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

To My Girls

 To My Girls
Second Stage
Tony Kiser Theater
March 24, 2022 

Photo Courtesy of Second Stage

JC Lee’s play, To My Girls, is delivering a brilliant balance of laughter and poignant moments at 2^nd Stage’s Tony Kiser Theater.  The play serves up a subtle and thought provoking commentary on the cultural evolution of social engagement.  The writing is witty and biting.  The action is fast paced and colorful.  The performances are big and bold. 

Curtis (played by Jay Armstrong Johnson) rents an Airbnb in Palm Spring to reunite with his friends after a long separation due to the pandemic.  He has a wild weekend planned, which includes making a video of them performing one of their old drag routines to boost his social media following.  First to arrive is Castor (played by Maulik Pancholy), who is thrilled to be spending time with his friends, but not the least bit interested in Curtis’ social media plans.  Jeff (played by Carman Lacivita) travels from NYC to join the group.  He starts in on how Curtis continually leads Castor on in thinking there is a chance for a more serious relationship.  Leo (played by Britton Smith) and his long-term boyfriend are late to arrive, so Bernie (played by Bryan Batt) fills in on the drag number during rehearsal.  When the boys go out that night, Castor comes home with a young, hot hook-up, Omar (played by Noah J. Rickets).  After Castor falls asleep, Curtis and Omar connect, which ignites Castor’s insecurities.  When Leo finally arrives, he announces that he and his boyfriend are breaking up because of Curtis’ selfish behavior.  Before the weekend is over, Curtis faces the truth of his actions and the effect they have on his circle of friends. 

The Cast of To My Girls
Photo courtesy of Second Stage

Jay Armstrong Johnson’s character of Curtis is the glue that holds this group of friends together, as well as the bomb that destroys them.  He creates a charming and flawed character, driven by the need to be the center of attention.  Maulik Pancholy delivers the laughs as Castor, yet also pulls the more serious scenes into focus.  All eyes are on him as he skillfully creates these distinct moments.  Carman Lacivita commands the stage from his first entrance, and does not drop his energy for a second.  He plays Jeff as an observer of the group, sharing his insight throughout the action of the play.  Bryan Batt brings an older perspective with his character of Bernie, making the other characters laugh, as well as think deeply about their choices.  Noah J. Rickets’ character of Omar bring the younger perspective to the story.  He infuses the action with envy, yearning, and an interesting sense of absurdity.  The character of Leo enters later in the course of the play.  Britton Smith rises to the challenge of making this character a part of the already established action, and brining it to the next level.

Playwright JC Lee has represented three generations of gay men from various ethnic background to show the progression of change in the gay culture.  The play takes place present day, so the post-Trump and post-pandemic perspective of these characters adds a significant layer of awareness to their encounters.  Social media has created a new level of shallowness to the way they relate.  It takes earnest effort for them to connect on a sincerely personal level.  Mr. Lee offers a powerful sense of optimism as the characters acknowledge the bond in their friendship, despite the fact that they are seeing one another in a different light.  Even though their relationships are harmed by selfishness and insolence, they choose to not allow their hurt feelings to take control. 

The 2nd Stage production of To My Girls is playing at the Tony Kiser Theater through April 24.  It is full of laughs while delivering a strong dose of truth with a powerful punch. 

Domenick Danza