“Oh, Mary!” has announced two new principal performers. Phillip James Brannon will take over the role of Mary’s Husband and Chris Renfro will step into the role of Mary’s Teacher on Jan. 21, 2025 at the Lyceum Theatre. The duo will succeed Conrad Ricamora and James Scully, respectively, who will exit the production on Jan. 19.
Brannon has appeared on Broadway in 2017’s “Junk” and the 2022 revival of “Macbeth.” Brannon’s Off-Broadway credits include appearances in “The Fires,” “Toni Stone” and “Bootycandy.”
“Oh, Mary!” will mark the Broadway debut of Renfro, who is a frequent performer and director with Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. A co-host of the podcast “One of Us with Fin and Chris,” Refro has appeared on television on “The L Word,” “Tom Swift” and “Reno 911.”
Brannon and Renfro will appear alongside original company members Bianca Leigh as Mary’s Chaperone and Tony Macht as Mary’s Husband Assistant. As previously announced, Betty Gilpin will also join the production, as Mary Todd Lincoln, on Jan. 19, taking over for original star and playwright Cole Escola.
“Oh, Mary!” chronicles the zany antics of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to the assassination of her husband, Abraham Lincoln. Among Mary’s numerous desires is a place in the spotlight, having reluctantly given up her career as a mid-1800s cabaret star upon her marriage to Lincoln.
Following previews that began on June 26, the Sam Pinkleton-directed comedy opened on July 11. The production was originally scheduled to play a limited engagement through Sept. 15 but has since extended three times, most recently through June 28, 2025. “Oh, Mary!” announced recoupment of its $4.5 million investment in November. Broadway Licensing Global recently acquired the play’s licensing rights.
“Oh, Mary!” is produced by Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia.
