Show Finder

Pay The Writer

First Preview: Aug 13, 2023
Opening Date: Aug 21, 2023
Closing Date: Sep 30, 2023
Running Time: 01:20
Pay The Writer

Share on Social Media

Playing @
The Pershing Square Signature Center
480 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10036
Pay The Writer is a new comedy-drama from New York Times Best-Selling Author Tawni O’Dell and starring Ron Canada (Network, Wedding Crashers, The West Wing), Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives, Melrose Place) and Bryan Batt (Mad Men, 12 Years a Slave, Jeffrey). Focusing on the complicated relationship between a legendary literary agent and his best friend-turned-most-successful client, this dynamic and socially intuitive play explores how an artist’s life is controlled by their calling and talent.

Bruston Fischer is a young gay man trying to make it in publishing while suffering from social persecution when he first meets Cyrus Holt some 40 years ago. Cyrus is a gifted Black writer trying to get his talent noticed in a world that wants to ignore his existence. Through their unique friendship, the pair find literary success and the most stable relationship either will ever have.

Yet, when talent, business and love intertwine, missteps occur and, inevitably, regrets often follow. Triumph and loss become blurred as we sort through the challenges of the human condition.

Pay The Writer is a heartrending and funny exploration of personal and artistic legacy while navigating life’s final chapter, directed by Karen Carpenter (Love, Loss, and What I Wore). 
Off BroadwayPlay - ComedyPlay - Drama

Performance Schedule

TUESDAY-FRIDAY @ 7:30 PM
SATURDAY @ 2 PM & 8 PM
SUNDAY @ 2 PM & 7:30 PM


Cast
  • Ron Canada
  • Marcia Cross
  • Bryan Batt

Written By
  • Tawni O’Dell

Director
  • Karen Carpenter

TDF Tickets Offers:

TDF Member tickets:

Not currently available for this show

Listed at

Never

Full-price tickets:

$46.45 - $211.25

Accessibility

  • Assisted Listening System

    Signature Theatre offers patrons assisted listening devices for each of our theatres per ADA requirements. Assisted listening devices can be found in our central lobby prior to every performance.
  • Elevator/Escalator

    Elevators are available on street level; one stop to theatre
  • Entrance

    Entrance has Automatic Door System • Street to Lobby (on the 2nd floor): 34 steps, available elevator
  • Parking

    MPG Parking - 475 West 41st Street
  • Telephone

    None on premises
  • Water Fountain

    Central lobby level; outside Men's Room; accessible
  • Wheelchair Info

    The Pershing Square Signature Center is fully wheelchair accessible and restrooms are located on the same level. Accessible seats are available for each performance, please inform the box office at the time of purchase about any special needs.
  • Box Office

    Box Office is wheelchair accessible with a lowered window
  • Curb Ramps

    There are curb ramps on Ninth Avenue and Dyer Avenue
  • Passenger Loading Zone

    Front of Entrance - limited
  • Restroom

    The bathrooms are on the second floor lobby area and are fully accessible
  • Seating

    Wheelchair Seats: all seats are removable, companion seats in parenthesis Diamond: Orch G: 105 (106), 107 (108), 109 (110); Box L: 104 (105); Box R: 204 (203) Griffin: Box L: D 1 (3, 5); Box R: D 2 (4, 6); Balcony: A 2 (4) Linney: Flexible space, changes each show.
  • Visual Assistance

    Large print programs available • Increased floor staff for audio-described performances • Signs in braille

TDF Social Feed

TDF
TDF16 hours ago

Irving Berlin's Top Hat directed and choreographed by three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall is available to stream on Great Performances l PBS. Check that out plus MCC Theater's Miscast26, The...

tdfnyc2 days ago
We didn’t pay Betsy Aidem to say this… we swear! 👀 But we are considering making her our unofficial spokesperson. Betsy Aidem on why TDF means so much to her...
tdfnyc2 days ago
“All those little things add up to the sparkly diamond that each costume is.” Some of this year’s Tony-nominated costume designers share the details you’ll never see, from hidden references...
tdfnyc2 days ago
We were so lucky to speak with Tony nominee Hannah Cruz yesterday! ⭐️ She shared why theatre matters, not just as entertainment but as a way to understand each other....
TDF
TDF2 days ago

There are many NYC opera companies hitting high notes all year-round! In fact, this month four of the five troupes we’re highlighting have performances, including two New York premieres. Discover...

tdfnyc2 days ago
There are many NYC opera companies hitting high notes all year-round! In fact, this month four of the five troupes we’re highlighting have performances, including two New York premieres. Discover...
tdfnyc5 days ago
“Do not get priced out of your dreams.” For Broadway performer Maria-Christina Oliveras, that core belief is a reminder of why arts access matters and what being a TDF Member...
TDF
TDF6 days ago

Congratulations, class of 2026! Last Tuesday, NYC’s high school seniors took over the red steps at TKTS for a graduation celebration. Afterward, everyone went to see CATS: The Jellicle Ball...

tdfnyc6 days ago
Congratulations, class of 2026! Last Tuesday, NYC’s high school seniors took over the red steps at TKTS for a graduation celebration. Afterward, everyone went to see CATS: The Jellicle Ball...
TDF
TDF1 week ago
Suffs Musical is available to stream for FREE through Great Performances l PBS until July 31. It's one of five performances in our streaming roundup this weekend.
TDF
TDF2 weeks ago
Thank you for joining us at our Autism Friendly Performance of & Juliet!
TDF
TDF2 weeks ago

The CAT-egory is: fabulous! This afternoon, TDF will welcome more than 1,200 high school seniors to our Graduation Gift celebration before they head to CATS: The Jellicle Ball on Broadway...