BroadwayRadio Review Recap: ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ - Original Broadway Production
Episode Date: March 31, 2026
Host: Matt Tamnini
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Episode Overview
This episode delivers an in-depth roundup of critical responses to the opening night of the Broadway stage adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon at the August Wilson Theater. Host Matt Tamnini summarizes how critics compared the new stage version—adapted by Stephen Adly Guirgis and starring Jon Bernthal—to its iconic film predecessor and real-life inspiration. The mood of the episode is frank and unflinching, focusing on the generally poor critical response, with Tamnini weaving in notable quotes, thematic concerns, and a handful of positive notes.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Background & Production Details [00:31 - 02:14]
- Origins: The play is based on the 1972 “Boys in the Bank” Life Magazine article and the 1975 Sidney Lumet film starring Al Pacino and John Cazale.
- Creative Team: Adapted by Stephen Adly Guirgis (Pulitzer winner), directed by Rupert Goold.
- Cast Highlights: Jon Bernthal as Sonny (the Pacino role), Evan Moss Bacharach as Sal (the Cazale role), Jessica Hecht as Colleen, John Ortiz as Detective Foucault, Spencer Garrett as the FBI Agent.
- Plot Summary: Set in 1972, the story follows Sonny’s failed bank robbery (motivated by love and a desire to help his partner, Leon, with gender reassignment surgery) and the ensuing media circus.
Early Buzz and Critical Reception [02:14 - 02:50]
- Expectations from Previews: Preview audiences had “mixed at best” reactions.
- Critical Scores: At recording, review aggregator Did They Like It? reported 16 reviews—1 positive, 7 mixed, and 8 negative.
Major Critical Responses
The New York Times – Jason Zinoman [02:51 - 04:17]
- Overall Take: Negative.
- Performance Critique:
- Jon Bernthal plays Sonny as a "charming buffoon leaning so far into broad comedy that the whole play eventually tips over".
- Compared Bernthal to “Welcome Back, Kotter” era John Travolta, not Al Pacino.
- Supporting Cast:
- Evan Moss Bacharach (as Sal) "recedes into the background".
- Jessica Hecht praised for "malthy panache" as Bank Teller Colleen.
- Behind the Scenes Tension: Zinoman references production tensions, suggesting the "undercooked staging" feels like the product of artistic dispute.
- Thematic Shortfalls: The adaptation is “less comfortable exploring the complexities” of its queer, transgender-centered relationship than the original film.
- Production Choices: Criticizes "deafening helicopter propellers and blaring 70s pop hits", which lend a "cartoonish" tone.
- Quote:
- “A playwright fighting for his ideas is not necessarily a bad thing... But there’s no getting around the fact that this undercooked staging does feel like the product of an unresolved artistic dispute.” – Jason Zinoman, NYT [03:32]
New York Post – Johnny Oleksinski [04:18 - 04:40]
- Overall Take: Negative.
- Notable Quote:
- “There’s been a robbery. A new Broadway play starring Jon Bernthal and Evan Moss Bacharach has stolen the title of the classic New York film ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ and slapped it on a mid season replacement sitcom.”
- Main Criticism: The stage adaptation has turned a tense heist story into a “stress free series of drama-deflating punchlines... little more than a barstool yarn.”
Timeout New York – Adam Feldman [04:40 - 04:47]
- Overall Take: Negative.
- Rating: No stars—equivalent to a 1 or 2 star show on their scale, indicating a strong dislike.
The Hollywood Reporter – Richard Lawson [04:48 - 05:13]
- Overall Take: Negative.
- Quote:
- “This ‘Dog Day’ is an antic comedy of bumblers and busybodies and freaks, of nasty jokes and weak attempts at rabble rousing. It's a frustrating image. Guirgis and everybody else involved in this folly watching the intimate neorealism of Lumet’s film and saying, let’s turn this into a big Broadway farce.”
Variety – Juan A. Ramirez [05:14 - 05:41]
- Overall Take: Mixed.
- Memorable Moment: Points to the “Attica” chant at the end of Act One as the play’s highlight; “the production feels most itself.”
- Quote:
- “It’s essentially Disney for Dads, a curious blend of head patting nostalgia and earnest artistry delivered with a refreshing lack of cynicism.”
- Assessment: Despite flaws, the show’s lack of cynical manipulation is refreshing.
Entertainment Weekly – Dalton Ross [05:42 - 05:53]
- Overall Take: Mixed.
- Summary Thought:
- The production has “impressive big budget values” and “with a few tweaks, this dog could truly have its day.”
The Wrap – Robert Hofler [05:54 - 06:12]
- Overall Take: Positive (only one).
- Quote:
- “Guirgis' ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ is a big, hugely entertaining and laugh-filled dramedy that’s crafted to delight the typical Broadway audience.”
- Note: Host describes this review as somewhat contrarian to the wider consensus.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Jon Bernthal plays Sonny as a charming buffoon leaning so far into broad comedy that the whole play eventually tips over.” – Jason Zinoman, NYT [03:00]
- “He doesn’t evoke Pacino so much as ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ era John Travolta.” – Jason Zinoman [03:10]
- “A new Broadway play... has stolen the title... and slapped it on a mid season replacement sitcom.” – Johnny Oleksinski, NY Post [04:25]
- “Let’s turn this into a big Broadway farce.” – Richard Lawson, THR [05:05]
- “It’s essentially Disney for Dads, a curious blend of head patting nostalgia and earnest artistry.” – Juan A. Ramirez [05:29]
- “With a few tweaks, this dog could truly have its day.” – Dalton Ross, EW [05:51]
- “A big, hugely entertaining and laugh-filled dramedy... crafted to delight the typical Broadway audience.” – Robert Hofler, The Wrap [06:00]
Timestamps for Major Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------|------------| | Show Background & Cast | 00:31–02:14| | Reviews Overview | 02:14–02:50| | New York Times Review | 02:51–04:17| | New York Post Review | 04:18–04:40| | Timeout New York Review | 04:40–04:47| | Hollywood Reporter Review | 04:48–05:13| | Variety (Mixed) | 05:14–05:41| | Entertainment Weekly (Mixed) | 05:42–05:53| | The Wrap (Positive) | 05:54–06:12|
Tone and Final Takeaways
- Tamnini maintains a matter-of-fact yet slightly wry tone, acknowledging the history and high expectations for such a celebrated adaptation, while not shying away from the critical disappointment.
- The consensus: This production of Dog Day Afternoon received largely negative press, with critics finding fault in its tone (broad comedy vs. tense drama), performances (especially Bernthal’s take on Sonny), and adaptation choices. Only one review, from The Wrap, offered unmitigated praise.
- The “Attica” chant and large-scale nostalgia moments seem to resonate with some reviewers, hinting at the production’s potential if it finds a firmer tonal footing.
For further reading:
Find the full Did They Like It? review roundup in the show notes.