By Jim Silvestri of Thotyssey.com
Audrey, hello! We’re currently abandoning summer for the spooky season. Are you happy or are you a Forever Hot Summer Girl?
Hi! I’m here for the spook. Keep your humidity and hand me a pumpkin spice latte, please.
On stage, you’re known for comedy and occasional live vocals, plus a fangirling for all things Broadway, and genre geekiness! Do horror and spookiness fit into that aesthetic at all?
That aesthetic is Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horrors, so I say unequivocally yes!
These days, you are hosting Broadway Mondays at Hardware in HK (your segment is 7 pm), as well as “Hello, Gorgeous” Saturday nights at Albatross in Astoria. And you’ve made a bunch of other appearances as well. Big things are still coming, but have you had a 2025 highlight so far?
Big things are coming, and I’m so grateful for it all. Winning my first GLAM Award and celebrating the one-year milestone of the Aud Ball are my highlights, for sure!
Over the past few years, you’ve made waves while evolving into a popular nightlife event producer. What motivated you to start doing that? What’s your brand mission statement as far as events go, and what are your thoughts on the state of nightlife today?
Thank you; it’s been wildly fulfilling to create events where people feel seen — people who may not necessarily feel seen in the broader landscape of nightlife. It’s been increasingly difficult to cut your teeth in NYC, especially lately. It feels like there are thousands of nightlife performers and producers, and many of the events seem to blend together. My goal is to create space for people who wouldn’t necessarily go out to those parties, and they’re having the time of their lives. It fills me with so much joy.
One event you spearhead that’s been really popular with ticket buyers is the Aud Ball, a large cast drag tribute to a geeky theme of the moment. (Past themes included Marvel, DC and Pokémon). You will return for “the Villains Ball” on October 30th at 3 Dollar Bill. Tell us what’s in store for us!
Yes! We just had our first New York Comic Con after-party, and now we’re finishing off October with our first-ever Halloween party, the Villains Ball. The cast is incredible, and I’m excited for people to see the kind of stunts we have planned. Dare I say, it’s going to be our biggest Aud Ball yet.
Another massively popular event you produce and host is Pantheon, a multi-week competition at Icon Bar in Astoria that’s crowned some of the city’s greatest up-and-coming drag artists. This year, Pantheon runs Sundays for six weeks starting October 19, with the champion winning $1000 on November 23, in addition to other prizes! What’s it been like running Pantheon, and what might make 2025’s edition so special?
Pantheon has been a dream! It’s a long-form competition, and it’s always fun to see the contestants bond over the course of six weeks. I’ve noticed that a lot of past contestants have met their nightlife family through Pantheon. The people you keep in your life long term who always have your back. I’ve been so gagged by the application process for Season 4.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m just riding through til the end of Pantheon, but maybe an Aud Ball or two to close out the year.
If you can dream cast any role with any actor for an upcoming Marvel or DC movie, who would be the actor and role?
Sadie Sink as Jean Grey! I used to get brunch every Saturday with her mom back in 2015. Crazy to see how famous she’s become.
And finally: What is the best ever Halloween candy?
When I was a kid, there would always be that one house that gave out normal-sized candy bars. It was like hitting the jack-pot!
