It’s the holiday season and New York City is the place to be. Most people’s Big Apple experience in December includes a trip to the tree, maybe a little ice skating, some shopping, checking out the fabulous window displays and at least one Broadway show…but what to see? This year, take a chance on Broadway’s critically acclaimed new play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time—and here’s why:

1. Alex Sharp’s Star Turn

Recent Juilliard grad Alex Sharp makes his Broadway debut as the play’s protagonist Christopher Boone, a young math prodigy on the autism spectrum who sets out to discover the truth about the world around him. The New York Times critic Ben Brantley said of his performance, “Alex Sharp, in the kind of smashing Broadway debut young actors classically dream about.” Chances are we’ll see Sharp on the screen soon and people will talk about this role, and you can say, “Oh yeah, I saw that! He was incredible.”

2. It’s an Immersive Experience

Director Marianne Elliot follows up her Tony-winning production of War Horse with another British drama that is completely unlike any other show before it. Together with her designers Bunny Christie and Paule Constable, Elliot has created a theatrical experience that is fully immersive to someone else’s experience. Through light and sound design, the audience feels how Christopher (and many people on spectrum) would in these same situations. And that makes Curious Incident a one of a kind night at the theatre.

3. Curious Is a Play For Musical Fans

Some theatergoers choose shows with the mentality that they want the most bang for their buck (flying witches, circus performers doing Fosse, a falling chandelier), so they don’t go see the hot new play. But we are here to tell you: this play has everything a musical has and more. Coming in at a little over 2 and a half hours, it is a full meal—you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wonder aloud, 'how did they do that?' The subway scene alone is better than any kick line you’ll see this December.

4. The Awards Don’t Lie

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time made theatrical history with its London run. It was nominated for the most 2013 Olivier Awards and won seven (including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Sound Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Set Design and Best New Play), tying Matilda as the most Olivier-awarded shows in West End history. And if we were placing bets, Curious Incident is going to rack up some major awards in New York come spring.

5. You’ll Meet the Cutest Mouse Since Mickey

Okay, this isn’t a reason to go see Curious Incident as much as it’s an added bonus, but the play features the most adorable rodent on Broadway. You see, Christopher has this pet rat named Toby who plays a big part in the evening’s events, and Toby is such a little scene stealer he got his own profile in The New York Times. Let that sink in for a second while you purchase your tickets.

‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ continues at Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre.