Broadway's 'Dorian Gray' Starring Sarah Snook Dazzles with Innovative Technology and Performance
Sarah Snook impressively plays 26 characters in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' blending advanced technology and classic themes of vanity and self-loathing.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedBut as can be the case with such high-concept stagings, Williams’ gimmick eventually runs out of gas, pummeling theatergoers with every new screen, filter and thumping club track that’s unspooled over two intermission-less hours.
'Picture of Dorian Gray' review: Sarah Snook dazzles in a dizzying high-wire act
USA TODAY·23d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Both the play and playboy walk a perilous tightrope, and the result is riveting.
‘Picture of Dorian Gray’ review: Sarah Snook wows in technical marvel Broadway play
New York Post·23d
·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.It would be easy for a play like “Dorian Gray” to become over-reliant on bells and whistles, but this production steers clear of retelling Wilde in an age of AI.
'Dorian Gray’ Is a Picture of a Broadway Masterpiece
New York Sun·23d
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Cameron views the book series as an antidote to the current slate of kids’ TV.
Kirk Cameron Returns to His TV Roots
Epoch Times·24d
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.What is perhaps most original about “Mid-Century Modern,” though I may be missing some historical precedent, is that it’s a traditional sitcom, not just with a gay character or two but set primarily in a gay milieu, its subject friendship among gay men — which has the salutary effect of making that milieu at once the point and beside the point.
Review: 'Mid-Century Modern' is a nod to 'Golden Girls' and a tribute to Linda Lavin
Los Angeles Times·24d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.It would probably be impossible to puncture pieties around cancer, sex, and death without a few missteps.
'Dying for Sex' Is the Raunchiest Show About Death Ever Made
TIME Magazine·24d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Summary
In a groundbreaking staging of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' that opened March 27 at the Music Box Theatre, Sarah Snook impressively portrays 26 characters while utilizing advanced technology, including massive screens and real-time camera work. Directed by Kip Williams, this innovative adaptation brings Oscar Wilde’s story into the modern age, exploring themes of vanity and self-obsession as Dorian Gray makes a Faustian bargain to preserve his youth. Although the production occasionally relies on excessive tech, Snook's performance is both humorous and poignant, showcasing her versatility and depth. 'Dorian Gray' runs through June 15, 2025.
Perspectives
Sarah Snook's performance in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' showcases a remarkable display of talent, taking on multiple roles with humor and depth.
The production's use of modern technology—such as live camera feeds and social media-like filters—effectively bridges Oscar Wilde's original themes with contemporary issues of vanity and self-perception.
Despite the innovative staging elements, there are critiques regarding the overreliance on technology, which can distract from the live performance.
FAQs
No FAQs available for this story.
History
- 23d