Sopris Theatre Company presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House

Jan. 23, 2024 – Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College will present “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” on Jan. 26 at the Wheeler Opera House. The show is a CMC production of the Tony Award-winning 2015 play, adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s acclaimed 2003 book.

The play tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher unraveling the mystery of the untimely demise of his neighbors’ dog. It has long been noted for its accurate and positive depiction of a character living on the neurodiverse/autistic spectrum.

Brad Moore, Sopris Theatre Company’s producing artistic director, directed and designed the show and says he chose the Stephens/Haddon play as it offers a perspective rarely seen in theater. The company performed the play during multiple dates last November at the CMC campus near Glenwood Springs and is bringing the production upvalley for Aspen audiences in an encore performance.

“This season, we’ve worked on trying to open up to topics that don’t just place people in monolithic groupings,” Moore says. “It’s clear to us that this show, and all of our cast and crew, is about offering their impressions – we’re not experts on the subject, but we are storytellers.”

Moore worked with playwright Stephens a year and a half ago during the Aspen Fringe Festival and says that his genius is presenting Christopher’s story not as a focus on disability, but simply an illustration of difference.

“We appreciate just sharing the experience and seeing what the audience takes from it, without being preachy,” Moore adds.

Moore notes that the local actor playing Christopher, CMC student JD Edmonds, is himself on the autistic spectrum, and serves as an inspiring and entertaining force as he helps lead the show.

“He’s become a leader and is able to carry the show – he’s also so gracious and funny, as well,” Moore says. “He says that he loves doing this piece, as he’s able to speak on behalf of people who are dealing with similar situations to him.”

The performance is at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave in Aspen. Following the performance, there will be a 20-minute post-show conversation.

Tickets for the Aspen performance are $20 and are available at Aspen Show Tix or CMC Theatre or calling 970-920-5770.

The Sopris Theatre Company’s season is sponsored by U.S. Bank, and the performance is funded in part by a City of Aspen Arts and Culture grant. For more information, call 970-947-8177.