Tulsa Pride Spotlight: Stephen Brower and His One-Man Show, Palatable Gay Robot

Stephen Brower has been many things—a Broadway performer, a viral TikTok creator, and now, the mastermind behind Palatable Gay Robot, a one-man show that blends comedy, storytelling, and absurdity with deeply personal reflections. After taking the show to major cities like New York, LA, Edinburgh, and Toronto, Brower returns to his hometown of Tulsa for this year’s Pride Celebration, and the experience, as he puts it, is “terrifying.”

“I haven’t performed in Tulsa since high school,” Brower shares, candidly admitting the mix of nerves and anticipation that comes with stepping onto familiar ground. “I’ll probably be in a terrible mood leading up to the show. I almost always am. I’ll forget to eat, of course. But as soon as the lights go down, I’ll feel amazing.” This vulnerability is emblematic of Brower’s approach to Palatable Gay Robot, a show that explores identity, self-expression, and the roles we’re often boxed into—whether by society or ourselves. Brower hints that the show’s ending holds a special resonance for Tulsans. “There are moments—particularly the ending of the show—that are set in Tulsa. And I think it will be a really special experience.”

For those eager to catch this unique performance, Brower will be at Chimera on Saturday, October 12th at 8:30 pm. “I thought Chimera was just a cool coffee shop,” he laughs. “Turns out they have a great venue in the back.” With a runtime of 70 minutes and no intermission, he reassures fans, “If you need to get up to pee, I take no offense.” Tickets are available online, and a quick search for “Palatable Gay Tulsa Pride” will lead you right there.

Brower’s journey has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. From making his Broadway debut in Anastasia to originating a role in the short-lived musical Lempicka, his career has taken him to unexpected places. Yet, he sees Palatable Gay Robot as one of his most significant accomplishments. “Empowering, scary, fulfilling, exhausting…” he says of the show’s evolution. “It’s about taking control of your career, the way people see you, the limitations, the certain roles you’re allowed to play…these are ideas I really wanted to explore.” In many ways, Palatable Gay Robot is Brower’s response to the pressures of commodifying identity—a theme that has resonated with audiences worldwide, not just in the queer community.

As Palatable Gay Robot has toured, Brower has seen firsthand how audiences vary. “It’s always interesting to sus out whether an audience is made up of theatergoers or comedy lovers. Or neither! And they’re just there because they follow me on Instagram,” he says, reflecting on the unpredictability of live performance. Still, he expects Tulsa to be different, filled with love and support. “Too much maybe…God, I’m nervous.”

Despite the jitters, Brower’s connection to Tulsa has only grown stronger over time. “The older I get, the more I identify as a Tulsan,” he reflects. “I grew up here as a gay theater nerd. So all I wanted to do was get out…But I’ve always felt like I belong to both [Tulsa and New York City] equally.”

For those unfamiliar with Palatable Gay Robot, Brower promises an evening that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. “Lots of really funny jokes…low-brow, high-brow, super niche, and super broad. Some characters, a song, some stories,” he teases. “On the surface, the show is fun and accessible. But it will definitely leave you thinking.” A friend once described the show as a “gay fantasia,” a label that Brower embraces.

Brower’s growing presence on TikTok has also played a role in expanding his audience, though he notes the distinction between his online persona and the live show. “In many ways, my online presence is an example of being ‘palatable’ to a mass audience. Commodified queerness,” he explains. While his followers have been instrumental in taking the show on tour, the contrast between his digital fame and the in-person experience adds a “meta layer” to the performance.

After his Tulsa show, Brower has his sights set on the New York Comedy Festival, where he’ll perform Palatable Gay Robot as part of a showcase for potential investors. “Stakes couldn’t be higher,” he admits, underscoring the importance of the November 11th performance. But first, Tulsa. As Brower says, “Tulsa is our last big celebration before we buckle down and crunch some numbers.”

Catch Palatable Gay Robot in Tulsa on Saturday, October 12th at 8:30 PM at Chimera for what promises to be a heartfelt, hilarious, and thought-provoking performance. In a special twist for this hometown show, fellow Tulsa native and internet personality Hunter Harris will be making a guest appearance, adding even more excitement to the night. And don’t forget—tickets are going fast!