Yahoo Lifestyle Betty Gilpin to Replace Cole Escola in Broadway’s ‘Oh, Mary’
“GLOW” actor Betty Gilpin is replacing Cole Escola in “Oh, Mary!” on Broadway. Escola, who wrote and starred in the deranged comedy since it debuted Off Broadway in January, is departing in early 2025.
Gilpin will take over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln on Jan. 21. She’s set for a limited, eight-week engagement through March 15. Tickets for “Oh, Mary!” are on sale through June 28, so it’s possible that another known name will succeed Gilpin.
More from Variety
“Oh, Mary!” will mark Gilpin’s Broadway debut. She has previously appeared Off Broadway in 2015’s “I’m Gonna Pray for You So Hard” and a 2012 production of “Heartless.” Gilpin is also known for the Peacock sci-fi series “Mrs. Davis,” in which she plays a nun battling artificial intelligence, and will be seen next in Netflix’s Western limited series “American Primeval” with Taylor Kitsch.
“I have worshiped at the altar of Cole for years, but seeing their billion layered brilliance in ‘Oh, Mary!’ was a new plane of demented genius I didn’t know was scientifically possible,” Gilpin said. “I am beyond honored to step in so that Cole can get back to tending their neglected passions: fracking and skincare. Diving in with the perfect Sam Pinkleton to play Mary will be one of the single greatest joys of my life, and I will say that to my two daughters’ faces.”
After a sold-out, twice-extended run at downtown Manhattan’s Lucille Lortel Theatre, “Oh, Mary!” transferred to Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre on July 11. It’s remained a massive hit, becoming the only production of the 2024-25 season to recoup its investment so far. “Oh, Mary!” also made history as the inaugural show at the Lyceum Theatre’s 121-year history to gross more than $1 million in a single week. It has broken its own box office record 10 times, most recently for the week ending on Dec. 1 with $1.286 million.
Directed by Pinkleton, “Oh, Mary!” follows a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to the 16th president’s assassination. As the official logline teases, “Unrequited yearning, alcoholism and suppressed desires abound in this one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot.” Conrad Ricamora will remain in the show as Mary’s Husband, as will James Scully as Mary’s Teacher, Bianca Leigh as Mary’s Chaperone and Tony Macht as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant.
“I could not be more excited to see what Betty Gilpin does with the role of Mary,” Escola said. “She’s a brilliant comedic actress who understands the heart of this character and knows the serious business of being a fool. I promise, you won’t want to miss Betty as Mary.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
