STERLING — One of the world’s most honored plays of this century will take the Sterling High School Theatre stage as “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is brought to life Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 25-27.

Winner of both the Tony (Broadway) and the Olivier (London’s West End) Award for best play, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” brings Mark Haddon’s international best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage in a unique adaptation by acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens. Both the novel and the play are British imports to America. Heralded British director Marianne Elliott directed both the London and Broadway productions of the show. 

The story centers on 15-year old Christopher who has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at math while ill equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his street, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he ventures on a journey that upturns his world. 

Hailed as “extraordinary,” “dazzling,” and “unmissable” by Time Magazine, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” has also been called a “theatrical phenomenon not to be missed.”

Sterling High junior Ty Fulbright in the central role of Christopher leads the nine-person cast. Seniors Lucas Gilmore and Aubrey Anderson play his parents. Sophomore Ella Wellman will play his teacher.  

The other five cast members play multiple roles of people Christopher encounters along the way as well as various animals and inanimate objects. The ensemble includes senior Maddy Chesney, junior Noah Svaty, freshman Micah Svaty, junior Josiah Watney, and senior Sophia Vessey. 

“The show is great for student actors to really stretch and grow,” said Betsy Dutton, director. “The show has a truly unique blend of humor, drama, and intrigue and the staging is so fluid and intricate. It’s practically choreographed,” she said. 

Due to the intimacy of the show, the audience for Curious Incident will be seated on the stage among the actors. There will be four performances, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. 

Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and will be available the week of the show by calling Sterling High School.