Maya Rudolph’s much-anticipated Broadway debut in the comedy ‘Oh, Mary!’ has been extended until 5 July 2026, following an overwhelmingly positive reception from both critics and audiences alike. The production, hosted at the historic Lyceum Theatre, has set a series of box office records, and remarkably, it has already recouped its initial investment, a feat that few shows achieve.
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On 8 May, fellow Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey paid a visit to Rudolph backstage after her performance. Fey, along with their long-time friends and collaborators Emily Spivey and Paula Pell, shared the moment with photographs and laughter, a testament to their enduring friendship built over years of creative collaboration. The quartet includes a storied history, including the 2019 film ‘Wine Country’, which featured Rudolph, Fey, and Pell, while Spivey’s creation, ‘Up All Night’, showcased Rudolph alongside Christina Applegate and Will Arnett. Additionally, Pell contributed to ‘Sisters’, a 2015 film headlined by Fey and Amy Poehler, which also featured Rudolph.
Rudolph’s acclaimed portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln has received praise since the production opened on 11 July 2024. ‘Oh, Mary!’ is written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, offering an audacious reimagining of the historical figure during the turbulent weeks before President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The narrative presents Todd as a disillusioned, hard-drinking woman yearning to leave the confines of the White House to pursue her ambition of becoming a cabaret performer.
Remarkably, ‘Oh, Mary!’ has steadily climbed the ranks as a box office sensation. The show has surpassed its own financial records fourteen times, with standout earnings during Rudolph’s inaugural week in the role. A record was established with a single performance grossing £199,935 on 1 May, followed by an impressive £1,540,979.58 for the week ending 3 May — marking an all-time high for both the production and the Lyceum Theatre itself.
The success of ‘Oh, Mary!’ comes as part of a particularly fruitful season for former SNL cast members on Broadway. Currently, Rachel Dratch can be seen in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’, while Ana Gasteyer stars in the musical adaptation of ‘Schmigadoon!’. Both actresses are also alumni of ‘Wine Country’ and have received 2026 Tony Award nominations in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical category. However, while Rudolph’s performance has garnered praise, it is not eligible for a Tony Award, as the prestigious honour is reserved for actors who originate new roles.
The production originally planned a limited engagement through 20 June 2026 but has decided to extend its run due to the high demand for tickets and the positive public response. Concerted efforts are being made to ensure that guests can enjoy the show for an additional three weeks, as Rudolph and her castmates, including Phillip James Brannon, Cheyenne Jackson, Bianca Leigh, and Tony Macht, continue to bring life to the comedic tale.
In addition to its Broadway success, ‘Oh, Mary!’ is set to make waves in the West End and will embark on a North American tour starting in Hartford, Connecticut, in September. The production has made a significant mark within the competitive landscape of theatre, being the first show of the 2024-25 Broadway season to recoup its investment — a noteworthy achievement indicating its popularity and financial viability.
As tickets remain available for ‘Oh, Mary!’, theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to experience this remarkable play that continues to delight audiences with its fresh and entertaining take on history. With Rudolph at the helm, the production’s blend of humour and innovation promises to leave a lasting impact on Broadway and beyond.