Millburn Teens To Explore A 'Curious' Murder On Stage

MILLBURN, NJ — For their first show back in the Millburn High School auditorium since the start of the COVID pandemic, the MHS Limelight Players will perform “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” for ticket-paying audiences.

The Tony award-winning play, based on the novel by Mark Haddon, centers on a mathematically-gifted 15-year-old boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder mystery of his neighbor’s dog.

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The fall production will take place on Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at this link.

Audience members must show proof of vaccination — for those who are eligible for vaccinations — and wear a mask for the duration of the show.

Paul Weinstein, the director of the MHS play, said he came upon Haddon’s novel because of his involvement in the world of autism. He was taken by how the story portrays the main character, Christopher, as someone who is much more than his diagnosis.

“The play shows that Christopher is a remarkable person, and while his autism plays a part of who he is, it is simply a part,” Weinstein said. “There is so much more to Christopher than his diagnosis, and that is what I love about this story: it clearly sends the message that we are people first who have our own talents and abilities. And the things that others may see as limitations are not limitations at all.”

In telling this story about a neurodivergent character on stage, Weinstein said the Limelight Players have been aided along the way by different consultants and experts.

This has included working with high school transition coordinator Roger Askins and student Devon Hampton.

As suggested by these experts, all the proceeds from the play will go toward the following autism charities: Autism Self-Advocacy Network, Autism Woman's Network, and Autism NJ.

“I am deeply proud of the cast and how hard they have worked to present Christopher’s story with the honesty and empathy it deserves,” Weinstein wrote.

The cast includes: Dylan Levison as Christopher Boone, Abigail Pierson as Siobahn, Jesse Anderson as Ed, Judith DiMinni as Judy, Shona Dave, Benjamin Levine, John Allyn, Ben Seifer, Mahi Malholtra Willa Maurette, Scott Braunstein, and Dani Bowen as ensemble.

Nemma Kalra is the stage manager, Eric Dong is calling the show and Casey Hein is in charge of sound.

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