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.
They protest too much. “Oh, Mary!” may be silly, campy, even pointless, but “stupid,” I think not. Rather, the play, which opened on Thursday at the Lyceum Theater, is one of the best crafted and most exactingly directed Broadway comedies in years. Which is a surprise on many levels, and on each level a gift.
The script, and the direction of Sam Pinkleton (erstwhile choreographer of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812), start things off at too high a level that eventually leads to some lulls. And Mary’s character arc, while necessarily schizophrenic, could be laid out more cleanly. But with this many laughs and surprises at every juncture, who can be bothered to carp? Does the show merit multiple viewings during its limited run? And is there more than enough room and incentive for a sequel? Oh, Mary, don’t ask.
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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