Tony Awards watch party honors local nominee

A Tony Awards Watch Party is set for Sunday, June 8, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center’s Ballroom to cheer on Cole Escola, the author and star of the Broadway hit, “Oh, Mary!” The show has been nominated for five Tony Awards this year.

Raised in Clatskanie as part of a multi-generational local family, Cole has been pursuing a stage, television, and film career in New York for the past two decades. Cole’s dark comedy, “Oh, Mary,” which main character is a fictionalized Mary Todd Lincoln, played successfully off-Broadway, and was moved to Broadway’s Lyceum theater last year, where it has enjoyed sell-out audiences and wide acclaim. According to Cole’s mom, Chris, the actor performed in several plays at Longview’s Columbia Theater.

Cole is nominated for the Tony awards for best actor in a leading role and best original play. Conrad Ricamora, who portrays Lincoln, is nominated for best performance by an actor in a featured role; director Sam Pinkleton is nominated for best director, and Holly Pierson for best costume design.

“I am incredibly happy for them and as proud as any mother could be, but I am not surprised by their accomplishments,” said Chris. “As soon as Cole could walk and talk, they began performing. Their passion and determination got them where they are today.”

The public is invited to the watch party at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 S. Nehalem Street. Reservations may be made by emailing clatskanieculturalcenter@gmail.com. Admission is $15 and includes light refreshments. A no-host bar will be available. The event is a fundraiser to restore the marquee on the historic building.

For more info, email clatskanieculturalcenter@gmail.com.