Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, longtime friends and colleagues, are making their Jon Bernthal Broadway debut together in the new play Dog Day Afternoon. The production, debuting at the August Wilson Theatre, is a theatrical adaptation by Stephen Adly Guirgis inspired by Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed film. Bernthal takes on the role famously played by Al Pacino, while Moss-Bachrach portrays the John Cazale character, marking a significant milestone for both actors.
From Early Career Connections to Broadway Heights
Their relationship stretches back more than 20 years to 2003, when Bernthal understudied Moss-Bachrach during the Signature Theatre’s revival of Lanford Wilson’s Fifth of July on 42nd Street. The familiar ties between the two have deepened through shared projects, including the series The Bear and The Punisher, forging a bond that now supports them as they face the pressures of a Broadway debut side by side.
Embracing the Challenges of Broadway Together
Moss-Bachrach reflected on the daunting nature of their new venture, describing the experience as “jumping off a cliff.” He emphasized the comfort of having Bernthal as a steady collaborator and confidant during this ambitious undertaking.
“Working with him is like having a confidant and comrade, and if I’m feeling unsure about things, he’s a great sounding board,”
Moss-Bachrach said.
“There’s no one else I’d rather do this with, and he continues to be essential and helpful in refocusing me when I’m feeling like I’ve lost my way.”
Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Unique Artistic Vision
Both actors praised playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis for his powerful storytelling and authentic New York voice, which lends an urgent, raw quality to the play. Bernthal noted the departure Guirgis’ work makes from mainstream trends driven by built-in audiences, highlighting his respect for the playwright’s individuality:
“He’s a singular artist with a singular voice, telling this singular story through his lens.”
Moss-Bachrach added,
“It’s his ear for New York. He’s a New York writer. New York is his canvas and his ear is unmatched. I’d be surprised if this dude has ever left New York City.”
Their admiration reflects the deep connection between the city’s character and the story’s themes.
The Resonating Themes of Dog Day Afternoon
The narrative centers on two misfits who feel marginalized and trapped, yet bravely take a stand to pursue their authentic selves. Bernthal described the story as “an American masterpiece” that has remained relevant over the decades.
“I think for anybody in our age range who decided to be an actor, an artist, those performances and that filmmaking are sacred to us,”
he said.
“The draw here, at least for me, was Stephen’s take on the story and how incredibly pertinent this story is. How far we’ve come since 1972 and how little we’ve traveled.”
Personal Motivations Behind Joining the Production
Bernthal shared that his pursuit of this project was driven by his admiration for Guirgis and the opportunity to perform alongside his close friend.
“I got a call from Stephen out of the blue asking me to do a reading, and I didn’t even need to hear what the piece was; I just wanted to work with him,”
Bernthal explained.
“And now I get to do it with my brother, Ebon… Look, it’s terrifying and it’s hard. We’re right at the place now where we’re about to launch this out into the world and we don’t know what we have yet. We’ve worked very hard, and there’s no place I’d rather be, terror and all.”
Moss-Bachrach’s passion for the play is equally profound. He expressed a lifelong connection to the material, saying,
“I would do this play anytime if I had a chance. I would have done it 20 years ago and I would do it 20 years from now. I don’t think people would let me do it then; we’re starting to push the age thing here a little bit.”
He sees Dog Day Afternoon as a rare, visceral experience that reignites the fiery inspiration he found in theater as a youth.
Anticipation and Impact as Opening Night Approaches
As rehearsals intensify and opening night nears, both Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach carry a blend of excitement and anxiety, recognizing the gravity of their Broadway debut and the legacy of the story they tell. Their shared history and mutual trust provide a foundation to push forward through the uncertainty and pressures of live performance.
This production’s arrival on Broadway represents more than a career milestone; it encapsulates the enduring resonance of New York stories told with passion and authenticity. With Guirgis’ vivid portrayal and the dedication of Bernthal and Moss-Bachrach, Dog Day Afternoon is poised to ignite audiences and reaffirm why certain narratives remain vital across generations.
