OH, MARY Reviews (2026 New) — Page 6

I had the random thought this morning of Melissa McCarthy as Mary Todd Lincoln. I'd pay good $$ to see that.

Caught last night's 6:30pm evening performance - having seen this cast in their first week and finding all quite great, last night everyone was *next level* fantastic.

A lot has been written about which performer makes Mary their own (and I credit Cole Escola's writing, that it affords that amount of interpretation to the people who don the bratty curls) - but JCM has created a gloriously demented, Norma Desmond but more campily desperate for a dream out of the role. Many different line readings than the first time but still a *lot* of physical comedy that totally worked.

Similar with Simu Liu - he's much more relaxed and into the role, playing up *such* sincerity and sweetness during the initial scenes, then going 100 miles per hour hilarious in the barroom bit with Abe. I do hope he comes back to Broadway!

Hannah was on for Mary's Chaperone and fantastic, playing it very prim and proper presenting / fraying at the edges from Mary's torment.

I know JAM's Abe has had a lot of discussion, but again, I really feel like he found the same great comic rhythm as the rest of the company. The ability to bounce between rage, lust and fear over how he's perceived, both politically and personally, came across strongly.

And yes - Tony Macht is the secret weapon here, playing the "straight man" character so perfectly. MVP.

Definitely try to catch this cast in its final week if you haven't. JCM is a queer arts icon to me (Kiki, Herb, and Hedwig walked so Mary Todd could belt madcap medleys.)

And I decided to stage door, a rarity for me personally, but JAM, ,Simu and JCM all came out and were incredibly gracious. Got to compliment JAM on his "Strange Loop" performance, thank Simu and quickly tell JCM how meaningful Hedwig has been to me / how powerful his final performance in the last revival was. JCM and Simu respectfully declined selfies but were more than kind to talk to everyone - Simu signed, and JCM did indeed have a basket of *fabulous* "VOTE FOR MARY" pins that he's signed on the back for everyone who wanted one.

And the small but joyful crowd at the stage door was very notably kind and respectful of both the performers and everyone else (moving around let people in front after they got autographs, offering to take pictures for each other). I sadly know it's not always the case, but gave me very "Broadway Community" vibes.

Updated On: 4/13/26 at 03:21 PM

ACL2006 said: "Luminaire2 said: "Caught this in the West End last week, and loved it so much. Mason Alexander Park was incredible, and big congrats to Oh, Mary! for winning the Olivier tonight."

Rumors are already going around that Mason will be the next Mary after Maya on Broadway. Does Cole go over to the West End to replace Mason?"

Catherine Tate was already announced as Masons replacement in the West End.

ACL2006 said: "Luminaire2 said: "Caught this in the West End last week, and loved it so much. Mason Alexander Park was incredible, and big congrats to Oh, Mary! for winning the Olivier tonight."

Rumors are already going around that Mason will be the next Mary after Maya on Broadway. Does Cole go over to the West End to replace Mason?"

Mason is doing MUCH ADO in the fall, so it would have to be a short engagement if it's true.

Mason could easily do a 2-3 month run as Mary before rehearsals for Much Ado even begin. That’s been the standard run for Marys, post-Cole.

theatergoer3 said: "Saw this over the weekend and of the 4 Mary’s I’ve seen (Escola, Gilpin, Burgess and JCM), JCM might actually be my favorite Mary or at least the funniest besides Escola.

It’s absolutely deranged and manic and it’s hysterical. He feels much more hostile too at times which creates some good bits and chemistry.

Liu was veryfunny as Booth in the first half and then had me almost in tears laughing at the bar switch scene. Maybe the biggest 180I’ve seen and it really worked.

Morrison and Harris are also very funny and crush their big moments."

I don’t have actors to compare but deranged and hostile are great descriptions of John Cameron Mitchell’s unhinged and hysterical performance. His wild-eyed entrance set the tone.

I went last night and wowza! Not only did Maya understand the assignment, but she did ALL the extra credit.

It goes without saying that she is a truly gifted comedienne with many other talents and she puts her whole bag of tricks to work. Bits that could grow a bit stale over time without creativity, specifically “The Nurse” and “The Desk”, felt like they had just been directed or choreographed for the first time. Her Desk moment specifically had me near tears with laughter because she had created an entirely new sequence of tricks different from nearly every other Mary. She also added a little Dionne Warwick flair to the banter in her cabaret at the end. Overall, her synchronicity with the entire company is remarkable, specifically her and Cheyenne - to the point where it looked like she had Cheyenne very close to breaking when she said “I’m so wet”.

I always say that, considering how many times I’ve seen this show, it really does take a lot to hit my funny bone since I know how this show can play at its basic by-the-text level (and below - sorry, Tituss), and so those new moments are what I look forward to. All hail the Rudolph administration!!

And now she’s a record breaker!

$1.5M+ in her first week, making it the highest gross of OH, MARY and the Lyceum’s history.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/OH-MARY-Breaks-Box-Office-Record-for-Maya-Rudolphs-First-Week-As-Mary-Todd-Lincoln-20260504

It’s going to be stints like this that fill the coffers and keep the show running so long as they have casting that fills the boxes of popular, but also experimental. I believe if they extend again (which, why wouldn’t they?), by this time next year, they’ll be the longest running show in the theatre’s history

Jordan Catalano said: "Tonight was my 16th time seeing this show and while everyone who has done the part has brought their own thing to it and made it their own, I honestly don’t think anyone has ever made Mary “their own” as completely as Rudolph does. To think that just a week ago she had never been on stage in a play before and looking at what she did tonight, it shows she’s truly one of the most gifted comedic actors alive.

I can only imagine what she’ll be like in the role in a couple weeks when I go back because if she’s doing this level of comedy in the “still feeling the character out” stage, God onlyknows what she’s going to be like next month.

This is something to splurge on or if you’re a kid, thisis something to steal your mom’s credit card and buy tickets to. It’ll be worth it, I promise."

16? Wow. How would you rank your Marys?

Per the show's Instagram - Maya Rudolph + the rest of the current administration have extended through July 5th!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYBn7h9nEYq/?igsh=MWM2M2szemMxczY2aw==

JT2030 said: "Per the show's Instagram - Maya Rudolph + the rest of the current administration have extended through July 5th!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYBn7h9nEYq/?igsh=MWM2M2szemMxczY2aw==

Thanks so much for the heads up! I was able to jump on fast and grab two tix for 6/27 at “pre-Maya” prices.

Updated On: 5/7/26 at 06:16 AM

Not sure how long Hannah will be out doing Hairspray, but I was worried the show might have to shutdown for July 4 week. Happy Maya extended. Mason probably begins July 6.