In this highly theatrical
show we are inside the mind of an autistic 15 year old with a brilliant mind,
but the inability to empathize with the people around him. The story begins
with the cruel stabbing to death of a neighbor’s dog with a gardening fork.
Adam
Langdon is extraordinary as the youthful Sherlock who sets out to discover the
murderer, while the people who care for him can hardly comprehend him. With
never a false note, Langdon segues from trembling fear to keen observation to
physical dexterity to absolute scientific genius. He even flies! 
In the process of his
quest for understanding the world he inhabits, the boy moves from a quiet
British village to the clanging dazzle of London. As it’s theater I had to
accept the personal resolution, happy-ending, premise. However, in the real
world I’d be calling in Child Protection Services!
Hey, it received 5 Tony Awards, including Best
Play, so who am I to wanna protect this vulnerable boy from future harm.
Standouts in the large
cast were Felicity Jones Latta, Geoffrey Wade, Amelia White, John Hemphill and Brian
Robert Burns. Gene Gillette, who played the Dad, was impressive but difficult to
hear. Plaudits to Bunny Christie (Scenic/costume); Paule Constable (Lighting);
Finn Ross (Video), and Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett (Choreography).
This National Theatre (UK)
production is cleverly adapted by Simon Stephens, from Mark Haddon’s 2003
best-selling novel, and vigorously directed by Marianne Elliott.
At Center Theatre
Group/Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N Grand Ave, Downtown, through September 10.
Tickets: (213) 628-2772 or www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
Photos by Joan Marcus.
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