In an exciting announcement, renowned actor, writer, and director John Cameron Mitchell is set to make his return to Broadway this winter in the hit play “Oh, Mary!” by Cole Escola. Mitchell, who has garnered accolades including Tony and Obie Awards for his standout roles, will portray none other than Mary Todd Lincoln. This character was originally brought to life by Escola himself.
The limited engagement will take place at the Lyceum Theatre, beginning performances on February 3, 2026, and concluding on April 26, 2026. Mitchell expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the world of performance, indicating that the unique creative forces of Escola and director Sam Pinkleton played a significant role in his decision to return. He humorously noted his preparation for the role, which he described as the “most mature Mary yet,” mentioning his training regimen on the StairMaster™ and his dedication to embodying what he referred to as “Brilliant Dialogue©.”
Director Sam Pinkleton also shared his excitement about welcoming Mitchell to the cast, calling it “delicious and somehow inevitable.” He credited Mitchell as a trailblazer in queer performance, highlighting how many in the “Oh, Mary!” community owe a significant part of their careers to his innovative contributions to live theater.
Mitchell is the latest addition to a list of actors who have portrayed the memorable character of Mary Todd Lincoln in “Oh, Mary!” Previous performers include Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, Betty Gilpin, Hannah Solow, and Jinkx Monsoon, who is returning for an encore engagement shortly after Mitchell’s run begins.
Since its Broadway debut on July 11, 2024, “Oh, Mary!” has made history at the Lyceum Theatre, being the first production in the venue’s 121-year history to gross over $1,000,000 in a single week. The show has broken its own box office records twelve times and became the first to recoup its investment in the current Broadway season.
The production is backed by a notable group of producers, including Kevin McCollum, Lucas McMahon, and Mike Lavoie, among others, who have played pivotal roles in bringing the show to life.
Mitchell’s impressive career includes co-writing and originating the role in the acclaimed rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” which later transitioned into a hit film. His Broadway repertoire also includes roles in “The Secret Garden,” “Six Degrees of Separation,” and “Big River,” alongside celebrated Off-Broadway work in productions like Larry Kramer’s “The Destiny of Me.”
As anticipation builds for Mitchell’s portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, both audiences and critics are eagerly waiting to see how this talented actor will infuse the character with his unique flair and passion for performance.
