Cole Escola's 'Oh, Mary!' Brings a Debauched Mary Todd Lincoln to Off-Broadway

In their debut play, Escola reimagines the former First Lady as a cabaret star in a controversial, comedic twist on history.

Cole Escola's debut play, 'Oh, Mary!', stars the comedian as Mary Todd Lincoln in a comedic reimagining of the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln's assassination.
The play, described as 'rather disrespectful' to the Lincolns, features a debauched portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, complete with alcohol abuse and a longing to return to her cabaret roots.
Escola, known for their work in comedy and TV, wrote and stars in the play, marking their first full-scale live production.
'Oh, Mary!' is presented as a pastiche of melodramas, with Escola's portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln designed to challenge audiences with its impulsive and maniacal energy.
The play has sparked discussions on the boundaries of historical reinterpretation and comedic expression, as Escola navigates the complexities of portraying a controversial figure in American history.