Broadway’s latest leading lady is none other than fan-favorite Jane Krakowski, who has taken over the coveted role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola’s critically acclaimed dark comedy, “Oh, Mary!”. With a limited run until December 7, 2025, Krakowski, a self-proclaimed “fangirl” of the show, describes her rapid immersion into the Tony-winning production as both “terrifying and thrilling,” promising audiences her signature comedic brilliance.
The Broadway stage at the Lyceum Theatre has welcomed a new star to its acclaimed production of “Oh, Mary!” with the arrival of Tony and Emmy Award winner Jane Krakowski. Known for her iconic roles in television comedies like “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” Krakowski made her debut as Mary Todd Lincoln on October 14, 2025, for a special eight-week engagement running through December 7, 2025.
For fans of the dark comedy, Krakowski’s casting is particularly exciting, as the actress herself has been a devoted admirer of the show. She confessed her “fangirl” status to BroadwayWorld, stating, “I’m a big fangirl of the show. I’ve seen every Mary and I find that that’s one of the things that’s so incredible about what Cole has created, that people go back time and time again to see every Mary that pops in.” This deep appreciation for the material and its unique performance history sets a compelling stage for her interpretation.
A Challenging Yet Cherished Return to Broadway
Krakowski, a Parsippany, New Jersey native, brings a wealth of stage experience to the role. She earned a Tony Award for her performance in “Nine” and received nominations for “Grand Hotel” and “She Loves Me.” Her return to Broadway in “Oh, Mary!” marks a significant moment in her illustrious career, one she describes as both “terrifying and thrilling.”
Taking on such a complex comedic role with only two weeks of rehearsal presented a unique challenge. However, her familiarity with the play as an audience member proved invaluable. As she shared with People, she hoped that seeing the show five times would mean it was “infused into me a little bit just as a fan now.”
Emilio Madrid
Jane Krakowski as Mary Todd Lincoln and John-Andrew Morrison as Mary’s Husband in “Oh, Mary!”
The “Oh, Mary!” phenomenon is a dark comedy penned by Cole Escola, focusing on Mary Todd Lincoln in the tumultuous weeks leading up to her husband’s assassination. Escola, who won a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for their portrayal of Mary, created a character that has since been embraced by multiple performers.
Krakowski’s interpretation promises to be a continuation of her recognizable character traits. She noted to People, “I think there’s a through line in many of the characters that I’ve played…of being a strong, perhaps not fully reasonable woman. [Someone] who lives the highs and the lows to the top of the ceiling to the basement floor.” This description perfectly aligns with the eccentric and often volatile portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in the play.
The Esteemed Lineage of Mary Todd Lincolns
Krakowski joins an impressive roster of actors who have taken on the title role, a testament to the play’s unique appeal and the character’s rich potential for diverse interpretations. Previous performers include:
- Cole Escola: The original star and playwright, a Tony Award winner.
- Jinkx Monsoon: Two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, whose final performance was September 28.
- Hannah Solow: Original Off-Broadway and Broadway company member, who played the role from September 30 to October 12.
- Tituss Burgess: Emmy nominee and Krakowski’s former “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” co-star.
- Betty Gilpin: Emmy nominee.
The rapid succession of performers in the lead role has become a celebrated aspect of the “Oh, Mary!” experience, with fans eagerly anticipating each new “Mary.” Krakowski expressed her honor in joining this lineage, stating, “It is an honor to be a Mary.”
Emilio Madrid
Jenn Harris as Mary’s Chaperone and Jane Krakowski as Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!”
Reunions and Advice from Fellow ‘Marys’
Krakowski’s stint in “Oh, Mary!” also brings delightful reunions. She shares the stage with John-Andrew Morrison as Mary’s ill-fated husband and Cheyenne Jackson, playing Mary’s music teacher. Jackson is a familiar face to Krakowski, as they have collaborated on multiple projects previously. She affectionately described their on-stage chemistry as feeling “like home.”
Her former co-star and fellow “Mary,” Tituss Burgess, offered humorous and practical advice for tackling the role. Burgess famously told Krakowski, “Know all the lines before you get there,” a crucial tip for her limited rehearsal schedule. He also shared the intense pre-show nerves, texting her, “from the minute that drum boom duh duh duh boom…every night that terrified him and he felt like he had IBS in the moment,” as recounted by Krakowski to People.
Emilio Madrid
Jane Krakowski as Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!”
A Phenomenon Breaking Records and Expectations
“Oh, Mary!” directed by 2025 Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, has been a remarkable success since its Broadway opening on July 11, 2024. The production quickly made history at the Lyceum Theatre, becoming the first show in its 121-year history to gross over $1,000,000 in a single week. Its box office records have been shattered an astounding twelve times, and it was the first show of the 2024-25 Broadway season to recoup its investment, according to BroadwayWorld.
This unprecedented success underscores the play’s unique connection with its audience and its undeniable impact on the theater community. Krakowski acknowledged the vibrant fan base, noting, “The core audience of Oh, Mary! is integral to me, and I love that community so much, so I feel like almost getting to be in Mary is a show of my support as well.”
Emilio Madrid
Jane Krakowski as Mary Todd Lincoln and Cheyenne Jackson as Mary’s Teacher in “Oh, Mary!”
More Than Just a Role: A Cultural Moment
For Krakowski, who celebrated her 57th birthday during her first week of rehearsals, taking on this role is more than just another credit; it’s an immersive experience within a thriving cultural phenomenon. Her extensive career, which began with her Broadway debut at eighteen in “Starlight Express” and includes iconic film appearances in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and “Alfie,” has uniquely prepared her for the demands of this “brilliantly written” dark comedy, which she notes has a “musical rhythm and flow.”
The excitement surrounding Jane Krakowski’s portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!” is palpable, promising a memorable run for both the actress and the dedicated fan community. Tickets for her limited engagement through December 7, 2025, are available online, offering a chance to witness her unique take on this acclaimed character. Her “terrifying and thrilling” journey is sure to add another unforgettable chapter to the “Oh, Mary!” legacy.
Emilio Madrid
John-Andrew Morrison as Mary’s Husband and Jane Krakowski as Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!”
