Who knew Mary Todd Lincoln could be so funny? The first lady is the subject of Broadway's most hilarious new play- Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).
Escola originate dthe title role in the production, which is directed by Sam Pinkleton. The cast also inlcudes, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Bianca Leigh, and Tony Macht.
The play arrives on Broadway following a sold out, twice extended world premiere run at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The limited engagement, originally scheduled to close in September 2024.
Escola dons the iconic bratty curls through January 19, and Emmy nominee Betty Gilpin stars as Mary Todd Lincoln beginning January 21 through March 16.
A ribald cartoon more hysterical than historical, Oh, Mary! sheds unexpected light upon the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and represents the latest generation of gender bent comical entertainment known as camp. Elder viewers reared on the comparatively subtle writing and performance style of Charles Busch are likely to find Escola’s slapdash artistry crude, but there’s no denying he snags laughs.
Together with James Scully as Mary’s handsome drama teacher, Bianca Leigh as Mary’s long-suffering chaperone, and Tony Macht as Abe’s extremely pliant assistant, the entire ensemble elevates very silly jokes into a work of art that keeps you riveted from start to finish. Suffice it to say that when the lights went up after the curtain call, my guest and I agreed we had literally laughed until our faces hurt.
2024 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway Premiere Production Off-Broadway |
2024 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play | Conrad Ricamora |
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