#TheaterPH - Trading Bloomers for Brilliance: Jinkx Monsoon Joins Broadway’s Wildest History Lesson in Oh, Mary! This August
There’s something deliciously unhinged—and utterly brilliant—about Broadway’s latest obsession, Oh, Mary!. And this August, the show is about to get even more electric as the incomparable Jinkx Monsoon steps into the corseted chaos as Mary Todd Lincoln herself.
Yes, you read that right. The two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and queer theatre icon is taking over the lead role in Cole Escola’s Tony-winning historical spoof, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation.
What Oh, Mary! Is All About
Set in a delightfully deranged version of 1860s Washington, Oh, Mary! reimagines First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln as a boozy, attention-starved misfit spiraling toward a cabaret meltdown. It’s part satire, part fever dream, and all heart—wrapped in a script that’s as sharp as it is absurd.
The play was written by and originally starred Cole Escola, who brought their signature blend of camp, wit, and emotional depth to the role. Escola’s performance earned them a Tony Award, and the show itself has become a critical darling, with director Sam Pinkleton also taking home a Tony for his work .
Why Everyone’s Talking About It
Audiences and critics alike have fallen hard for Oh, Mary!—and not just because it’s hilarious. Beneath the outrageous humor lies a surprisingly poignant exploration of loneliness, identity, and the desperate need to be seen. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh until you cry, then cry until you laugh again.
And now, with Jinkx Monsoon stepping into the spotlight, the show is poised for a whole new wave of magic.
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| Jinkx Monsoon in Oh, Mary! (Image: @jinkxmonsoon) |
Jinkx’s Take on Mary Todd Lincoln
Monsoon, who has already dazzled Broadway audiences in Chicago and Off-Broadway in Little Shop of Horrors, calls Oh, Mary! “one of the best, funniest, most energizing things” she’s ever seen. In a recent interview, she shared how deeply honored she feels to take on the role—not just as a performer, but as a trans feminine actress breaking new ground on Broadway.
“I thought I had to choose to be an actor or choose to be a trans person,” she said. “But I didn’t think the world was going to let me be both. I want the door to stay open behind me”.
Her run begins August 4 and continues through September 27, following Tituss Burgess’s limited engagement. And yes, she’s already joked about trading one pair of bloomers for another.
The Creative Spark Behind the Madness
Cole Escola, the mind behind Oh, Mary!, has described the play as a “love letter to misfits.” In interviews, they’ve shared how the idea came from imagining Mary Todd Lincoln as a tragicomic figure—someone who desperately wants to be the star of the show but keeps getting sidelined by history.
Escola’s writing process was deeply personal, blending their love of old-school melodrama with a modern queer sensibility. The result? A play that feels both timeless and totally now.
What to Expect
Expect powerhouse performances, razor-sharp dialogue, and a set design that feels like a Victorian dollhouse on acid. Expect to laugh, gasp, and maybe even tear up. And most of all, expect to see Jinkx Monsoon doing what she does best: commanding the stage with charisma, vulnerability, and a voice that could raise the dead (or at least Abraham Lincoln).
Whether you’re a Broadway regular or just looking for a night of unforgettable theatre, Oh, Mary! is the show to see this summer. And with Jinkx at the helm, it’s guaranteed to be a wild, wonderful ride.
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