Country singer and queer icon Orville Peck is taking Broadway by storm — and his latest social media post has sent the internet into a frenzy.
Peck, 36, who is currently starring as the Emcee in the acclaimed Broadway revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos on Sunday, May 4, documenting his experience on the Great White Way. Among the charming candids of castmates and ensemble members, one photo in particular caught the internet’s attention — a mirror selfie of Peck seated in a chair, legs spread wide in a bold display of manspreading.
The provocative pose, which highlights his muscular frame and cowboy-turned-cabaret aesthetic, has quickly gone viral across LGBTQ+ Twitter, Threads, and Instagram. Fans and celebrities alike flooded the comment sections with humorous, flirty, and thirsty responses.
Social Media Reacts: “The Gays Are Spiraling”
Peck’s post, which included cast selfies and moments with Cabaret co-stars such as RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Marcia Marcia Marcia (a.k.a. Marty Lauter), took an unexpected turn when fans stumbled upon the now-infamous selfie. Shirtless, seated, and fully embracing his cowboy-meets-Broadway energy, Peck gave followers an unfiltered peek behind the curtain — and they were more than ready for it.
The internet’s response was immediate.
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“Now Orville!!!” wrote Drag Race star Heidi N Closet. Model and actor Max Emerson chimed in with, “Ur lookin great dad.” Queer adult performer Derek Kage commented simply, “Trapped,” while artist Lana Ja’Rae reacted with a biting lip emoji. Musician John Lagucki wrote, “Well shoot.”
Other users had fun with the dressing-room setting. “Orville! The dressing room boxers,” joked actor Jordan Wayne. Comedian Zach Zucker asked, “Oh shiiit are you popcorn guy???” Meanwhile, singer Brittney Spencer summed up the sentiment of many: “I know a baddie when I see one.”
The image, playful yet confidently unbothered, has only amplified Peck’s reputation as a boundary-pushing queer performer — one who balances theatricality with unshakable authenticity.
A Broadway Debut Worth Celebrating
While fans swooned over the viral photo, others applauded the moment as a celebration of Peck’s flourishing career. Known for his mysterious masked persona, rich baritone vocals, and blending of country and queer aesthetics, Peck is no stranger to commanding a stage — but Cabaret marks his first major theatrical role.
Peck stepped into the iconic role of the Emcee — a character made legendary by Joel Grey and, more recently, Alan Cumming — for a limited run through July 20, 2025. The production, staged at the newly renovated Kit Kat Club at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, is an immersive reimagining of the classic musical, which follows a decadent Berlin nightclub during the rise of Nazi Germany.
In taking on the Emcee, Peck brings his unique voice, both literal and cultural, to a part known for its blend of humor, horror, and queerness. Critics and fans alike have praised his performance for its magnetic presence and emotional range.
“I feel like this role was written for Orville,” one audience member shared on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s mesmerizing — the costume, the voice, the energy. Broadway was waiting for this.”
Peck himself has documented the experience with evident joy, regularly posting updates and backstage photos with castmates and crew. His camaraderie with Drag Race alum Marcia Marcia Marcia has especially delighted fans, further emphasizing the production’s connection to queer culture and community.
Country Star, Queer Trailblazer
Orville Peck has never been one to conform. Bursting onto the music scene with his debut album Pony in 2019, the South African–born artist carved a niche for himself in country music with a distinct sound and a signature fringed mask. His follow-up, Bronco, solidified his place as both a country crooner and a queer icon in a genre long criticized for its lack of inclusivity.
By unapologetically weaving queer themes into traditionally masculine and rural Americana aesthetics, Peck has become a symbol of defiance, beauty, and queer joy — a narrative he now brings to life on the Broadway stage.
His transition into musical theater feels both surprising and inevitable. The role of the Emcee — gender-fluid, anarchic, seductive — aligns perfectly with Peck’s on-stage persona, making his debut feel less like a detour and more like a natural evolution.
From Viral Thirst Trap to Theatrical Triumph
Though Peck’s viral manspreading selfie has drawn attention for its cheeky energy, it’s also symbolic of something deeper: the confidence of a queer artist who knows exactly who he is and isn’t afraid to show it. It’s theatrical, provocative, and — above all — fun.
For fans looking to catch Peck in action, tickets for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club are available through the show’s official website. His run continues through July 20, 2025, and based on audience reactions so far, it’s a performance not to be missed.
As one commenter quipped beneath the viral photo: “The Emcee has arrived — and he brought the thighs.”
