the surroundings into a measurable space. On the surface, it’s not very flashy or inviting, but it creates a sense of order and regularity. Video designs by Victoria Serra instantly transform the space as Christopher ponders the stars and the galaxy, or experiences the anxieties of London transit. It could only have been more impactful if it had been more prevalent throughout the whole show.

This version hits every mark creatively, and the cast does an emphatic job, yet it falters sometimes only in its execution. All of the show’s necessary components are there, but there’s a cohesion missing between the individual parts.

The result is a performance that—although filled with wit and grace—can oftentimes be one-note or lacking in substance. While undoubtedly a beautiful story of trust and perseverance, this production struggles in allowing that story to fully breathe.