The Broadway Show: Uncut - Episode Summary Episode: Oh, Mary! It's Cole Escola!
Release Date: July 13, 2024

Introduction to "Oh, Mary!"

Host: Tamsen Fadal
Overview:
In this episode of "The Broadway Show: Uncut," host Tamsen Fadal introduces the audience to "Oh, Mary!," a groundbreaking Broadway comedy that reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln with a modern, humorous twist. The episode features an in-depth interview with Cole Escola, the playwright and actor behind the acclaimed production.

First Impressions and Production Insight

Timestamp [00:04] - [01:00]

Tamsen Fadal:
Initiates the conversation by highlighting "Oh, Mary!" as the Broadway comedy of the summer and introduces Paul Wontorek, who provides his initial reactions to the show.

Paul Wontorek:
Expresses profound admiration for the play:
"Oh, Mary blew me away. I mean, it was fantastic. And I immediately said, Broadway. This, this needs to be on Broadway." ([00:20] - [00:27])
He praises the production's visual appeal and the theater's beauty, emphasizing his excitement about the show's Broadway presence.

Cole Escola:
Responds with enthusiasm and disbelief at the show's success:
"I can't believe, you know, being on Broadway is like one of those. It's like, yeah, I would love to be a supermodel someday. Or like, yeah, I would love to be a movie star, but I can't believe that it's actually real." ([00:36])

Audience Reception and Broad Appeal

Timestamp [01:00] - [03:36]

Paul Wontorek:
Shares his appreciation for "Oh, Mary!" as a comedy that resonates deeply with audiences:
"I love seeing a real comedy that like fires on every cylinder. I mean, audiences... it felt like such a wall of laughter." ([01:46])
He highlights the universal appeal of the show, noting its ability to attract diverse audiences beyond its initial target.

Cole Escola:
Discusses the play’s unexpected broad appeal:
"At first, I wrote it for like my audience, which is just drunk gay people, and they loved it. And then more other types started coming and... but that's the goal also." ([01:46])
He reflects on the show's success in reaching a wider demographic than originally intended.

Genesis and Creative Process of "Oh, Mary!"

Timestamp [03:36] - [07:51]

Paul Wontorek:
Inquires about the origins of the play and the moment Escola realized its potential for Broadway.

Cole Escola:
Shares the creative spark behind the play:
"It started with the idea for the play, which was, what if Abe's assassination wasn't such a bad thing for Mary Todd Lincoln? That was like an email that I sent to myself in 2009." ([03:42] - [03:53])
He describes the challenging yet exhilarating process of developing the script during the lockdown period, culminating in the play’s swift rise to Broadway within two days:
"But this just sort of, like, bolted out of me in, like, two days." ([05:08])
Escola emphasizes the rare and organic flow of creativity that led to the play's rapid production.

Character Development and Queer Lens

Timestamp [07:51] - [09:41]

Paul Wontorek:
Explores Escola's approach to historical characters and the incorporation of a queer perspective.

Cole Escola:
Explains his affinity for reimagining historical figures with a personal and queer twist:
"All of the characters that I write are versions of myself. Things that are embarrassing to me, like my desire to be a cabaret star... and also, like, there's a lot of my heart in her as well." ([08:12])
He discusses how he infuses Mary Todd Lincoln with traits that reflect his own experiences and desires, adding depth and relatability to the character.

Impact and Future Directions

Timestamp [09:41] - [11:57]

Paul Wontorek:
Asks Escola about the impact of the play’s success and how it has influenced his career trajectory.

Cole Escola:
Responds with humility and focus on creative fulfillment:
"It is really nice to have this validation, and I'm trying not to get too attached to it... I wrote this play because I wanted to challenge myself as a writer." ([09:41])
He emphasizes that the alignment of his creative vision with the production's execution is the true measure of success:
"The success for me is that, like, the germ of the idea that I had is what you see on the stage." ([10:30])
Escola credits the collaborative efforts of his team, especially Sam Pinkleton, for bringing the play to fruition and praises the collective creativity that made "Oh, Mary!" a reality.

Conclusion and Welcome to Broadway

Timestamp [11:57] - [12:04]

Paul Wontorek and Cole Escola:
Conclude the interview with warm congratulations and reflections on the journey to Broadway.

Paul Wontorek:
“Thank you so much. Welcome to Broadway.” ([11:57])

Cole Escola:
“Thank you.” ([11:59])
The episode wraps up with Tamsen Fadal signing off, leaving listeners inspired by Escola's creative journey and the success of "Oh, Mary!"

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Storytelling: "Oh, Mary!" offers a unique and humorous take on Mary Todd Lincoln, blending historical elements with modern comedy.
• Broad Appeal: Originally targeted at a niche audience, the play successfully attracts a diverse and expansive audience base.
• Creative Process: Cole Escola's organic and rapid development of the play during lockdown underscores the power of inspiration and dedication.
• Personal Infusion: Escola’s personal experiences and identity significantly shape the character of Mary Todd Lincoln, adding authenticity and depth.
• Collaborative Success: The play’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Escola and his production team, particularly Sam Pinkleton.

Notable Quotes

• Cole Escola on Writing:
  "I always had this question in my mind of, like, I think I could do it, but I don't know." ([03:42])

• Paul Wontorek on Audience Reaction:
  "When I saw it at the Lortel Theater... it felt like such a wall of laughter." ([01:46])

• Cole Escola on Validation:
  "The germ of the idea that I had is what you see on the stage." ([10:30])

• Cole Escola on Educational Impact:
  "Just assume that everything from this show is a lie. Like, please, please, please." ([07:11])

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Broadway Show: Uncut" provides an intimate look into the creative genius of Cole Escola and the making of "Oh, Mary!" Listeners gain valuable insights into the process of bringing a unique comedic vision to the Broadway stage, the importance of authenticity in character development, and the rewarding experience of seeing one's creative ideas thrive on a grand scale. Whether you're a Broadway enthusiast or someone interested in the arts, this episode offers an inspiring and comprehensive glimpse into contemporary theater production.