Meg Stalter Makes Her Broadway Debut in “Oh, Mary! ”as “Hacks” Costar Jean Smart Cheers Her On

**Meg Stalter Makes Broadway Debut in ‘Oh, Mary!’ with Support from Jean Smart**

Comedian Meg Stalter has taken a significant step in her career by making her Broadway debut as Mary Todd Lincoln in the comedy ‘Oh, Mary!’ at the Lyceum Theatre. Her inaugural performance, which took place on the evening of 6th July, marked a momentous occasion, particularly as she was joined by fellow actress and long-time friend Jean Smart in the celebrations that followed.

The post-show gathering saw Smart, who gained fame as Stalter’s co-star in HBO’s acclaimed series ‘Hacks’, offering her unwavering support as they posed together for photographs at the afterparty in New York City. The pair’s camaraderie is well-documented, having captivated audiences during the five seasons of ‘Hacks’, which concluded earlier this year. In the series, Stalter portrayed Kayla Schaefer, a quirky assistant-turned-manager who quickly became a fan favourite, while Smart played the role of Deborah Vance, an iconic comedian.

Stalter’s performance comes after the previous run of the character by Maya Rudolph, whose limited engagement ended just the day before Stalter took the stage. Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Cole Escola and directed by Tony winner Sam Pinkleton, ‘Oh, Mary!’ reimagines the life of Mary Todd Lincoln as a spirited woman yearning to escape her presidential duties and pursue a career as a cabaret star. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the days leading up to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and has garnered acclaim as one of Broadway’s latest hits.

Since its opening in July 2024, the production has not only risen to fame but has also broken box-office records, leading to its anticipated expansion to London’s West End. A diverse range of stars have previously portrayed the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, including notable figures like Jane Krakowski and Jinkx Monsoon, with Monsoon’s performance specifically inspiring Stalter and prompting her desire to take on the role.

Stalter expressed her enthusiasm for the character, stating, “I’ve never seen myself in a character the way I see myself in Mary.” This connection with the role became evident when her casting was confirmed earlier this year. She recalled her excitement at meeting Escola, saying, “I thought I was too old to feel this excited and giddy about a new friend,” reflecting the joy she felt in adopting the character of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Looking ahead to her Broadway journey, Stalter previously shared a light-hearted approach to her performance, stating, “I feel like I’m just going to kind of wing it. I don’t think I’m going to even learn the lines because I feel like you just get up there and kind of like, do it.” True to her comedic roots, she embraced the opportunity with a blend of humour and confidence, declaring, “I’m the queen of improv.”

Alongside Stalter in the production are Barrett Foa, who plays Mary’s Teacher, and Ryo Kamibayashi as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant. The cast also features Obie Award winner Phillip James Brannon as Mary’s Husband, with original Broadway cast member Bianca Leigh reprising her role as Mary’s Chaperone. The ensemble is rounded out by actors Hannah Solow, Martin Landry, Julian Manjerico, and Jackie Sanders.

The warm reception to Stalter’s debut reflects her growing prominence in the entertainment industry, paving the way for more exciting ventures in the future. Tickets for ‘Oh, Mary!’ are currently available for those eager to witness this fresh theatrical experience. As Stalter embarks on this new chapter, it seems clear that she is set to leave an indelible mark on the Broadway scene.