The Broadway comedy “Oh, Mary!” will welcome a new title player. Three-time Emmy Award nominee Betty Gilpin will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln for an eight-week limited engagement from Jan. 21 through March 16, 2025. Gilpin will succeed playwright Cole Escola, who will exit the comedy at the Lyceum Theatre on Jan. 19.
Additionally, the production has scheduled another extension, with a new end date set for June 28. Initially announced as a limited run through Sept. 15, the comedy was previously extended to Nov. 10 and later to Jan. 19. The play began previews on June 26 and opened on July 11.
Gilpin is largely known for her thrice-Emmy-nominated turn as Debbie Eagan on the television series “GLOW.” Gilpin’s previous stage credits include Off-Broadway roles in “I’m Gonna Pray for You So Hard” and “Heartless.” “Oh, Mary!” will mark her Broadway debut.
“I have worshiped at the altar of Cole for years, but seeing their billion-layered brilliance in ‘Oh, Mary!’ was a new plane of demented genius I didn’t know was scientifically possible,” said Gilpin in a statement. “I am beyond honored to step in so that Cole can get back to tending their neglected passions: fracking and skincare. Diving in with the perfect Sam Pinkleton to play Mary will be one of the single greatest joys of my life, and I will say that to my two daughters’ faces.”
“I could not be more excited to see what Betty Gilpin does with the role of Mary,” added Escola. “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.”
“Oh, Mary!” envisions First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln as a frustrated former cabaret star whose husband is wrestling with deep-held secrets. Sam Pinkleton directs the comedy, which also stars Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Bianca Leigh and Tony Macht, in addition to Hannah Solow and Peter Smith. Casting is by Henry Russell Bergstein.
The production recently announced the recoupment of its $4,525,000 investment.
“Oh, Mary!” is produced by Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia.
