Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "Life Update - Mickey-Jo's Engaged! | Personal + Professional News // Our Disneyland Paris Engagement Story"

Episode Details:

• Title: Life Update - Mickey-Jo's Engaged! | Personal + Professional News // Our Disneyland Paris Engagement Story
• Release Date: July 28, 2023
• Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)

1. Introduction and Channel Updates

Mickey-Jo begins the episode by expressing excitement about sharing significant updates regarding both his personal life and the direction of his YouTube channel, MickeyJoTheatre. As a prominent voice in theatre criticism with over 60,000 subscribers, Mickey-Jo outlines upcoming content and changes to his usual posting schedule.

Key Points:

• Wicked Brazil Content:
  Mickey-Jo reveals he was invited by the producers of Wicked to review their non-replica production in São Paulo, Brazil. He has filmed both a full-length review and a travel vlog, which he anticipates releasing within the week.

  "You have an hour of Wicked Brazil content coming very soon and then a few days after that you will get my full review." [02:30]

• Live Cast Recording Challenges:
  Due to extensive traveling and a heavy workload, Mickey-Jo has faced difficulties maintaining his regular schedule of live cast recording reaction videos. These videos often receive copyright strikes, as they do not generate revenue. Nevertheless, he plans to resume these reviews when possible, highlighting recent recordings like Bonnie and Clyde and Operation Mincemeat.

  "I have a massive workload recently and I've had to deprioritize some of those videos because they don't make any kind of revenue." [04:10]

• Upcoming Show Reviews:
  He announces plans to review new productions such as Rock Follies at the Chichester Festival Theatre and The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill, marking them as some of his most anticipated shows of the year.

  "I'm very excited to bring a review video here to YouTube." [05:00]

2. Edinburgh Fringe and Multi-Platform Content

Mickey-Jo shares his upcoming attendance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, aiming to vlog his experiences and provide real-time reviews across his social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Threads. He emphasizes the importance of following him on these platforms to access all his content, especially shorter reviews and updates not posted on YouTube.

Key Points:

• Edinburgh Fringe Plans:

  "I'm going to be there pretty early in the month of August... I will be attempting to vlog the whole time that I'm there and I will be attempting to do real reviews on my Instagram, TikTok and through threads pages." [06:00]

• Social Media Integration:
  Mickey-Jo directs viewers to follow him on platforms like Instagram and TikTok for additional content, including short reviews of recent shows like Ride Again.

  "Some of the best theatre I see, all I can tell you is it's really good." [06:55]

3. Interviews and New Content Formats

Expanding beyond traditional reviews, Mickey-Jo has been conducting interviews with performers from various productions. These interviews are shared as short reels across his social media, allowing for a more personal and engaging connection with the theatre community.

Key Points:

• Performer Interviews:
  He discusses recent interviews with casts from Six Queens at the Hampton Court Flower Festival, A Strange Loop, and The Crown Jewels of Once at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester.

  "It's nice for me to be able to do something that's not just critical discourse... it's nice to be able to engage with performers and chat to them." [07:30]

• Future Content Ideas:
  Mickey-Jo outlines plans for thematic videos, such as counting down the best reprises in musical theatre, exploring shows that have altered their lyrics over time, and highlighting songs cut during musical development.

  "I want to talk about some of the best songs that were cut from musicals during their development." [08:15]

• Mamma Mia TV Casting Series:
  He expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming Mamma Mia TV casting series, promising detailed recaps and live discussions as he follows the show's development.

  "I'm ready to get obsessed with this. This show is about to become my new personality and I'm not ashamed of that." [09:00]

4. Personal Life Update: Engagement Story

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as Mickey-Jo shares the news of his engagement to Erin, recounting the romantic proposal that took place during a trip to Disneyland Paris. Erin joins the podcast to narrate the story, providing a detailed and charming account of their engagement.

Engagement Story Highlights:

• Planning the Proposal:
  Erin explains how she planned the proposal from afar, juggling her commitments with Mickey-Jo's travel schedule.

