Broadway Buzz: The Hilarity of “Oh, Mary!” and the Genius of Social Media
New York City is buzzing with excitement over a fresh and fabulous show, Oh, Mary!, written by the incredibly talented Cole Escola. This whimsical comedy takes us on a journey through the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, who has dreams of becoming a cabaret star. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon some delightful posts about the show that surely brought a smile to your face!
Meet the Man Behind the Magic: Austin Spero
To get the inside scoop on the show’s viral social media presence, we chatted with Austin Spero, the mastermind behind Oh, Mary! as well as the social media accounts for the prestigious New York City Center. He’s a passionate individual who has worn many hats in the theater world, from acting to producing, and now to steering the social media ship for some of the most entertaining productions on Broadway.
“I was an actor since I was really young,” Austin shared, reminiscing about his first encounter with theater through a childhood friend’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Like many theater aficionados, he quickly fell in love with the magic of the stage, paving his path into a career that would eventually lead him to social media.
Pioneering Social Media Strategies
Austin’s transition to social media began at Fordham University and soon took him to New York City Center, where he revolutionized their approach to promoting shows. His journey started with a bang during the rehearsal for Into The Woods, where he wisely teased the audience with glimpses of the iconic Milky White puppet. It was a moment that showcased his knack for creating content that engaged fans without giving too much away.
“My first week was like a perfect storm,” Austin explained as he reflected on how the buzz surrounding Into The Woods set the standard high for everything that followed.
Homegrown Comedy and Creative Vibes
When it comes to promoting the Encores! season, Austin emphasizes a unique duality. Not only does he aim to spotlight individual productions, but he also seeks to create brand awareness for the City Center itself.
“Our content happens so quickly because we only have artists in the building for about a month from start to finish,” he described, expressing the frantic yet exhilarating pace of creating engaging content for shows with very short runs. The quick turnaround means that Austin must be as lively and spontaneous as the productions he promotes—making his role truly exciting.
The Birth of “Oh, Mary!”
The spark for Oh, Mary! ignited when Cole Escola reached out to Austin on Instagram, inviting him to handle the social media for the show. Having been a longtime fan, Austin didn’t hesitate, buying tickets the moment they went on sale. As the production unfolded, the aim was to intrigue audiences without revealing too much, maintaining a bit of mystique. What’s more delightful is the humor woven into the narrative, making it even more fun to market.
The Move to Broadway
As Oh, Mary! made its way to Broadway, Austin was thrilled. “I’m so happy for Cole,” he exclaimed. It was a joyous moment not just for him, but for everyone involved who had poured so much effort into the production. Working with such a talented team, including advertising and PR professionals, has made the entire Broadway experience incredibly rewarding.
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, with great comedy comes the challenge of maintaining that tone through social media content. Austin recognizes the importance of being genuinely funny while echoing the comedy’s essence across digital platforms. “If your play is funny, your social media should be funny,” he asserted, reflecting the need for an authentic connection between the show and its promotion.
The Influence of Drag: Reese Havoc
As if Austin’s creative resume wasn’t impressive enough, he also dazzles audiences through his drag persona, Reese Havoc. His experiences in drag have sharpened his comedic voice and allowed him to connect with the vibrant New York scene in a unique way. “I call myself the Hannah Montana of drag,” he quipped, illustrating the multi-faceted nature of his identity.
The worlds of social media and drag overlap significantly for Austin, allowing him a deeper connection with audiences while inspiring a fresh approach to brand messaging in the theatrical space.
Looking Ahead
With a promising year ahead at City Center, Austin is especially looking forward to tackling lesser-known titles that provide an element of surprise. “I don’t know Love Life, it doesn’t even have a cast recording,” he mused enthusiastically, highlighting the exciting chalenge that lies ahead.
If you’re eager to experience the joy and laughter of Oh, Mary!, make sure to grab your tickets and be part of this sensational journey, while following Austin Spero’s creative exploits along the way!
