Don’t lie. We’ve all been there. We’ve all had moments where we have questioned what key historical figures were like and how major historical events could have *potentially* gone down.
In Oh, Mary! Cole Escola invites audiences to take a trip into their mind and explore the faux-historical viewpoint of Mary Todd Lincoln, just mere weeks leading up to the assassination of Mary’s Husband (I think his name may be Abraham Lincoln). And four score and 7 years ago (+ many, many more), we go…
Cole Escola, writer & star (they are the best Mary Todd Lincoln this side of the Hudson!) is a force to be reckoned with. Their sense of twisted humor seen throughout the zany and intelligent writing enhances the believability and (dare I say) relatability of these historically inaccurate “notable” characters.
As a performer, Escola (known for their comedy) is dynamic, risk-taking, and unexpected. Part of the unrivaled fun of this show is that nobody in the theatre knows where it’s going next (which is a clear choice by Director Sam Pinkleton). I’m not going to spoil anything, but let’s just say the entire cast commits to the bit and leaves no crumbs, as the kids say. Conrad Ricamora plays the not-so-serious, but self-important role with vulnerability, humility, and connection. Ricamora has ultimate scene partner chemistry with Escola, but also with every single one of his co-stars (Binaca Leigh, Tony Macht, and James Scully). But at the end of the day, it’s back to Cole because it’s Mary’s show and we’re just there for the ride.
The play explores many what-ifs of fictional American history. What if Mary Todd Lincoln was more well-understood? What if Abraham Lincoln was queer and could embrace his queerness? Plot twist – what if Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth were…lovers? Most importantly, what if Queen MTL didn’t need to give up her “one true love” – CABARET! The world would be different as we know it. These hysterical, historically inaccurate, and story-driving jokes explore larger themes of self-reflection, personal acceptance, and finding your purpose in the world.
Not to mention the play also examines important social commentaries on feminism, queerness, and general social acceptance. Part of its brilliance is how detached elements of this feel from the current day, yet how grounded the material feels when performed on stage.
Also, Cole Escola for every cabaret show award, please. They’re a little teapot and they get HOT!
It’s also worth noting that attending this production is a truly holistic experience. The jokes start the second your ticket is scanned, to the moment you leave the theatre and are haunted (yes, an intentional reference) by continued jokes featured on their clever social media campaign.
Theatrical and pop-culture references featuring the one-and-only Cole Escola surround you – they even got Patti Lupone involved. This strategy contributes to Oh, Mary!‘s strangeness and charm – it plays into the many shades of comedy and allows audiences to subtly step inside the head of Mary Todd Lincoln. As the audience learns in the show, performing was almost all Mary thought about and now it’s all YOU can think about too.
You will leave the theatre (and no, the irony of this being in a theatre does not escape anyone) delighted and a tad bit uncomfortable. But only in the best way because that thought allows you to explore new perspectives and open your mind to possibilities – an option that these characters did not necessarily have at the time the play takes place (16th century). Who knows, maybe this was the most accurate depiction of American history. A Mary Todd Lincoln stan can only dream.
Oh, Mary! Played downtown at the Lucille Lortel Theatre earlier in 2024 before transferring to the Lyceum on July 11th. During its run Off-Broadway, the play won the 2024 Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards in various categories. Oh, Mary! is playing at the Lyceum Theatre through January 19, 2025. For more information, visit: https://www.ohmaryplay.com/
