The Unknown tickets
About The Unknown
Get The Unknown tickets to see Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Sean Hayes star in this gripping new play about a writer, living on a knife's edge. The TV and Broadway star of Good Night, Oscar; Promises, Promises; An Act of God; Will & Grace, and more returns to New York in this premiere about a man named Elliott, who is desperate to cure his writer’s block. The Unknown plays at Studio Seaview in Midtown Manhattan starting January 31.
In The Unknown in New York City, a middle-aged writer Elliott (Hayes) retreats to a remote cabin to get back in touch with his writing — except, when he gets to that cabin, he realizes he may not be alone. Experience this thrilling play from David Cale, who also made a splash this season with his off-Broadway gem, Blue Cowboy, at The Bushwick Starr. Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman directs this fresh play.
Know before you go
Please note that Rush seats may be partial view locations or Standing Room.
Run time
1hr 15min.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 12+.
Start date
January 31st, 2026
End date
April 12th, 2026
“Sean Hayes delivers a riveting psychological thriller masterpiece”
A Brilliantly Crafted Mind-Bending Mystery
Audiences are captivated by Sean Hayes' tour de force performance in this psychological thriller that layers stories within stories. His seamless transitions between multiple characters showcase remar...
What It Feels Like
- Mesmerizing
- Mind-bending
- Riveting
You’ll Love This If…
- You appreciate masterful solo performances with stunning character transformations
- You enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected twist endings
- You love thought-provoking stories that keep you guessing
Wonderful script w a great plot. Kept me thinking about it long after the show. Great performance by Sean Hayes!
OMG, I freaking loved it! I had goosebumps several times and was as fascinated with him as I was in Good Night, Oscar!
The play was a one man dialogue about living in New York City. Sean Hayes was excellent.
Stars on stage
Sean Hayes
The Unknown cast and creative team
By: David Cale
Director: Leigh Silverman
Cast list: Sean Hayes (as Elliott)
Sets: Studio Bent
Costumes: Sarah Laux
Lighting: Cha See
Sound: Caroline Eng
Music by: Isobel Waller-Bridge
More information about The Unknown
Explore the fine line between fascination and obsession in this dark and twisting new play. People getting stuck in the woods is certainly well-trod terrain — think Misery, or Grey House — but what writer David Cale does so beautifully is blend mystery with the deeply human. His characters confront not a ghost but a deeper, quieter, and less known version of themselves, who arrive only in moments of heightened emotion.
Sean Hayes is the perfect match for Cale's text and showed off his chops commanding another New York play, Good Night, Oscar. Now, he returns to the stage in a daring turn in this psychological drama, a solo show bespoke to Hayes' talents.
Is this play's protagonist, Elliott, writing a thriller, or living one in the cabin? Is it both? As Elliott begins to question everything he knows, can he also get to better know his most evasive character, himself?
What to watch for
- Leigh Silverman is known for directing Suffs and Violet.
- The play runs for a strictly limited engagement, ten weeks only.
- David Cale in a statement said, “I’m thrilled by the inspired pairing of the brilliant Sean Hayes with my solo thriller and to be collaborating again with the great Leigh Silverman.”
- Studio Seaview has quickly grown to be one of New York's leading producers of daring new work.
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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