Hold onto your seats, Broadway enthusiasts—Jane Krakowski is storming back to the Great White Way in the uproarious comedy 'Oh, Mary!', stepping into the spotlight as the lead starting October 14! If you're a fan of her sparkling performances on stage and screen, this news is sure to get your heart racing with excitement.
Krakowski, the Tony-winning sensation known for her versatile roles in everything from TV hits to theatrical triumphs, will embody the title character in this wild production at the Lyceum Theatre. Her stint runs right through December 7, giving audiences plenty of chances to catch her in action. For those new to Broadway lingo, think of this as her 'administration' kicking off— a fun way to say she's taking the reins of the show, much like a president settling into the Oval Office, but with way more laughs and drama.
And the excitement doesn't stop there; the ensemble is getting a fresh lineup too. Teaming up with Krakowski are Cheyenne Jackson, the charismatic star from 'Julie and the Phantoms' and various stage productions, who'll play Mary's Teacher, and Tony-nominated John-Andrew Morrison, fresh off his acclaimed work in 'A Strange Loop', stepping in as Mary's Husband. Sticking around from the current cast are Jenn Harris as Mary's Chaperone and Martin Landry as Mary's Husband's Assistant. Plus, original cast member Tony Macht will hop back in as Mary's Husband's Assistant starting November 18, adding that familiar flair.
Krakowski is following in the footsteps of understudy Hannah Solow, who stepped up for a two-week run after Jinkx Monsoon exited the role. Meanwhile, Jackson takes over from James Scully, and Morrison from Phillip James Brannon. If you're curious about Solow's journey, check out this insightful piece on her debut—it's a great read for understanding the behind-the-scenes magic of understudies in theater.
At its core, 'Oh, Mary!' is the brainchild of playwright Cole Escola, who spins a delightfully twisted tale centered on Mary Todd Lincoln during the tense weeks before Abraham Lincoln's assassination. For beginners dipping their toes into historical comedies, imagine reimagining one of America's First Ladies not as the poised figure from history books, but as a zany, booze-loving cabaret dreamer—think less somber biography and more over-the-top farce, like if 'The Crown' crashed into a vaudeville show. The press materials cheekily describe it as viewing history 'through the lens of an idiot,' which captures its irreverent, madcap vibe perfectly.
The show first dazzled audiences Off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre earlier this year, where its run got extended not once, but three times due to overwhelming demand—proof that word-of-mouth buzz can propel a production skyward. It then made the leap to Broadway last summer and has been shattering records at the Lyceum, becoming the first show in that venue's 121-year legacy to rake in over a million dollars in a single week. That's no small feat in an industry where hits are hard-won!
Come award season, 'Oh, Mary!' snagged two prestigious 2025 Tony Awards: one for Lead Actor in a Play, which went to Cole Escola himself before he bowed out in June, and another for Director of a Play to the visionary Sam Pinkleton. If you're wondering how directors handle all these cast swaps, Pinkleton's thoughts on recasting offer a fascinating peek into the creative challenges.
But here's where it gets controversial... Reimagining a real historical figure like Mary Todd Lincoln as a comedic, flawed anti-hero—does that honor her legacy or trivialize it? Some might argue it's a bold way to humanize the past, while others see it as disrespectful to serious history. What do you think—genius satire or a step too far? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if this fresh take has you rushing to buy tickets or raising an eyebrow.
Keeping things running smoothly are the understudies: Hannah Solow, Julian Manjerico, Sean Peter Forte, and Jackie Sanders, ready to jump in if needed. The creative dream team behind the scenes includes scenic designer dots for those eye-popping sets, costume designer Holly Pierson crafting the era's quirky looks, lighting designer Cha See illuminating the chaos, composer and co-sound designer Daniel Kluger bringing musical flair, co-sound designer Drew Levy handling the audio magic, wig designer Leah J. Loukas for those iconic hairstyles, and music arranger David Dabbon tying it all together. Casting wizard Henry Russell Bergstein assembled this stellar group, with Bryan Bauer as production stage manager and Ryan Patrick Kane as assistant stage manager ensuring every night goes off without a hitch.
Ready to dive into the hilarity? Head over to OhMaryPlay.com for tickets and more details. And this is the part most people miss: shows like this remind us why Broadway endures—it's all about bold storytelling that sparks joy, debate, and unforgettable nights out. What's your take on Krakowski's return—thrilled, or waiting to see how she channels this eccentric Mary? Share below!
