Jinkx Monsoon Reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln in Hilariously Human “Oh, Mary!”
A fresh, comedic take on a historical figure, “Oh, Mary!” starring the two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon, is captivating audiences at the Lyceum Theater. Since its premiere on August 4, the play has offered a distinctly modern and surprisingly relatable portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, defying traditional historical interpretations.
Monsoon, who previously enjoyed a busy 2025 with performances at Carnegie hall and a role in Pirates! The Penzance Musical, initially planned a period of rest. Though, the chance to embody the complex First Lady proved irresistible. “I told my management that I didn’t even want to entertain the idea of work,” Monsoon explained,”That is,unless the one role she coveted-mary Todd Lincoln in Oh,Mary!-became available.”
The play, penned by Tony winner Cole Escola, presents a Mary Lincoln far removed from the somber depictions frequently enough found in history books. This Mary is a witty, gossipy, and frequently enough inebriated woman trapped in a loveless marriage with Abraham Lincoln (Kumail nanjiani), who harbors a secret passion for cabaret. “The play shows us the things we all talk about from a really fresh perspective,” Monsoon shared in a recent interview with Broadway.com. Her final performance is scheduled for September 27.
A Dream Role Realized
Seeing her name on the “Oh, Mary!” marquee was a profoundly emotional experience for Monsoon. “Really emotional,” she said. “I’m getting to do the things I grew up dreaming of-and the photo and the marquee are signs that I’m doing it.But I did it after working hard for literally my entire life.” She reflected on a lifelong dedication to performance, noting that even her childhood aspirations pointed towards a life on stage, and specifically, a life on stage in a dress. However,she also acknowledged the challenges that come with achieving long-held ambitions. “No one tells you how difficult it is indeed when all your dreams come true, as that’s when the real work
routine is a carefully constructed ritual. She listens to a specific playlist while applying her makeup, viewing the process as a transformative act. She also maintains a tradition of making eye contact with each cast member before each performance, sometimes exchanging playful gestures like flipped-off fingers, dances, or kisses. Her playlist includes “Killer Shangri-Lah (Killing Eve OST)” by Psychotic Beats, which she considers to be Mary’s theme song.
The elaborate hoop skirt costume, while visually striking, is surprisingly easy to manage. “It’s actually quite easy because it’s one of the most beautifully, technically designed costumes I’ve ever worn!” Monsoon explained. “The whole dress and hoop skirt is all one piece, and I basically step into it.” She added that the costume itself informs her portrayal of Mary, emphasizing the constraints and discomfort inherent in the character’s era.
Maintaining composure during the show’s comedic moments requires focus and connection with her scene partner. “Eye contact always saves me,” Monsoon revealed. “I look into my scene partner’s eyes, and when our eyes are locked, it’s hard to get distracted.” She praised her chemistry with Michael Urie,who plays Mary’s acting coach,describing their final scene together as a “victory lap.” “That is like a victory lap. As of my history in cabaret, that part definitely feels like it’s time for both me and Mary to now show everyone exactly what we do.”
When asked about the prospect of seeing Sally Field portray Mary Todd Lincoln in a film adaptation of Lincoln, Monsoon playfully quipped, “Oh, you shoudl see me as Norma Rae!”
“Oh, Mary!” is a testament to the power of reimagining history through a contemporary lens, and Jinkx Monsoon’s performance is a captivating blend of humor, vulnerability, and profound insight.
