Sean Hayes to Star in New Off-Broadway One-Man Thriller 'The Unknown'

NEW YORK, NY — Tony Award winner Sean Hayes is set to return to the New York stage in 2026 for a new one-man thriller titled The Unknown. The play, written by David Cale, explores the themes of obsession and the collapsing boundaries between fiction and reality.

Hayes, who won the 2023 Tony Award for his leading role in Good Night, Oscar, will portray Elliott, a writer grappling with a severe case of writer’s block. Desperate for a cure, Elliott retreats to a remote cabin, only to begin questioning whether he is alone, or if he is living out the very thriller he is attempting to write.

The production, directed by two-time Tony nominee Leigh Silverman (Suffs, Violet), is scheduled to begin previews on January 31 at Studio Seaview. The official opening night is set for February 12, with the limited 10-week run concluding on April 12.

In a statement, director Leigh Silverman highlighted the project's talent: “David Cale is a masterful storyteller, and I am thrilled to be embarking on our third collaboration with The Unknown... We are joined by the charismatic, dynamic Sean Hayes, an imaginative design team and visionary producers, and I can’t wait to share this enthralling show with audiences.” Cale similarly expressed enthusiasm for the "inspired pairing" of Hayes with his solo thriller and the continued collaboration with Silverman.

The Unknown is produced by Seaview and ATG Productions.

Hayes's previous Broadway credits include his Tony-winning performance in Good Night, Oscar, as well as An Act of God (2016) and Promises, Promises (2011), which earned him his first Tony nomination.

The creative team includes scenic design by Studio Bent, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Cha See, sound design by Caroline Eng, and music by Isobel Waller-Bridge. General management is provided by Envoy Theatricals/Sam Dallas.