Jon Bernthal Says ‘Ego’ Behind-the-Scenes Made Broadway’s “Dog Day Afternoon” ‘Quite Tumultuous’

Jon Bernthal has shared his reflections on his Broadway debut in “Dog Day Afternoon,” which recently concluded a four-month run. The actor described the experience as fraught with difficulty, attributing challenges to a cycle of “insecurity and rigidity” that he believes prevented the show from reaching its full potential. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Bernthal expressed a sense of sadness over how the production ultimately unfolded.

In his role as Sonny, originally portrayed by Al Pacino in Sidney Lumet’s 1975 film, Bernthal worked alongside Ebon Moss-Bachrach, who played Sal. This adaptation of the true story detailing a 1972 Brooklyn bank robbery, directed by Rupert Goold, was met with behind-the-scenes tensions that affected its development. Despite the film’s acclaim, Bernthal felt that the stage version failed to capture the essence of the original narrative.

“The heart of it is so strong and so pure, and unfortunately, insecurity and rigidity got in the way of it realizing its fullest potential — and that makes me sad,” he reflected. The actor further lamented that key promises regarding script changes were not fulfilled, contributing to what he termed a “tumultuous” creation process.

Reports from earlier this year highlighted similar sentiments regarding backstage conflicts. According to The New York Times, disputes arose between Stephen Adly Guirgis, the playwright, and Mark Kaufman, the lead producer of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, particularly concerning the show’s tone and pacing. This tension reportedly led to Guirgis being temporarily barred from rehearsal spaces. In response, both parties issued a statement affirming their commitment to the production and the creative process, while expressing pride in the material presented.

“Dog Day Afternoon” began its performances in March and officially opened at the August Wilson Theatre on March 30, before concluding its run on July 12. Although the production was commercially successful, it garnered mixed to negative reviews from critics. It received three nominations for the Tony Awards, primarily for its scenic, costume, and lighting design but ultimately did not secure any awards.

Reflecting on his enthusiasm prior to the show’s debut, Bernthal had previously conveyed a deep belief in Guirgis’ adaptation. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the task, stating, “It’s a crazy endeavor that we both believe in. And it’s terrifying, but we’re giving it our all.” However, he has since admitted that the experience did not align with his expectations. “I didn’t really know what to expect. But I didn’t expect this,” he stated.

Throughout the trials of the production, Bernthal found support in his co-star Jessica Hecht. He described her as an “invaluable sounding board” throughout the process, remarking that she often provided reassurance amid the turmoil. He recalled Hecht telling him, “I promise you, honey, it’s not usually like this,” hinting at the uncommon nature of the challenges they faced.

Despite encountering obstacles, Bernthal cherished the opportunity to portray Sonny’s relationship with his partner, which lies at the heart of the narrative. The robbery, driven by the need to fund his partner’s gender-affirming surgery, adds complexity to the tale. Bernthal shared, “To be a part of a love story that looks like this, that’s so pure — it is such a thrill and such an honour for me.”

As he reflects on this challenging yet rewarding experience, Bernthal has not dismissed the possibility of returning to Broadway in the future. He mentioned that any prospective project would need to align with the right people and circumstances, showing a willingness to embrace new opportunities despite the previous difficulties.

In summary, Jon Bernthal’s debut Broadway performance in “Dog Day Afternoon” was marked by internal tensions and a sense of unfulfilled potential. Through it all, he valued the depiction of poignant narratives and retains hope for future theatrical roles that may bring a more harmonious creative experience.