As the show approaches, Mulvaney has been focusing on her health. She has cut back on drinking, prioritized rest, and cheerfully mentions, “Girl, I’ve been munching,” particularly enjoying pizza. The performance is quite strenuous; at one exhilarating point, she actually runs on a vivid pink treadmill. “I’ve never been one for workouts, but I wanted the audience to witness the fatigue of someone who’s always trying to accommodate others,” she shares.
Just hours prior to the show, Mulvaney makes her way to the theater to rehearse lines, discuss notes with Jackson, and apply her makeup. When the doors finally open, she’s all set to welcome the crowd, gracefully weaving through the aisles in a sleek white halter dress paired with white go-go boots and Styrofoam wings crafted by Enver Chakartash, assisting guests to their seats while snapping selfies before the performance kicks off. This routine helps establish a warm atmosphere for the evening. “It allows them to relax, and we have already forged a connection, so I can lead them through this experience,” Mulvaney explains.
Opening night sees the Lucille Lortel packed with Mulvaney’s family and friends, including notable figures like Marc Jacobs, Julia Fox, Ben Platt, Noah Gavin, Kiernan Shipka, and Mary-Beth Barone. After she bows, the festivities continue at Madame X lounge in Greenwich Village, where attendees gather, dance, and enjoy an array of specialty cocktails (such as the “Angel 666,” “Problematic,” and “Twink”) under the soft red lighting. A large quantity of pizza from Two Boots is also available.
Upstairs at the lounge, Mulvaney’s father lounges on a couch, proudly wearing a shirt that reads The Least Problematic Dad in the World. “I cried,” he shares. “Dylan is my best friend.” He had traveled for the event, bringing along a Ziploc of homemade cookies to share with the guests.
As Mulvaney walks into Madame X, her face lights up, grateful for the supportive community she’s cultivated around her. Reflecting on her previous day’s sentiments, she expresses her excitement for the opportunity to share her narrative on her own terms: “This is my favorite version of life.”
Photo: Andy Henderson
Ingrid Michaelson
