‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’: A Wilde new spin

‘THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’: Sarah Snook. Photo: Marc Brenner.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
By Oscar Wilde
New adaptation written & directed by Kip Williams
Through June 29, 2025
The Music Box
239 West 45^th Street
https://doriangrayplay.com/

By Scott Harrah

Kip Williams and Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress Sarah Snook (HBO’s “Succession”) have put a glorious new spin on the Oscar Wilde classic The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wondering what the future of live theater may look like in the coming years? This production—with its heavy use of video projections, video and audio recordings interspersed with live performance—might offer clues. In the age of AI, smaller cast sizes, shrinking budgets and hefty ticket prices (and the currently precarious global economy), we might see more shows like this. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if one is willing to embrace technology.

Ms. Snook won an Olivier for the role when the show played in London at the Theatre Royal Haymarket last year. She portrays 26 different characters, including Lord Henry Wotton, actress Sibyl Vane, artist Basil Hallward, and others. She is often interacting with pre-recorded versions of herself on the projected screens.

Fans of Mr. Wilde’s controversial 1891 novel expecting a purist adaptation of the story will be disappointed. However, this production is geared primarily for younger audiences, or anyone who enjoys theater with a high-tech edge.

Dorian Gray for the uninitiated

Oscar Wilde’s gothic horror story focuses on Dorian Gray, a handsome young guy who is adored by painter Basil Hallward, and wealthy patron Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Wotton is a manipulative aristocrat and a hedonist. He has a huge influence on Dorian, and not in a good way.  Basil is obsessed with Dorian’s beauty.

Dorian wishes that he can stay eternal youthful and handsome. Consequently, he gets his wish. The painting soon ages while Dorian himself does not.

Volumes have been written over the years about Mr. Wilde’s novel. Scholars have called it everything from homoerotic to misogynist.  Much of the supposed sexual content was censored in Victorian times.

Williams’ new twist on Wilde

Director Kip Williams’ new twist on the classic tale of narcissism and moral depravity relies heavily on the video projections and prerecorded material. As in any one-person show, keeping track of all the characters is challenging, particularly for those who have never read the book.

David Bergman’s video design and Nick Schlieper’s lighting design make much clever use of the material. Dorian has lots of fun with some Instagram and Snapchat-style video filters, but the visual joke wears thin eventually.

One-woman tour de force

Sarah Snook has a blast entertaining us with the 26 different characters. The show is not everyone’s idea of how Oscar Wilde imagined the story. However, this production, originally performed in Australia with a different actor, is not trying to be a straightforward stage adaptation of the book. Instead, it’s a vehicle for a talented entertainer.

Ms. Snook is a one-woman tour de force. Her ability to switch accents, genders and tone is impressive indeed. She is manic, full of energy, and is consistently riveting. If one overlooks the absence of the real Dorian Gray that Oscar Wilde wrote about, it’s possible to enjoy the show simply as a showcase for Sarah Snook’s gifts. Broadway’s The Picture of Dorian Gray may not win over classical literature fans. Regardless, it could bring in new audiences that otherwise might not be interested in live theater.

Published April 7, 2025
Reviewed at press performance on March 28, 2025

‘THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’: Sarah Snook. Photo: Marc Brenner.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’: Sarah Snook. Photo: Marc Brenner.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’: Sarah Snook. Photo: Marc Brenner.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY’: Sarah Snook. Photo: Marc Brenner.