Cole Escola is Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY! Off-Broadway

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 6:08pm

This show was already a must-see for me, and, now, Conrad Ricamora will play Abraham Lincoln:

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/203624/conrad-ricamora-to-join-cole-escola-as-abraham-lincoln-in-oh-mary/

Updated On: 1/3/24 at 06:08 PM

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 6:28pm

Yeah, I love everything about this premise. Sign me up.

Busy spring for Kevin McCollum, who is producing this, Notebook, Days of Wine and Roses, and DWP in London.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 7:38pm

I'm more curious about the physical production elements. I love Cole and heard in a podcast that there will be sets, etc. But that space is tiny, no? 

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 7:47pm

This sounds like some TITANIQUE-level camp. I'm in

[halfhourcheckwithmerman]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 7:48pm

what a scream!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/3/24 at 8:36pm

RippedMan said: "I'm more curious about the physical production elements. I love Cole and heard in a podcast that there will be sets, etc. But that space is tiny, no?"

MCC did plenty with the Lortel, design-wise. It's not that tiny.

[Ptero2]

Posted: 1/26/24 at 10:39pm

Got a ticket to the first preview through the TodayTix rush (and became an unfortunate victim of the godawful Lucille Lortel mezzanine).

Pretty funny show overall. Ricamora was the standout for me - his scene with Scully in the bar was the highlight of the show by far in my opinion. The play is as "dumb" as advertised and everyone is hamming it up and having a good time. I probably wouldn't see it again, but it was a fun night out. Just AVOID THE MEZZANINE because those sightlines are terrible.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Also - the big cabaret joke payoff at the end dragged too long imo. The reveal was funny but it just kept going and going. Kinda ended the show on a damper.

 

[EthelMae]

Posted: 1/26/24 at 11:53pm

Thanks! Good info all around.

[Jilani]

Posted: 1/27/24 at 11:13am

Saw the first performance last night and really enjoyed it. If you are familiar with Cole Escola’s work and are a fan of their very specific comedic sensibility, this show delivers and I highly recommend it.

[Impeach2017]

Posted: 1/27/24 at 12:40pm

spoof of Mary Todd Lincoln - too soon?

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 1/27/24 at 3:42pm

Trivia: In the 1972-73 Broadway season, there were THREE plays about Mary Todd Lincoln: ''The Lincoln Mask,'' with Eva Saint Marie; ''Look Away,'' with Geraldine Page, and ''The Last of Mrs. Lincoln,'' with Julie Harris, who won the Tony. 

Updated On: 1/27/24 at 03:42 PM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 1/27/24 at 7:08pm

It’s f*cking brilliant. If you liked Titanique, you’ll like this.

[berniesb!tch]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 3:02pm

I saw this last Friday. It took about 5 minutes for the show to warm up to me, but after a few minutes I was cracking up and fully on board.

Conrad is one of my favorite actors working right now and he continues to choose such great projects. Happy to see him in another show this season after Here lies love. Cole Escola is such a talented, brilliant writer and comedian. I look forward to seeing this show again to see how the performances continue to tighten up. Highly reccomend! 

[thatdarnzach]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 3:05pm

This should be your immediate must-see. It delivers so far beyond the promise; I was howling by the end. Go go go go go!!!!!!!!!

[Kad]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 3:23pm

Thrilled to see these responses! Escola has been one of my favorite comedic performers/writers for years and I’m glad they’re getting this opportunity. They’re truly a one-of-a-kind talent. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 3:36pm

Listening to Cole on a podcast and they were saying this is like a legit show with sets, etc. Is that true? I've only been to that space for a cabaret so I can't imagine there is much backstage space.

[berniesb!tch]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 3:40pm

RippedMan said: "Listening to Cole on a podcast and they were saying this is like a legit show with sets, etc. Is that true? I've only been to that space for a cabaret so I can't imagine there is much backstage space."

There was a set indeed! A pretty good one considering the space I'd say

[leefowler]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 4:19pm

One of the most consistently hilarious evenings I’ve ever spent in the theater. Unmissable.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 5:53pm

Agreed. This was absolutely top-notch silly hilarity. Everyone in the cast was great. I especially liked Bianca Leigh as Mary’s chaperone. The show reminded of Charles Busch shows at their best. Hope it has a long life and many others get to enjoy it. 

[Kad]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 6:47pm

RippedMan said: "Listening to Cole on a podcast and they were saying this is like a legit show with sets, etc. Is that true? I've only been to that space for a cabaret so I can't imagine there is much backstage space."

The Lortel was home to MCC for many years- their productions were full fledged. Danny and the Deep Blue Sea was just there. It is not at all a barebones space. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 6:50pm

Is this another 90 minute no intermission thing? 

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 7:01pm

Matt Rogers said: "Is this another 90 minute no intermission thing?"

It was 80 minutes, no intermission. Perfect length for this show. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 7:05pm

Menken Fan said: "Matt Rogers said: "Is this another 90 minute no intermission thing?"

It was 80 minutes, no intermission. Perfect length for this show."

Okay. Good luck to them. I’ll pass. I prefer the show to be longer than the commute to see it. 

[smidge]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 7:36pm

Matt Rogers said: "Menken Fan said: "Matt Rogers said: "Is this another 90 minute no intermission thing?"

It was 80 minutes, no intermission. Perfect length for this show."

Okay. Good luck to them. I’ll pass. I prefer the show to be longer than the commute to see it."

I saw the Saturday at 5 performance and it was perfect to combine with a matinee and evening show.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/29/24 at 8:29pm

Kad said: "RippedMan said: "Listening to Cole on a podcast and they were saying this is like a legit show with sets, etc. Is that true? I've only been to that space for a cabaret so I can't imagine there is much backstage space."

The Lortel was home to MCC for many years- their productions were full fledged. Danny and the Deep Blue Sea was just there. It is not at all a barebones space."

Oooh! My bad I’m getting it confused with the venue off 42! Never mind.