Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach Set to Captivate Audiences with Broadway Debuts in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ Next Year!

Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are set to make their Broadway debuts next year in Dog Day Afternoon, a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis, renowned for winning the Pulitzer Prize for Between Riverside and Crazy. This new adaptation draws from the gripping true events behind Sidney Lumet’s classic film from 1975, starring Al Pacino.

Directed by the acclaimed Rupert Goold, who has won multiple Olivier Awards, Bernthal will portray Sonny Amato, the character famously played by Pacino. Moss-Bachrach takes on the role of Sal DeSilva, based on John Cazale’s character in the original film. The play aims to open on Broadway in spring 2026, though details on additional cast members aren’t available yet.

The story plunges audiences into a hot summer day in 1972 in New York City. The backdrop is filled with the looming Vietnam War and the unfolding Watergate scandal. Amid this, a bank robbery spirals out of control, showcasing what happens when desperation and passion intersect.

The original film was based on the Life magazine article "The Boys in the Bank" and offered a raw look at the 1972 robbery led by John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile. Wojtowicz’s motive for robbery was to fund his partner’s gender-affirming surgery, making it a significant cultural touchstone that resonated with many audiences.

Bernthal, known for his varied roles on stage and screen, recently starred in Hulu’s The Bear, for which he received an Emmy award. He has previously had notable performances in productions like Fat Pig and This is Our Youth. Moss-Bachrach has made his mark in popular series like Girls and Andor, and will soon appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Fantastic Four.

Goold’s prior Broadway successes indicate a promising direction for this play. He has adapted various works that have transitioned from British stages to American audiences, including the musical American Psycho.

Researching social media trends, fans are expressing excitement over the casting and the return of such a powerful story to the stage. The anticipation reflects a growing interest in theatrical adaptations of compelling true stories, marrying the raw energy of live performance with real-life narratives.

In a broader context, plays like Dog Day Afternoon highlight how art reflects societal issues, making it not just entertainment but also a dialogue about past and present struggles. With complex themes threaded through personal stories, this adaptation promises an emotional experience for theatergoers.

For more on the story behind the original film, you can check out the article "The Boys in the Bank" by P.F. Kluge and Thomas Moore.

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Broadway,Dog Day Afternoon,Ebon Moss-Bachrach,Jon Bernthal,Stephen Adly Guirgis