If you’re looking for a Broadway show that’s equal parts hilarious, irreverent, and unforgettable, Oh, Mary! by Cole Escola is the ticket to grab in 2025. This comedic masterpiece, which has taken the theater world by storm, reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a boozy, cabaret-obsessed diva, delivering non-stop laughs and a fresh take on American history. With its sold-out runs, critical acclaim, and a 2025 Tony Award for Escola, Oh, Mary! is a cultural phenomenon you won’t want to miss. Here’s why this Broadway hit is a must-see this year.
What Is Oh, Mary! About?
Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy written by and starring Cole Escola, set in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. The play tosses historical accuracy out the window, portraying Mary Todd Lincoln as a manic, alcoholic aspiring cabaret star trapped in the White House. While the Civil War rages on, Mary is oblivious, focused solely on her dream of performing “short legs and long medleys” on stage. Her husband, Abraham Lincoln (played by Conrad Ricamora), is depicted as a frustrated figure juggling the war and his wife’s chaos, while other characters—like Mary’s acting teacher (James Scully) and chaperone (Bianca Leigh)—add to the absurdity.
The 80-minute, one-act play is a wild, queer romp filled with slapstick humor, campy dialogue, and unexpected plot twists. It’s less about historical facts and more about delivering gut-busting laughs through Escola’s razor-sharp wit and larger-than-life performance. Critics have called it “the funniest Broadway play in years” and a “stupid masterpiece,” blending silliness with surprising emotional depth.
Who Is Cole Escola?
Cole Escola is a nonbinary comedian, actor, and writer who has become Broadway’s breakout star of 2024-2025. Known for their work in downtown cabaret and TV shows like Search Party, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Difficult People, Escola has built a cult following with their sharp humor and gender-bending performances. Oh, Mary! marks their Broadway debut as both playwright and star, earning them a 2025 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play—the first nonbinary performer to win in this category.
Escola’s unique comedic style, honed through YouTube sketches and alt-cabaret, shines in Oh, Mary!. Their portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln is a chaotic blend of Carol Burnett’s physical comedy and Charles Busch’s campy flair, making every moment on stage a masterclass in hilarity.
Why Oh, Mary! Is a Broadway Sensation
Since its Off-Broadway premiere at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in February 2024, Oh, Mary! has been a runaway hit. After a sold-out, twice-extended run, it transferred to Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre, opening on July 11, 2024. The show made history as the first in the theater’s 121-year run to gross over $1 million in a single week, breaking its own box office record 11 times.
Here’s why Oh, Mary! stands out:
- Hilarious and Irreverent Humor: Critics rave about its “dizzyingly, breathtakingly funny” moments, with audiences laughing so hard they’re left in tears. The play’s campy, queer sensibility and absurd take on history make it a refreshing departure from traditional Broadway fare.
- Cole Escola’s Star Power: Escola’s performance is a tour-de-force, blending physical comedy, impeccable timing, and a magnetic stage presence. Their Tony win solidifies their status as a Broadway icon.
- Stellar Cast and Direction: Directed by Sam Pinkleton, the ensemble—including Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Bianca Leigh, and Tony Macht—delivers pitch-perfect performances. The chemistry among the cast elevates the comedy to new heights.
- Unique Design: The production’s deliberately low-budget aesthetic, with sets by dots and costumes by Holly Pierson, adds to the charm. Mary’s iconic black moire dress and bouncy curls (designed by Leah J. Loukas) are both absurd and functional, enhancing Escola’s physical comedy.
- Cultural Impact: Oh, Mary! has drawn A-list fans like Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Aniston, and Steven Spielberg, cementing its status as a must-see event. Its queer perspective and celebration of self-actualization resonate widely.
The show’s run has been extended multiple times, now playing through September 28, 2025, with tickets in high demand.
What Critics Are Saying
Oh, Mary! has earned universal praise for its bold humor and sharp execution. Here’s a snapshot of reviews:
- Time Out New York: “Cole Escola’s gleefully irreverent comedy is the funniest play in years… a fast and wild joy ride.”
- The New York Times: “One of the best crafted and most exactingly directed Broadway comedies in years.”
- Variety: “A broad, wildly funny comedy that spits in the face of American history… smarter than it looks.”
- The Guardian: “A gloriously deranged historical romp… Escola’s comic timing is perfection.”
- TheaterMania: “The funniest comedy on Broadway right now… Escola gives it to the audience good and hard.”
The play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and won two 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New American Play and Lead Performer for Escola.
2025 Cast Updates: Cole Escola’s Return and More
Cole Escola returns to the role of Mary Todd Lincoln starting April 8, 2025, joined by original cast members Conrad Ricamora and James Scully, reuniting the full original ensemble just in time for Tony voting season. Escola plays through June 21, 2025, before Tituss Burgess takes over for a six-week encore engagement from June 23 to August 2. Betty Gilpin has also starred as Mary, earning praise for her take on the role.
This rotating cast keeps the show fresh, with each actor bringing their own flair to the chaotic Mary. Burgess, known for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, adds his signature vocal power and physicality, making his limited run a hot ticket.
Why You Should See Oh, Mary! in 2025
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Performance: Whether it’s Escola, Burgess, or another star, the role of Mary Todd Lincoln is a showcase of comedic brilliance.
- Perfect for Comedy Lovers: Fans of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, or campy classics will adore the show’s irreverent humor.
- A Queer Celebration: Oh, Mary! offers a bold, inclusive perspective, making it a standout in Broadway’s lineup.
- Limited Run: With the show extended through September 2025, now’s the time to secure tickets before it closes.
- Affordable Options: Check for rush, lottery, or standing-room-only tickets through Playbill or the Lyceum Theatre box office.
How to Get Tickets
Oh, Mary! is playing at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street, New York, NY). Tickets are available through June 28, 2025, with sales extended to September 28, 2025. Visit OhMaryPlay.com or platforms like Ticketmaster for purchasing options. Prices vary, but expect high demand due to the show’s popularity. For budget-friendly seats, look into rush or lottery policies listed on Playbill.
Final Thoughts
Oh, Mary! is more than a Broadway show—it’s a cultural moment. Cole Escola’s riotous comedy has redefined what a historical play can be, blending absurdity, heart, and queer joy into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a theater buff or just craving a night of laughter, this is the show to see in 2025. Don’t wait—grab your tickets and get ready to laugh until your face hurts.
Have you seen Oh, Mary! or plan to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
