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Jane Krakowski Set to Star as Mary Todd Lincoln in Broadway’s Queer Comedy Phenomenon “Oh, Mary!”
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Tony and Olivier Award-winning actress Jane Krakowski will headline the next chapter of Cole Escola’s genre-defying Broadway comedy, “Oh, Mary!”—a production celebrated for its LGBTQ+ roots and boundary-pushing humor. Krakowski’s run, scheduled from October 14 to December 7, 2025, at the Lyceum Theatre, follows an acclaimed series of queer performers who have inhabited the role, cementing the show’s status as a touchstone for LGBTQ+ storytelling on the Great White Way .
Written by Cole Escola—who also originated the role of Mary Todd Lincoln and won a Tony Award for their performance—“Oh, Mary!” is a satirical reimagining of America’s First Lady, blending historical farce with modern queer sensibilities . Escola, a queer artist, crafted the show as both a celebration and subversion of American politics and culture, injecting LGBTQ+ themes and humor throughout. The play’s run has been marked by a succession of LGBTQ+ and allied performers in the lead role, including drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon—herself a trailblazer for gender diversity on Broadway—and queer actors Tituss Burgess and Betty Gilpin .
Krakowski, known for her iconic comedic roles in “30 Rock” and her Tony-winning turn in “Nine,” returns to Broadway after nearly a decade away. Her last appearance was in the 2016 revival of “She Loves Me,” which earned her a Tony nomination . Her casting in “Oh, Mary!” is seen by many as a bridge between the mainstream and queer Broadway communities, and her comedic flair is expected to bring new dimensions to the role.
Krakowski’s engagement comes after Jinkx Monsoon’s celebrated run, which concludes September 28, 2025. Hannah Solow, an understudy since the play’s Off-Broadway days, will temporarily fill the role before Krakowski’s arrival .
“Oh, Mary!” has become a flagship production for LGBTQ+ representation on Broadway. The play’s creator, Cole Escola, is openly queer and has described the work as “a love letter to outsiders and misfits everywhere.” Its casting choices—featuring queer performers and drag artists—are a deliberate effort to center LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream theatre .
The show’s narrative, which lampoons 19th-century American politics through the lens of Mary Todd Lincoln’s supposed antics, is unapologetically camp and irreverent. It has resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences for its refusal to conform to traditional historical narratives, instead opting for a playful and affirming depiction of queer identity and subversion .
Broadway insiders and LGBTQ+ advocates have hailed Krakowski’s casting as a win for visibility and inclusion. Moises Mendez II, reporting for Out.com, notes that “each new star in ‘Oh, Mary!’ brings a fresh perspective to the role, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy of the queer community” . The production’s ongoing success—having already recouped its investment and extended its run through July 2026—is a testament to the appetite for LGBTQ+ stories on the world’s biggest theatrical stage .
LGBTQ+ organizations have praised the play for its “authentic representation” and for providing opportunities to transgender people, nonbinary actors, and drag performers in lead roles. The casting of Jinkx Monsoon and the show’s embrace of gender diversity have made “Oh, Mary!” an important cultural touchstone for Broadway’s evolving landscape .
With Krakowski at the helm, “Oh, Mary!” is expected to further broaden its appeal while maintaining its roots in queer culture. Industry watchers are eager to see how Krakowski’s comedic timing and stage presence will influence her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln—a figure reimagined as both an icon of historical camp and a symbol of outsider resilience .
Critics and fans alike anticipate that Krakowski’s performance will continue the show’s tradition of inclusivity, ensuring that LGBTQ+ perspectives remain at the heart of Broadway’s most talked-about comedy. As Cole Escola’s brainchild moves forward, “Oh, Mary!” stands as both entertainment and affirmation—a place where queer stories are not only told, but celebrated.
