By Mia Shea
Correspondent
The Tony award winning Broadway star Jane Krakowski will join the cast of “Oh Mary!” from Oct. 14 to Dec. 7. The show is playing at Lyceum Theatre in New York City.
“Oh Mary!” follows the story of Abraham Lincoln’s first Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, just weeks before her husband’s assassination in 1865. The comedic play originally opened in July 2024.
According to Playbill, in the show, “Mary Todd becomes a madcap, cabaret-obsessed alcoholic.” Although the storyline by itself would lead you to believe the show is sad, it is wickedly hilarious.
“Oh Mary!” was written and first performed by American comic Cole Escola. Escola originated the role of Mary.
Krakowski is famously known for her role in the NBC comedy show “30 Rock” where she played Jenna Maroney. She also received an Olivier Award for her role in the West End’s “Guys and Dolls.” Krakowski has also won five Emmy awards throughout her TV career, all for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
She earned herself an Outer Critics Circle Award for her portrayal of Carla in the Broadway musical “Nine,” as well as a Tony nomination for “Grand Hotel.”
Her most recent Broadway role was in the 2016 revival of “She Loves Me” as Ilona. This role earned her another Tony nomination.
The excitement surrounding Krakowski’s newest role gained lots of press through social media. One post referred to Krakowski’s new role as “the perfect casting.” Another post stated, “please give the casting director of ‘Oh Mary!’ a raise.”
Krakowski shared the following statement in an interview.
“Thank you, Cole, for giving us this madcap work of genius, directed to perfection by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton,” she said. “I am so honored to slip into the bratty curls… From the first time I watched ‘Oh, Mary!’ downtown I thought, ‘how do I get myself on that stage in this role?’”
Krakowski will follow American drag queen, Jinkx Monsoon who currently plays Mary in the play. Monsoon is most famously known for her appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Upon its opening, “Oh Mary!” became “the first show in the theater’s 121-year history to gross more than $1,000,000 in a single week,” according to Broadway World.
Tickets to see Krakowski in “Oh Mary!” are on sale now.