  "I don’t have a date. Someone actually asked me when the date was. We don't have a date." [20:00]

• Disneyland Paris Proposal:
  The couple visited Disneyland Paris, where Erin orchestrated the perfect moment amidst the park's enchanting atmosphere, ensuring privacy and magic despite the busy environment.

  "We went back to the wishing well because we got off the ride and you were like, I don't know where we should go next... and you asked me to marry." [18:40]

• Ring Selection:
  Erin shares their experience selecting matching engagement rings from the Jewelry Quarter, highlighting the significance and thoughtfulness behind their choices.

  "We got matching rings so that somebody didn't think one of us were engaged and the other one wasn't." [12:08]

• Public Announcement:
  While they've shared their engagement on social media, this podcast serves as an intimate announcement to their dedicated audience.

  "We've announced this via social media but wanted to come on here and tell you in case you're not following us on those platforms." [07:55]

5. Professional Updates from Aaron James (Erin)

Erin, who works in theatre PR, discusses her professional endeavors, including her involvement in the Theatre Camp campaign and various PR projects for upcoming shows.

Key Points:

• Theatre Camp Involvement:
  Erin is actively supporting the UKBR campaign for Theatre Camp, a Searchlight Pictures film featuring notable actors like Ben Plath and Molly Gordon. She describes the film's mockumentary style infused with musical theatre elements.

  "It's the best way I could describe it. It's really funny. It's very stagey." [21:00]

• Additional PR Campaigns:
  She highlights her role in promoting other significant productions, including Six Inquiry of Man Bacon for the Edinburgh Fringe and The Lord of the Rings at the Barn Theatre.

  "I'm supporting on six Inquire of Man Bacon... and the Lord of the Rings campaign as well." [22:00]

• Collaborative Efforts:
  Erin emphasizes the collaborative nature of her work, aiming to enhance the visibility and success of each production through strategic PR initiatives.

  "It's fun to work with different theatres and work with different kind of people." [22:30]

6. Upcoming Projects and Initiatives

Looking ahead, Mickey-Jo outlines exciting opportunities to engage with theatre productions more interactively, including post-show Q&A sessions.

Key Points:

• Post-Show Q&A with In Clay in Concert:
  Mickey-Jo announces his participation in a post-show Q&A for In Clay in Concert on August 21st at The Other Palace. He plans to discuss the creative and artistic processes behind the musical, aiming to foster deeper connections between creators and audiences.

  "I would love to have a chance to sit down and talk about the creative process of performing this material, of writing this material." [23:30]

• Support for New Musicals:
  He reiterates his commitment to supporting emerging musicals, viewing platforms like these Q&A sessions as vital for spotlighting new talent and innovative works.

  "It's so important we support new musicals and this is hopefully a really great way of doing that." [24:00]

7. Conclusion

Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by thanking his audience for their continued support. He encourages listeners to follow both his and Erin's social media accounts to stay updated on all their personal and professional ventures.

"Thank you for watching this video... Make sure to follow us both on social media so you don't miss anything." [25:00]

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm so excited about doing that. That's kind of something I want to branch into doing more of." – Mickey-Jo [23:50]
• "We're just engaged. It's just that we both wanted to have rings so that somebody didn't think one of us were engaged and the other one wasn't." – Erin [12:08]
• "If you come along and see In Clay in concert, it's all about artistic process, it's about pottery, but it sort of transcends that to talk about creativity and artistry and what that means to a creator." – Mickey-Jo [24:30]

Final Thoughts:

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers a comprehensive look into Mickey-Jo's evolving role as a theatre critic, his engagement, and Erin's contributions to the theatre PR landscape. Balancing personal milestones with professional ambitions, Mickey-Jo and Erin provide listeners with an engaging narrative that underscores their passion for theatre and their dedication to their audience.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the MickeyJoTheatre YouTube channel and follow their social media accounts to stay informed about upcoming reviews, interviews, and personal updates.