John Cameron Mitchell to Star in 'Oh, Mary!' on Broadway

Hedwig creator joins the cast of award-winning comedy play about Mary Todd Lincoln

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:56am

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An extreme close-up photograph of lush, deep red velvet fabric, capturing the luxurious texture and materiality with dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic.The casting of renowned performer John Cameron Mitchell as Mary Todd Lincoln in the Broadway comedy Oh, Mary! promises a glamorous, high-fashion take on the historical figure.NYC Today

John Cameron Mitchell, the original star of the hit musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, is set to take on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the award-winning comedy play Oh, Mary! The limited Broadway engagement will run from February 3rd to April 12th, 2026 at the Lyceum Theatre.

Why it matters

Mitchell's casting as the iconic historical figure Mary Todd Lincoln is sure to generate significant buzz and interest in the play, which offers a comedic twist on the story of the often-overlooked First Lady. As a renowned queer performer and trailblazer, Mitchell's involvement lends the production added cultural significance.

The details

Oh, Mary! follows the story of a repressed, alcoholic Mary Todd Lincoln with a burning desire to become a cabaret star, set in the weeks leading up to her husband's assassination. The play is directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton and features a supporting cast that includes Cheyenne Jackson, John-Andrew Morrison, Jenn Harris, and Tony Macht.

  • The limited Broadway engagement of Oh, Mary! will run from February 3rd to April 12th, 2026.
  • John Cameron Mitchell will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln from January 8th to the end of the run, replacing previous stars Jinkx Monsoon and Jane Krakowski.

The players

John Cameron Mitchell

The original star of the hit musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, who is now taking on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the Broadway production of Oh, Mary!.

Sam Pinkleton

The Tony Award-winning director of Oh, Mary!, who has praised Mitchell's casting as both 'delicious and somehow inevitable'.

Cole Escola

The playwright of Oh, Mary!, whom Mitchell credits with 'dragging' him back to drag for the production.

Jinkx Monsoon

The previous star of the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, performing from January 8th to February 1st.

Jane Krakowski

The actress who previously portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, departing the role on January 4th.

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What they’re saying

“'Cole Escola and Sam Pinkleton are the wild horses that dragged me back to drag and I couldn't be happier!'”

— John Cameron Mitchell, Actor

“'Welcoming John into this cast feels both delicious and somehow inevitable.'”

— Sam Pinkleton, Director

“'as the most mature Mary yet, my days are filled with working the StairMaster™, mainlining Ozempic® and mastering my Brilliant Dialogue©. 'Line?!' Thank you, Cole, may I do you proud mangling your classic!'”

— John Cameron Mitchell, Actor

What’s next

The production of Oh, Mary! featuring John Cameron Mitchell as Mary Todd Lincoln will open on Broadway on February 3rd, 2026 and run through April 12th, 2026 at the Lyceum Theatre.

The takeaway

John Cameron Mitchell's casting as Mary Todd Lincoln in the comedic Broadway play Oh, Mary! is a significant moment, as the renowned queer performer and Hedwig star takes on the role of a historical figure in a production that promises to offer a unique and humorous perspective on the life of the often-overlooked First Lady.