Broadway’s ‘Oh, Mary!’ Welcomes New Leading Lady: Betty Gilpin to Take Over Role
The acclaimed Broadway hit "Oh, Mary!" is set to welcome a new cast member as the titular character. In January, the hilarious, critically lauded comedy will see "Glow" star Betty Gilpin step into the shoes of Mary Todd Lincoln for a limited eight-week engagement. Gilpin, known for her versatility and comedic timing, is making her Broadway debut with this highly anticipated role.
The switch comes as current star and writer Cole Escola prepares to step back from the production after a successful run. Escola, who has garnered significant acclaim for their portrayal of an unconventional, alcoholic Mary Todd Lincoln, expressed excitement about Gilpin taking on the character.
"I have worshiped at the altar of Cole for years,” Gilpin shared, "but seeing their billion layered brilliance in ‘Oh, Mary!’ was a new plane of demented genius I didn’t know was scientifically possible. 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."
"Could not be more excited to see what Betty Gilpin does with the role of Mary," Escola said in response. “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.”
Gilpin’s run, set to begin on January 21, 2025, and extend through March 16, 2025, follows a recent announcement that "Oh, Mary!" will be extending its run through June 28, 2025.
The anthracite-black comedy has taken Broadway by storm since its opening at the Lyceum Theatre in July. The hilarious reimagining of the Lincoln story – portraying Mary Todd Lincoln as a disillusioned former cabaret performer entangled with notoriety and personal demons – has captivated audiences and critics alike. "Oh, Mary!" has consistently ranked among the top earners on Broadway and became the first show of the season to recoup its investment.
The production, directed by Sam Pinkleton, has received universal praise for Escola’s dynamic performance, the play’s witty writing, and the talented supporting cast, which includes Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, Bianca Leigh, and Tony Macht.
It remains to be seen who will take on the challenge of portraying Mary Todd Lincoln after Gilpin departs, but with its unwavering popularity and critical acclaim, "Oh Mary!" is proving to be a theatrical force to be reckoned with.
