Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!” wins Tony for Best Leading Actor

Cole Escola has taken Broadway by storm with their outrageous dark comedy, Oh, Mary!, a play that reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a booze-soaked, fame-hungry would-be cabaret star in the days before Abraham Lincoln’s assassination The show, which opened at the Lyceum Theatre in July 2024, has quickly become one of the most talked-about productions of the year, earning rave reviews and a devoted following for its wild humor and irreverent take on history.

Who Is Cole Escola?
Cole Escola is a comedian, writer, and performer known for their unique comedic style and roles on TV shows like Search Party and Difficult People Escola wrote and originated the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, channeling their own experiences as an outsider into the character’s desperate longing for stardom Raised in rural Oregon, Escola built their career in New York’s alternative comedy scene before achieving Broadway success.

What Makes "Oh, Mary!" a Must-See?
Critics have called Oh, Mary! “the funniest play on Broadway” and “a bona fide phenomenon” for its blend of historical farce, biting wit, and camp sensibility The play offers a surreal, laugh-out-loud look at Mary Todd Lincoln’s inner life, imagining her as a misunderstood dreamer surrounded by chaos and unfulfilled ambitions Escola’s performance has been described as “magnetic,” with audiences erupting in laughter and applause throughout the 80-minute one-act show.

Recent Tony Awards Buzz
At the 2025 Tony Awards, Cole Escola made history by winning Best Leading Actor in a Play for their role as Mary Todd Lincoln, becoming the first openly non-binary performer to win in the category The play also took home the Tony for Best Direction of a Play, cementing its status as a Broadway sensation.

How to See "Oh, Mary!"
Oh, Mary! is running on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre through September 28, 2025 Escola stars as Mary Todd Lincoln through June 21, with six-time Emmy nominee Tituss Burgess taking over the role for a limited engagement starting June 23 Rush tickets and digital lottery options are available for those seeking affordable seats.

How to Watch the Tonys
For those who missed the live broadcast, highlights from the 2025 Tony Awards—including Cole Escola’s historic win—are available on YouTube and major network platforms.

In Summary
Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! is a breakout Broadway hit that’s rewriting the rules for historical comedy, earning critical acclaim, major awards, and a place in theater history If you want to see what all the buzz is about, now’s the time to catch this unforgettable play.