Broadway Access Review -
Dog Day Afternoon

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ID: image of the Dog Day Afternoon Playbill in front of the stage with the text "Access Review" on top

 

General Note

This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it. 

This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down. 

For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.

Also please note that I make these while seeing a show for the first time, so I may miss some cues or be slightly off as to their placement/cue line!

Theater

August Wilson Theatre

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the back right balcony

Bathrooms: 

  • divided into the binary, though there is a sign that says “Please use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.”

  • located a flight of stairs below the orchestra (straight ahead when you enter the theater at street level)

  • there is a single-user gender neutral restroom located just inside the hallway to the women’s restroom. There are 3 steps down to access the stalls. The accessible restroom is on the orchestra level

Other theater accessibility:

  • there is no elevator but there is a stair lift to reach orchestra level

  • with advanced notice, they can supply captioning, audio description, and assistive listening options

Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • I didn’t wear earplugs for this show and was fine, but would recommend them for the end (cue will be noted) 

  • there is sometimes loud music used between scene changes, I only note it here when it feels startling. It usually lasts less than 20 seconds

  • pre-show, during intermission, and post-show there is medium volume music

  • the local bodega has some strong green neon lights but they do not move, flash, or flicker

  • there were a few brief moments of smoking

  • aisles, including in the mezz, are utilized at times

  • the sensory accessibility of this show is similar to that of Marcel on the Train, Oedipus, and Cold War Choir Practice

Act I:

  • opens with a radio report and the music at the end is a bit loud for ~45 sec, returns for the same duration when the set turns

  • there’s a bit of a light reflection off the front of the bank that can shine in the eyes of those seated on the right

  • gunshot after “where the f*ck is your shotgun?”

  • brief hand-to-hand violence after trash can is kicked

  • screams after “visit to the loo”

  • gunshot after “he’s an awful awful man but he doesn’t deserve to die”

  • about 5 or 6 gunshots in quick succession after “I will personally guarantee your safety”

  • light rumble into camera flashes that become loud crowd noises after “it’s August”, lasting probably about 90 seconds (the camera flashes come from the periphery, they’re not super bright or full-stage)

  • after audience cheers, some cash is thrown into the front orchestra

  • loud music following “the night’s gonna get even worse”

Act II:

  • loud intro to the act but it is brief

  • there is a small red siren light sort of on/off on the left of the stage outside the window. It’s not super flashy or bothersome, but it does last the rest of the show

  • quick shift to red after “I want my real f*ckin wife”

  • quick lights off after Leon exists the phone call – stage is kind of dim for the rest of the show (which isn’t long) - a low rumble begins

  • the rumble becomes a lot louder when Sonny is out front (I would recommend putting in earplugs at this point) 

  • when everyone goes out in a clump, there is a very loud helicopter noise and a visceral rumble - lasts 60-90 seconds 

    • some theatrical haze

    • two gunshots after you hear a few voices trying to speak over the helicopter noise 

  • loud music during bows

Content Advisory

  • significant use of profanity

  • constant visuals of firearms

  • gunshots (all noted in breakdown)

  • references to drugs and alcohol 

  • some violence & descriptions of violence

  • mentions of self harm/wanting to end one’s life

  • use of the f-slur

  • transphobia & homophobia (*the way the trans character is represented may feel very uncomfortable for some audience members*) 

  • noting that there are some discussions in Act I about peeing/having to go to the bathroom