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Behind the Curtain: An Interview with Oscar at The Crown star Mark Mauriello
- Harry Brogan
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
In this behind the curtain interview we speak to Mark Mauriello star of Oscar at the Crown currently playing at The Crown in London.
Firstly could you introduce yourself and tell us what Oscar at the Crown is
about?
I'm Mark Mauriello and I'm from New York City, baby!! (Well... Brooklyn because I'm cool.) I created the concept for OSCAR at The Crown, wrote the book, and I play Oscar. OSCAR is a 360 nightclub experience that is also a musical. The story takes place in a near future, where a group of exiles are hiding from a fascist government in a secret underground bunker and putting on a musical about Oscar Wilde and reality television. I play their cult leader.
Could you tell us a little about your character and what would you say is one
thing you love about them?
Oscar is so much fun to play. And exhausting. At the top of the night he is the life of the party and the undisputed leader of the world he's created, and by the end he is (SPOILERS HONEY) left completely vulnerable and just beginning to pick up the pieces of a shattered identity. I get to say a bunch of jokes I wrote for myself and sing songs my best friend has been writing for me over the past ten years. I feel incredibly lucky. There aren't a lot of parts for performers like me. I've spent years being told that my speaking voice is too high and I need to "ground myself in the floor" more (code for: be less queer), and in this show I get to be the fullest version of myself and show the audience all of who I am and what I can do.
The show has played in Edinburgh and also across the pond in New York and you have been in the show before. What does this London Premiere have to offer from its New York and Edinburgh staging?
This London Premiere is an absolute thrill for many reasons, but most of all because our intrepid producers and creative team have actually built The Crown. This time, unlike any previous production, we won't be inviting audiences into an existing nightclub where we're performing a show. They are coming over to our house. The venue is the setting. Not only does this allow audience members to be completely transported to our little dystopian bunker where we rave all night and have nothing but fun (until we don't), but it also means that we have so many more opportunities to build a community around our show -- because that's what it's really about. Being able to have our own club in London and throw our own parties every night after the performance is an absolute dream. When you come to OSCAR, you aren't just buying a ticket to watch a show. It truly is an invitation to an all-night affair, and I've so enjoyed getting to meet London in this way. I don't drink, but I'll do pretty much anything else!
The show is performing in its own purpose built building, can you expand more on this and tell us what should we expect when visiting ‘The Crown’ and how does the actual show use the space?
At OSCAR, the show unfolds all around and with you. We're riding through the audience on moving platforms. We're climbing up the walls. We're talking to you and dancing with you. But! You don't have to participate or do anything you don't want to do. One of my favourite things about the show is that you can enjoy it in whatever way you want. If you want to be right up in the action in the centre of the dance floor with the singers right in your face and the dancers sweating all over you -- you can! But if you want to hang by the bar and be at the party from the outskirts, you can do that, too. And, yes, you can even buy a ticket that gives you a place to sit down. One of the guiding principles of the show is that any audience member should feel free to come and be a part of the experience however feels right for them.
How would you describe the book and music?
The book is hilarious and moving and written by a talented rock sex god who is as bold as he is clever. And he's single. The music is completely unlike any other score for any musical that's come before. I actually mean it. This is a score of unbelievable, pulsing club pop bangers with truly jaw-dropping vocals. These singers are putting their whole into this. And the songs aren't simple. There are incredibly intricate harmony lines and lyrics adapted directly from the poetry of Oscar Wilde. It's deceptively dense. And it's high. And yet, the songs wash over you and move you like true dance pop hits. Andrew is an absolute mad genius. Go on Spotify now and listen to the song "Julie." You're welcome.
The show allows audience members to film and take photos throughout, what
does this add to the audience experience and also your own performance?
OSCARÂ is an experience so much more like being at a pop show or a nightclub than it is a traditional West End musical. We want you to be able to participate, to capture and share the memories of your night, and to do a ton of great free marketing for us. Thank you!
Described as a ‘dystopian musical’ what should audiences expect from the show?
They should expect to have a good f***ing time.
Who should come and see this show and why?
It's been so fun to see the wide array of audience members who connect with the show. We always say that it's an event that a musical theatre lover can come to and feel like they had a rad night out at a hot club, just as much as it is something a nightlife club kid can come to and feel like they saw a new musical with a captivating story. And even beyond that, it's a show for anyone who has ever felt othered in any way. Anyone who has felt like an outsider. Like they've been told they don't belong or deserve to live their fullest most beautiful life. Come to OSCAR at The Crown and be at home with us. It's where you belong.
What is your favourite part of the show?
My favourite part of the show is all of the individual audience members I get to connect with throughout the night. I literally make a ton of new best friends every night, and we have a blast together. I love this style of performing. I love being able to sing and speak directly to the audience. I love being able to talk with them, to share jokes, and to know they are right with us along this fever dream of a show.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words?
Your new favourite.
Oscar at The Crown is playing at The Crown, London until 31st August