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‘The Unknown’: Hayes on His Most Challenging Role
1 Feb
Summary
- Hayes portrays a writer battling creative block in a remote cabin.
- He embodies ten distinct characters in the solo psychological suspense play.
- The production features a surprising ending that Hayes promises is unexpected.
Sean Hayes, an acclaimed Emmy and Tony winner, is starring in "The Unknown," a provocative new one-man play. Performances began on January 31, 2026, at Studio Seaview in New York City. The play centers on Elliott, a writer grappling with creative block who retreats to a secluded cabin, where the lines between imagination and reality become dangerously indistinct.
Hayes takes on the significant challenge of performing ten distinct characters in this solo production, which delves into psychological suspense. The narrative explores the fine boundary between fascination and obsession as Elliott's world unravels. The play officially opened on February 12, 2026, and is scheduled to run through April 12, 2026.
Describing the role as his most difficult, Hayes noted that playing multiple characters is far more taxing than his previous stage experiences, likening it to climbing a mountain. He was particularly drawn to the show for its incredibly clever and unexpected ending, which he believes audiences will not anticipate.
