Author! Author! 1982

As playwright Ivan Travalian grapples with the challenges of revitalizing his Broadway show, English with Tears, pressures mount from restless financial backers. His personal life is equally chaotic as he navigates the aftermath of being left by his wife, Gloria, thrusting him into the role of a single father to five children—four from her previous marriages and one biological son, Igor. Among these stepchildren, Spike and Geraldo have reunited with their biological fathers, leaving Igor and the son from Gloria’s third marriage still in his care.

With the stress of mounting expectations, the stage producer resorts to a bit of subterfuge, informing investors that the iconic actress Alice Detroit has committed to the project. However, when the two finally meet, Alice reveals herself to be an enthusiastic admirer of Ivan’s work and is excited at the prospect of bringing his vision to Broadway. This creative partnership quickly transforms into a romance, resulting in Alice moving in with Ivan and his remaining children.

Nevertheless, as their relationship deepens, Alice starts feeling overwhelmed by their domestic life, missing the independence and social life she once cherished. Her emotional turmoil leads to a shocking revelation: she uncovers that Ivan is actually an abandoned child who had been adopted by a family with the Armenian surname “Travalian.” This distressing news sends Alice spiraling, forcing her to reconsider everything about her time with Ivan.

As their romantic adventure reaches its bittersweet end, Alice chooses to leave Ivan, sparking a rebellion from his two stepdaughters, who have grown discontented with their father’s strict home life. They devise a thrilling escape to reunite with Gloria in Gloucester, Massachusetts. When authorities show up at Ivan’s door, they find a determined group of children, alongside Ivan, successfully convincing the officers to allow the girls to remain with their family.

In an unexpected twist, Spike returns to Ivan, this time bringing his father’s endorsement, thus uniting all of Ivan’s stepchildren under one roof. As Ivan embarks on a quest to reconnect with his estranged wife, he discovers Gloria happily settled in a quaint cottage in Gloucester with her new partner, her reluctance to reunite with the family now evident.

Faced with the harsh truths of his wife’s choices, Ivan resolves to leave her behind and return to New York City. He reassures his stepchildren of their permanent place in his heart before attending the much-anticipated opening night of English with Tears, which garners glowing reviews from The New York Times.