A Red-Carpet Star Is Born

Cole Escola, the actor and playwright, stood before a mirror at a pastel-colored studio in Manhattan’s garment district, holding a spray of white satin flowers in one hand.

“The calla lilies are in bloom again,” Escola said, quoting a Katharine Hepburn line from the film “Stage Door.” The actor delivered it in Ms. Hepburn’s signature mid-Atlantic accent.

It was the last day of June — the day of the New York City Pride March — and Escola was at the studio of Jackson Wiederhoeft, the designer of the brand Wiederhoeft, for a fitting before a red-carpet appearance: the Broadway premiere of “Oh, Mary!,” a comedic play written by and starring Escola, on Thursday.

In the show, Escola plays a fictionalized version of the former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, portraying her as an alcoholic and an aspiring cabaret performer desperate to flee the White House and her husband. After it premiered Off Broadway in February, “Oh, Mary!” received a groundswell of raves from critics, generating buzz loud enough for it to twice extend its Off Broadway run before being brought to Broadway this summer.

The play’s glowing reception has made Escola an overnight sensation, 17 years after taking up acting. Previously, the actor had been known for YouTube skits and supporting roles on TV shows like “Search Party” and “At Home With Amy Sedaris.”

Escola’s newfound stardom has meant adjusting to certain trappings of fame, like being invited to late-night talk shows, awards shows and red-carpet events — and receiving the wardrobe scrutiny that comes with such public appearances.