The Lyceum Theatre in New York City is currently hosting the dark comedy Oh, Mary!, starring Tony Award winner John Cameron Mitchell and film actor Simu Liu. Liu, known for his roles in Barbie and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, makes his Broadway debut as Mary Todd Lincoln’s devoted, yet confused, acting teacher. Mitchell portrays the former First Lady herself in this energetic new take on her life.
The production captures the attention of theatergoers and critics alike, as it delves into the complex life of Mary Todd Lincoln during the weeks leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Simu Liu’s involvement offers a fresh face to Broadway’s vibrant community, fulfilling a longstanding personal dream for the actor.
The Dynamic Between Mary Todd Lincoln and Her Acting Teacher
In Oh, Mary!, John Cameron Mitchell embodies the cabaret-loving Mary Todd Lincoln, while Simu Liu plays her acting instructor, who is deeply committed to his craft yet increasingly tangled in Mary’s turbulent existence. Liu described his character with a hint of mystery:
“I think that he’s there to give Mary Todd…can we say acting lessons? He takes his craft very seriously. And he gets caught up in Mary Todd Lincoln’s life. And I think I’ve said a little too much.”
Both performers have found a compelling chemistry on stage, allowing the comedy to evolve nightly. Liu remarked,
“It’s great to just trust that you know the words so that you can be fully present in the moment. It’s quite fun just doing it a little different every night and getting to experience the surprises that come up organically.”
This flexibility is not only enjoyable for the actors but appreciated by audiences, as each performance brings fresh moments of spontaneous humor.
From Downtown Roots to Broadway Spotlight: The Creative Partnership of John Cameron Mitchell and Cole Escola
John Cameron Mitchell has admired Cole Escola’s work for many years. The playwright and performer — known for their punk, queer, and unconventional style — created Oh, Mary! as a bold homage to Mary Todd Lincoln’s forgotten story. Mitchell spoke extensively about his introduction to Escola’s work, sharing,
“It was Cole’s show — Jeffery and Cole Casserole [2009] — where I was like, What the hell is this? It seemed like the kind of thing you wanted to see on TV: It was kind of punk, it was queer, and strange.”
Reflecting on the evolution of Escola’s performances and style, Mitchell lauded their creative growth from cabaret to film and beyond. The success of Oh, Mary! on Broadway represents a transition from downtown experimental work to a larger stage, providing much-needed laughter and connection for audiences in challenging times.
Mitchell described the approach as “the science of comedy,” emphasizing the careful balance between improvisation and preserving the play’s core structure to keep the energy fresh without disrupting what works.
Simu Liu’s Journey to Broadway and Role Selection
Simu Liu’s journey to Broadway was inspired by a longtime desire to be part of the theater world. His agent at CAA, Kevin Lin, encouraged him to see Oh, Mary!, leading Liu to realize,
“Not only must I be in Oh, Mary!, I must play Mary’s Teacher! To me it felt like the most surprising and fun role there was for an actor like me.”
Liu appreciates the supportive atmosphere of the Broadway community, contrasting it with his experiences in Los Angeles.
“I just feel this overwhelming warmth and support from the theater community. I feel genuine caring and love for one another existing in their own truth. It’s a community that’s enveloped me. And it’s the most fun I’ve had professionally in a really long time,”
he said.
The Ensemble Cast Bringing Oh, Mary! to Life
Alongside Mitchell and Liu, the cast includes John-Andrew Morrison as Mary’s Husband, Jenn Harris as Mary’s Chaperone, and Tony Macht as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant. This ensemble contributes to the dynamic storytelling in the one-act, 80-minute play, each adding depth to the historical yet darkly comedic narrative.
John Cameron Mitchell will perform as Mary Todd Lincoln through April 26, while Simu Liu is set to appear as Mary’s Teacher through April 21. Their tenure promises a powerful portrayal that explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of the characters.
The Intricate Craft Behind Oh, Mary! on Broadway
The creative force behind Oh, Mary! includes playwright Cole Escola and director Sam Pinkleton, whose collaborative vision shapes the tone and pacing of the production. The design team features dots for scenic design, Holly Pierson on costumes, Cha See for lighting, with sound by Daniel Kluger and Drew Levy. Additional creative contributions come from Leah J. Loukas (wig design), Daniel Kluger (music), David Dabbon (musical arrangements), John C. Moore (production stage management), and Henry Russell Bergstein, CSA (casting).
With this highly skilled team, the production’s visual and auditory elements support its nuanced storytelling, enriching the audience’s immersion into Mary Todd Lincoln’s world.
Understanding the Storyline and Impact of Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary! presents a dark comedic examination of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life during a harrowing period defined by loss, loneliness, and internal conflict. Set shortly before Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the play reveals Mary’s struggles with unfulfilled desires, alcohol dependency, and societal pressure. Through Cole Escola’s unique lens—as an intentionally “idiotic” playwright—the show revisits a chapter of history often overlooked.
The New York Times praised the play as
“one of the best comedies in years,”
recognizing its bold originality and sharp wit. This overwhelming acclaim is further demonstrated by its Tony Awards for Best Leading Actor in a Play (Cole Escola) and Best Direction of a Play (Sam Pinkleton), Drama League Awards, and a special citation from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. Additionally, it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Live Theater’s Ever-Evolving Nature Reflected in Oh, Mary!
The cast frequently discovers new spontaneous comic moments during performances, enriching each show’s uniqueness. Simu Liu recalled a memorable instance shared with John Cameron Mitchell just before going on stage:
“Two nights ago before our places call, John said to me,
I’m going to try something tonight and I’m not going to tell you what it is.
And then when it happened on stage, I almost lost it. It was so funny. We are discovering moments every single day.”
Mitchell echoed this sentiment, describing their experimentation with the show’s “chemistry” as a way to enhance the humor without undermining the original script.
The Cultural Significance and Future of Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary! revitalizes the story of a historical figure through a contemporary queer artistic perspective, blending sharp comedy with poignant exploration of mental health and stigmatization. John Cameron Mitchell highlighted Mary’s adaptability as a character, noting that performers such as Jinkx Monsoon and Mason Alexander Park have portrayed her in different contexts, and acclaimed comic Catherine Tate is set to star in the London production.
Mitchell expressed excitement about the show’s future, envisioning a playful gathering where every actor who has played Mary and Mary’s Teacher shares the stage simultaneously. This openness speaks to the play’s evolving legacy and its place alongside enduring classics like Hello, Dolly!
As it progresses through its run at the Lyceum Theatre, Oh, Mary! invites audiences to laugh at and reflect on the complexities of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life, while spotlighting fresh talent like Simu Liu in the heart of Broadway’s thriving community.
The Unique Portraits Celebrating the Cast’s Characters
The portraits of the Oh, Mary! cast have captured the essence of the production’s dark humor and emotional depth. John Cameron Mitchell described the mood these portraits convey:
“People didn’t smile a lot back then, and Mary didn’t have a lot to smile about. Jinkx is very much like I’m about to pass out. Cole’s is I smelled something bad. Mine is What am I doing here? I love that feeling. So I thought my Mary should be looking into the abyss.”
Simu Liu shared the pride of seeing his name featured prominently on the promotional materials:
Finally, my name on a poster!
His comment reflects the fulfillment of a dream to be part of Broadway, marking a significant milestone in his career.
