2.5 out of 5 stars

Let’s begin with the positives when discussing this theatrical reimagining of “Dog Day Afternoon” – namely, the stellar performances. Jon Bernthal’s high-energy take on Sonny, the robber at the heart of this tale of a bank robbery gone awry, is so on target you may forget Al Pacino’s cinematic portrayal. And Jessica Hecht is similarly well cast as a strong-willed Noo Yawk-y bank teller. But Stephen Adly Guirgis’ script fails to find the right rhythm with its constant shifting between comedy and drama, so the play lags when it should engage. Fortunately, David Korins' NYC-in-the-‘70s scenic design frames the action perfectly. — Charles Passy

At the August Wilson Theatre, through July 12; dogdayafternoon.com. (Review date: March 30, 2026)