Jane Krakowski, the acclaimed actress and comedian known for her roles in “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” is set to take center stage in the Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” This anticipated return to the stage will see Krakowski embodying a comedic and unconventional Mary Todd Lincoln, adding her unique flair to this already popular production.
Jane Krakowski Joins “Oh, Mary!”
Beginning October 14, Jane Krakowski will join the cast of “Oh, Mary!” for an eight-week engagement, running through December 7. The Tony Award-winning play, created by comedian Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, has been making waves on Broadway, delighting audiences with its spirited and fictional take on historical events. Krakowski expressed her excitement in a press release, thanking Cole Escola for the opportunity and paying homage to previous cast members.
“Thank you, Cole, for giving us this madcap work of genius, directed to perfection by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton,” Krakowski remarked. “I am so honored to slip into the bratty curls previously worn by Cole Escola, Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, and Jinkx Monsoon.”
A Delightfully Irreverent Retelling
“Oh, Mary!” is a wildly imaginative retelling of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life just before the assassination of her husband, Abraham Lincoln. While the signature bottle curls remain true to history, this portrayal veers off into comedic territories. This Mary Todd is depicted as a boisterous, cabaret-obsessed character far removed from historical accuracy. The play’s humor and creativity have captured audiences, making it a must-see production.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cole Escola shared insights into his writing process: “One of my favorite things in writing is tent poles… It’s basically Mad Libs. So I felt that way with Mary Todd Lincoln… It’s funny to me to be like, ‘Oh, what if she was an idiot?’”
From Off-Broadway to Tony Success
“Oh, Mary!” first premiered in February 2024 at the Lucille Lortel Theater, quickly becoming a sensation that necessitated its move to Broadway’s Lyceum Theater. The show has been celebrated for its innovative narrative and dynamic performances, earning Escola a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play. Director Sam Pinkleton also received accolades for his work, reinforcing the show’s critical acclaim.
Jane Krakowski herself is no stranger to Broadway, having been nominated for a Tony Award three times and winning for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in 2003. Her performance in “Oh, Mary!” marks her return to Broadway since the 2016 revival of “She Loves Me.”
Reflecting on her excitement for the role, Krakowski added, “From the first time I watched ‘Oh, Mary!’ downtown, I thought, ‘How do I get myself on that stage in this role?’ After watching Cole take it to Broadway and worshipping it four times more, I made it! ‘Oh, Mary!’ is a comedic work of genius that ends up in my dream version of 7 minutes in heaven.”
