Oh, Mary! is an irreverent, critically acclaimed dark comedy play written by and starring Cole Escola that presents a wildly ahistorical, absurd reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Operating as an unfiltered farce, the offbeat theatrical production portrays the First Lady as a cabaret-obsessed, vodka-dependent wreck desperate to revive her failed career as a famous stage performer while her unhappily married husband grapples with the American Civil War and his own repressed desires. After a wildly successful, extended premiere at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Off-Broadway, the show transferred to Broadway's Lyceum Theatre in July 2024, becoming one of the most talked-about breakout hits in recent New York theatre history. Directed by Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! subverts historical drama traditions through physical comedy, sharp camp satire, and deliberate absurdity. Daniel Kluger contributed original music and sound design to heighten the play's unique vaudevillian tone, complementing a fast-paced 80-minute performance that has drawn widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. By reframing a iconic historical figure through an intentionally ridiculous lens, the play established Cole Escola as a major force in contemporary American playwriting, earning box office records, high-profile celebrity attendance, and West End and national tour expansions.
Every review here is from a Theatreview member who saw the show. How our ratings work
Have been entering the lottery to see this for WEEKS and never won so finally bit the bullet and bought a ticket. Meg Stalter is everything
Was very unsure at first but eventually settled into it. Georgie Lagden (swing) as Mary!
show is clever and brilliant. megans voice was in bad shape and took us out of it.
hysterical.
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 one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola).
Dec 18, 2025 – Present
CurrentJul 11, 2024 – Present
CurrentOh, Mary! runs for approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.
No, Oh, Mary! plays continuously for 80 minutes without an intermission.
Oh, Mary! is recommended for ages 13 and up due to adult themes, alcohol references, and sexual humor. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Oh, Mary! is a fast-paced comedy play with original music, written by and starring comedian Cole Escola, rather than a traditional musical.
Oh, Mary! was written by comedian and actor Cole Escola, who also originated the leading role of Mary Todd Lincoln on Off-Broadway and Broadway.
No, Oh, Mary! is a satirical farce that intentionally abandons historical accuracy to present an absurd, comedic reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln's personality and private life.
London, New York, plus touring productions.