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"OH, MARY!" PLAY EXTENDS RUN WITH NEW LEAD STEPPING IN FOR COLE ESCOLA


By Buddy Blouin

The circumstances surrounding both President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln provide plenty of room to take creative liberties and craft a story. If you’re looking for the most historically accurate depiction of one of our nation’s most famous First Ladies, look elsewhere. However, Oh, Mary! is a play that delivers a fun ride using the period leading up to the Lincoln assassination as a backdrop. Since premiering on February 8, 2024, the Mary Todd Lincoln play has taken the world by storm, but now, its leading actor and creator, Cole Escola, is leaving the production. Stepping in to take his place is Emmy-nominated actress Betty Gilpin.

How Long Is the Oh Mary Play?

Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy based on Mary Todd Lincoln’s internal struggles and the events leading up to her husband’s assassination. Cole Escola’s play has an 80-minute run time.

Directed by Sam Pinkleton, Oh Mary! is a hilariously exaggerated, historically inaccurate portrayal of Mary Todd, as she longs to move away from her responsibilities as the nation’s First Lady and instead works to become a cabaret star.

The production depicts Mary as a beard, playing off of the often debated sexuality of Abraham Lincoln, as he deals with the Civil War and she enjoys a belligerent, drunken social life.

Set just before Lincoln’s assassination at Ford’s Theatre during Our American Cousin, the satirical show dives into themes of ambition, identity, loneliness, and escape by putting the personal struggles of historical figures on full display.

Creator and Star Cole Escola Exits the Production

He created it, wrote it, and starred in it; however, Cole Escola is leaving his hit Broadway play, Oh Mary!

But fear not Mary Todd Lincoln fans, as the leading role will be in good hands. Taking on the task is Emmy Award-nominated actor Betty Gilpin, known for her role on GLOW as Debbie "Liberty Belle" Eagan.

“I could not be more excited to see what Betty Gilpin does with the role of Mary. She’s a brilliant comedic actress who understands the heart of this character and knows the serious business of being a fool. I promise you won’t want to miss Betty as Mary,” said Escola.

Gilpin will began gracing the role on January 21, 2025, She is set to perform for an eight-week limited engagement through March 16.

Where Is Oh Mary Playing?

Cole Escola’s time as Mary Todd Lincoln has come to an end; however, you can catch the play at Broadway’s Lyceum Theater.

Since opening at the off-broadway Lucille Lortel Theater, it moved to Broadway in July after months of sellouts, breaking its box office record 10 times, and becoming the first production to ever make more than $1 million in a week at the Lyceum.

Of the 2024-2025 Broadway season, it’s the first play that has made its entire production cost back and continues to inspire rave reviews.

If you’re looking to get tickets, you can buy them or enter the Oh Mary! ticket lottery online by clicking the link.

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