Sean Hayes (Photo: Emilio Madrid)
The Unknown
By Lydia Sue Keidel
The Unknown, now in performances at Studio Seaview, is an 80-minute monologue, a one–act psychological thriller written with Sean Hayes in mind. The plot is loosely based on an experience of playwright David Cale thirty years ago. It follows Elliot, a lonely, single, gay playwright struggling with writer’s block. He goes to a friend’s remote cabin, where there’s no phone or internet service, and then is haunted by a male voice outside the house, singing the lyrics to a musical he had written: “I wish you wanted me. How different life would be.“
Certainly, this can’t end well (and it doesn’t). Elliot relays a series of harrowing scenarios, which make questions swim through our heads. Who is the stalker? What’s his motive? Could it be an actor who was passed over for a part? How does it resolve? Elliot reasons aloud as he tries to unravel the clues, making us even more suspicious: is this foreshadowing or is he trying to misdirect us?
The narrative is laden with New York-centric details: the block where Elliot lives; the specific train he takes to Queens; his untied shoelace; the Village gay bar, Julius’s, that he frequents. These details invite more head games – which tidbits are relevant; which are distractions? Elliot becomes obsessed and stalks the stalker.
Sean Hayes, in addition to playing the main character Elliot, expertly embodies ten different characters as he tells the story. Impressively, he portrays three different men, all about the same age, from a specific place in Texas and yet they are easily identifiable and distinctive – Hayes creates these men employing slight body language and voice adjustments. The Unknown is a wonderful vehicle for him to demonstrate how masterfully he holds an audience, creates suspense and uses his vocal range. Hayes introduces us to, and engages, with several colorful characters, playing them all artfully. What is their part in this puzzle? The audience is sitting on the edge of their seats, riveted.
And then The Unknown ends.
Ah, there’s the rub. The finish simply does not land. At best, it’s unsatisfying. For many, confusing. A possible interpretation of the end twist negates all that preceded it. It’s a bad cup of coffee at the end of wonderful meal. But it was a wonderful meal.
Sean Hayes (Photo: Emilio Madrid)
Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland in the 11–season sitcom Will & Grace, which highlighted his comedy prowess. He absolutely soared in his Tony-Award-winning performance as Oscar Levant in Goodnight, Oscar on Broadway in 2023, featuring both his incredible acting talent and his classical piano skills. Speaking of him, playwright David Cale has said, “Well, he’s so charismatic and he’s so charming and he’s such a natural storyteller.”
Cale himself has collaborated before with director Leigh Silverman, creating three solo shows – the jaw dropping Harry Clark starring Billy Crudup, Sandra, and Blue Cowboy where Cale played himself.
Sean Hayes (Photo: Emilio Madrid)
Director Leigh Silverman has directed many on and Off–Broadway shows, including the Tony–nominated Violet and Suffs. Her competence and experience helped shape The Unknown. Sound design (Caroline Eng) cleverly enhanced the suspense in The Unknown. Particularly chilling was the scene where the sound of the stalkers voice literally encircled Elliot (and the audience) as it traveled around the theater. With a bare stage (scenic designer, Studio Bent), the lighting design (Cha See) played a key role creating fear and tension.
An intimate experience in this 296–seat theater starring an unquestionably formidable actor, The Unknown is captivating and exciting until the disappointing ending.
The Unknown
At Studio Seaview
305 West 43rd St. NYC
Running time: 80 minutes, no intermission
Through April 12
