British author Mark Haddon wrote a splendid book--“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” that was adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens and found success on Broadway.

I saw it at PPAC a few years ago and, though not blown away, found it interesting. When Pawtucket’s Burbage Theatre decided to do it, I was curious as to how they would stage the complex production with its numerous scenes and characters.

What I experienced was one of the most innovative, brilliant interpretations of a novel-turned-play I had ever seen.

Director Karen Carpenter, along with set and projection designer Trevor Elliott came up with a completely new and innovative way to tell the complex story by using projection design boards with simple etchings that complemented old black and white notebooks and doubled as background for a multitude of scenes. (You must see it to appreciate the way it draws you into the story.)

The play opens with Christopher (Elijah Russell)  kneeling over his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, who is very much dead, with a pitchfork stuck in him.

Christopher is distraught and determined to discover who would do such a thing.

Against his father’s wishes, he sets out to do his own detective work, interviewing neighbors and searching through his father’s belongings. He discovers a secret about his “dead” mother. In act 2 of the two-hour play, he goes to London to find her.

Christopher, who is dealing with autism and/or Asperger’s, is overwhelmed by the experience and eventually returns to his small village where everything is sorted out.

The play has a very emotional and serious side to it but is lightened by some campy and funny scenes.

The 15-year-old is preparing for his A-1 mathematics exam and is encouraged by his teacher to write down everything he is doing.

Christopher’s thoughts are read by him and her, moving the many scene changes along in concert with the clever background changes.

A chorus of six actors serve as physical objects and periphery characters. (Again, providing an innovative way to tell a story.)

The cast is terrific. The role of Christopher is a challenging one, from his reaction to being touched to learning negative things about his mother and father and dealing with his emotional baggage.

Burbage has a history of discovering fine young actors. Elijah Russell is a perfect example.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is at Burbage Theater through April 13. Visit Burbagetheatre.org for times and tickets.