The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time captivates audiences with its gripping tale of mystery, family secrets, and an extraordinary young mind unraveling the death of a beloved pet. Adapted from Mark Haddon’s bestselling novel, this Tony Award-winning play follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone, a mathematically gifted teen on the autism spectrum, who discovers his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, fatally speared by a garden fork at midnight. Determined to solve the “curious incident of the dog in the night-time,” Christopher embarks on a forbidden investigation that shatters his world and reveals hidden truths about his family. For dog lovers, this production hits close to home, highlighting the deep bonds we share with our pets and the heartbreak of losing them unexpectedly. If you’ve ever wondered about real-life parallels, explore the curious case of the dog in the nighttime for more intriguing pet stories.
Running from May 1 to June 21, 2025, at San Francisco Playhouse, this immersive drama blends innovative staging, movement, and sensory elements to immerse viewers in Christopher’s unique perspective. With a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes (including a 10-minute intermission), it’s recommended for ages 12+ due to strong language, violence references, family conflict, flashing lights, theatrical haze, and loud noises.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Play Synopsis and Critical Acclaim
At 7 minutes past midnight, Christopher stands over Wellington’s body, launching a detective quest that defies his father’s orders. His journey from the familiar end of his street to the chaos of London challenges his aversions to touch, strangers, and change. As dog enthusiasts know, pets like Wellington often become unwitting centers of neighborhood drama—secure your garden tools to prevent such tragedies, as advised by the ASPCA on pet safety.
Critics raved about San Francisco Playhouse’s staging:
- San Francisco Chronicle: “It bursts with delight … All those talents are on splendid display.”
- Stage and Cinema: “A production so beautiful and transcendent that words fail to do it justice.”
- Theatre Eddys: “★★★★★ MUST-SEE! Electrically charged, beautifully conceived, and thoroughly heartwarming. Brendan Looney as Christopher is breathtakingly magnificent.”
This echoes the play’s broader appeal, much like the curious case of the dog in the night time, where everyday pet incidents spark deeper mysteries.
Performance Details and Venue
Directed by Susi Damilano with movement by Bridgette Loriaux, the play features exceptional math visualizations and emotional depth. Held at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street, Union Square), the intimate 199-seat venue ensures every audience member feels close to the action.
Est. run time: 2 hours, 30 mins with intermission. Final performance: June 21, 2025 (now closed—check current shows here).
Tickets: $30–$100, available online, by phone (415.677.9596), or at the box office. Discounts for subscribers.
San Francisco Playhouse seat map chart
Performance Schedule
| Day | Matinee | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | – | – |
| Tuesday | – | 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 2:00 pm | 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | – | 7:00 pm |
| Friday | – | 8:00 pm |
| Saturday | 3:00 pm | 8:00 pm |
| Sunday | 2:00 pm | – |
View the full calendar here.
The Cast
- **Brendan Looney***: Christopher
- **Sophia Alawi***: Siobhan
- Mark P. Robinson: Ed
- **Liz Sklar***: Judy
- **Catherine Luedtke***: Voice One
- **Cassidy Brown***: Voice Two, U/S: Ed
- **Whit K. Lee***: Voice Four
- **Renee Rogoff***: Voice Five, U/S: Siobhan
- **Wiley Naman Strasser***: Voice Three
- Laura Domingo: Voice Six, U/S: Judy
- Understudies: David Boyll, Joel Ochoa, Rachael Richman, River Bermudez Sanders
*Actors’ Equity Association members.
The ensemble masterfully portrays Christopher’s world, from neighbors to strangers, reminding us how pets like Wellington connect communities—much like tales in curious case of the dog in the night.
The Creative Team
- Book: Mark Haddon
- Adaptation: Simon Stephens
- Director: Susi Damilano
- Scenic Designer: Bill English
- Lighting Designer: Christian Mejia
- Costume Designer: Alice Ruiz
- Sound Designer: James Ard
- Choreographer: Bridgette Loriaux
- Projections Designer: Sarah Phykitt
- Stage Manager: Sarah Marie Selig
- And more: Properties by Amy Benjamin, Dialect Coach Kimberly Mohne Hill, etc.
Photos by Jessica Palopoli capture key moments, such as Christopher piecing clues, embracing his father, and confronting family secrets.
Accessibility and Warnings
San Francisco Playhouse offers live audio description and haptic tours (e.g., Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 PM). ADA accessible via elevators; wheelchair seating available. Partners with Gravity Access Services.
Warnings: Flashing lights, haze, loud noises—sensory elements mirror Christopher’s experiences.
About the Creators
Mark Haddon
Mark Haddon, born 1962, is renowned for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003 Whitbread Book of the Year). His background includes work with disabled individuals and award-winning TV like Microsoap. Other works: A Spot of Bother, The Porpoise.
Simon Stephens
Simon Stephens, Olivier Award winner for Herons, adapted this play which won five Tonys on Broadway. Credits include National Theatre productions and TV.
The narrative’s focus on observation skills resonates with pet owners tracking their dogs’ behaviors at night, akin to the story of the dog in the nighttime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when was it playing? May 1–June 21, 2025, at 450 Post St., San Francisco.
Showtimes? Varied Tuesday–Sunday; check calendar.
Tickets? $30–$100; now sold out for this run.
Premiere history? London 2012; Broadway 2014 (5 Tony Awards).
Parking? Use SpotHero or public transit (near Powell BART).
Over 500,000 tickets sold
This production masterfully captures the emotional layers of pet loss and discovery, offering insights for anyone who cherishes their dog. Though the run has ended, revisit the story through the book or stream related content. For more mysterious pet tales, see mysterious case of the dog in the nighttime. Check San Francisco Playhouse for upcoming shows and secure your furry friend’s safety at home—consult your vet for night-time routine tips.
