Can't Rival the Movie's Power
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Broadway adaptation of “Dog Day Afternoon” reimagines the iconic 1972 hostage drama in a compact, theater-friendly setting, focusing on a Brooklyn bank and maintaining the story’s intense, confined atmosphere.
- Jon Bernthal takes on the role of Sonny, originally played by Al Pacino, offering a rougher, tougher portrayal that emphasizes the character’s street-smart New York persona, while the play amplifies comedic elements among the hostages and crew.
- The play updates the original film’s treatment of Sonny’s homosexuality and relationship with Leon, presenting a more explicit and unapologetic depiction, though some critics feel this shift softens the complexity and desperation of the real-life motivations.
- Director Rupert Goold’s staging creatively uses a rotating set and immersive elements to maintain tension and involve the audience, but the production’s tone occasionally veers toward a lighter, almost sitcom-like dynamic.
- Despite solid performances and inventive staging, the play struggles to match the emotional depth and iconic status of Sidney Lumet’s film and Al Pacino’s legendary performance, leaving some viewers feeling the movie remains the definitive version.
