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Actor with autism takes starring role at Raleigh Little Theatre

The star of Raleigh Little Theatre's production of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an actor with autism.

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By
Mandy Mitchell
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Michael Larson is pretty specific about what he likes. It usually involves math and spending time on the stage.

Larson says he likes, "The ability to get away from your problems, to be someone else."

Larson is in the starring role of Raleigh Little Theatre's production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." He plays Christopher, a 15-year-old boy who is described as having an extraordinary mind.

"I feel really connected to him, because a lot of his quirks I experience too," Larson said.

 Michael Larson as Christopher

Like Christopher, Larson has autism. The goal of Raleigh Little Theatre was to find someone who could relate to Christopher in a unique way to bring an authentic voice to the play. Casting Larson also created a sense of inclusion that has often been hard to find for those on the autism spectrum.

"We really wanted to have that perspective represented in the show. We wanted to cast someone with autism for that character," said Patrick Torres, the play's director.

Michael Larson as Christopher and the cast of "Curious Incident"

"There's a sequence in the show where Michael was the inspiration for how we staged it. The scene wasn't working, and I went to him and said, 'in your experience what would happen in this moment? What would feel overwhelming for you?' He started to describe it, and that's what exists in the play now," Torres said.

Larson is using his platform to show what those with autism are capable of. He said there is often a stereotype, and he wants others to understand his mind just works in a different way.

"Taking everything at face value. Like when someone says something I pay attention to the exact words," Larson said.

Samantha Corey as Siobhan and Michael Larson as Christopher

It's very similar to Christopher's character who spends the play trying to solve a mystery of who killed the neighbor's dog.

The play runs from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 at Raleigh Little Theatre. A sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 9.

Special thanks to Areon Mobasher for providing video of rehearsal.

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