Pay the Writer

 Pay the Writer
The Pershing Square Signature Center
August 24, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Pay the Writer

Pay the Writer tells the story of the bond between a novelist and his Literary Agent.  Playwright Tawni O’Dell has crafted a touching play that explores the complex relationships in the lives of these characters.  The result is well developed characters who are identifiable and empathetic.  Her scenes are driven by conflict and consistently land with an emotional punch.  Director Karen Carpenter works with an excellent cast, allowing them space to create genuine relationships that are at the heart of the story.

We first meet Bruston Fischer (played by Bryan Batt).  He is a Literary Agent to world famous novelist, Cyrus Holt (played by Ron Canada).  Cyrus has completed a new novel, and sent it to his translator, Jean Luc (played by Steven Hauk), before sharing it with Bruston, which hurts his feelings.  When Jean Luc admits to Bruston that he does not like the novel, Bruston immediately defends Cyrus, and forcefully tell Jean Luc how to best handle the situation.  The next day, Cyrus tells Bruston that he “accidentally” called his first wife, Lana (played by Marcia Cross), at 2:00 in the morning.  He hung up quickly, and she immediately called back.  He did not answer his phone, so she tracks Cyrus down to the restaurant where he and Bruston are dining.  There are instant fireworks, and Bruston tries to decelerate the confrontation with humor.  When Lana gets Bruston alone, he reveals to her that Cyrus is sick and hasn’t got long to live.  She calls their two estranged children, Leo (played by Garrett Turner) and Gigi (played by Danielle J. Summons).  Lana hopes they can reconcile their relationship with their father before it is too late. 

Bryan Batt & Ron Canada
Photo courtesy of Pay the Writer

Some of the more intriguing scenes are the flashbacks between younger versions of Bruston (played by Miles G. Jackson) and Cyrus (played by Garrett Turner).  We see these two characters as eager professionals looking to make a name for themselves.  They build a friendship that stems from opportunity and ambition.  The roots of this relationship that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Turner lay down in their scenes is strongly evident in the way Mr. Batt and Mr. Canada interact as the older versions of the characters.  These four actors have a strong connection and captivating chemistry. 

Marcia Cross, Bryan Batt, & Ron Canada
Photo courtesy of Pay the Writer

Marcia Cross is a burst of energy as Lana Holt.  She is fiery, wrathful, and spurred by a deep love for Cyrus.  This energy is mirrored in Danielle J. Summons’ portrayal of her daughter, Gigi.  Director Karen Carpenter highlights the important parallels of all the characters throughout the story to keep the audience engaged.  They are all motivated by their need to connect and heal.  Their greatest obstacle is the hurt they hold inside themselves.  

Danielle J. Summons & Ron Canada
Photo courtesy of Pay the Writer

Playwright Tawni O’Dell brings back Cyrus’ unread manuscript toward the end of the play to place the light on the one consistent relationship in Cyrus’ life.  After rehashing his personal failures and shortcomings, and making amends where needed, Cyrus acknowledges the value in his connection with Bruston.  The final scene is Bruston Fischer alone on stage, as in the opening, talking about his job as Cyrus Holt’s Literary Agent… and friend.

Pay the Writer is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through September 30.  It is skillfully crafted, well directed, and beautifully acted. 

Domenick Danza