John Cameron Mitchell was hysterical tonight and is maybe the most menacing Mary to date, more Regina Giddens than Baby Jane Hudson. But in an incredibly triggering moment (I was able to see him pre- and post-leg injury in Hedwig), he fell off the stage in the blackout before Mary and Louise’s ice cream scene. I think he was ultimately fine, but I heard what sounded like a thud, and when the lights came up, Jenn Harris was pulling him back over the footlights. He was a trooper and played it off with “I think I drank too much” and Jenn said “I think so too. Are you ready for your lesson now?” They continued on like nothing happened, but I did notice him limping a bit during the medley. This is all to say: JOHN, FOR GOD’S SAKE, BE CAREFUL! YOUR LEGS, JOHN!
Simu Liu was very, very funny as Booth. Really plays up the puppy dog aspect early on, and makes a shockingly convincing queen later on. He’s a lot more physical in the saloon scene than others who’ve played the part, and it was both hilarious and surprisingly hot. I did not care for John Andrew Morrison’s take on Abe at all, unfortunately. I’m just really not sure what his take is on the character, but he camps it up too early to make the “he’s gay” running gag work and he has zero power in any dynamic he’s in. Really made me miss what Conrad Ricamora brought to the part. Tony Macht remains a reliable secret weapon, especially in the cabaret. Jenn Harris reminds me so much of Ruth Buzzi.
The show is still in great shape, but I think a stronger Lincoln would have made this cast gel more. I’m hoping Maya Rudolph gets a husband who can go toe to toe with her.
Updated On: 3/12/26 at 10:46 PM