In an exciting development for theatre enthusiasts, two acclaimed performers, Alaska Thunderf— and J. Harrison Ghee, are set to star in the national tour of the Broadway hit comedy *Oh, Mary!*, scheduled for the 2026–27 season. The duo will alternate in the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, showcasing their unique talents in this humorous reimagining of the former First Lady’s life before the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/mary-split-watermark-88af1dc10b9a42399e82424cfb7fb62b.jpg)
*Oh, Mary!* has already garnered immense success, both on Broadway and in the West End, with its witty portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln’s discontent and unfulfilled aspirations. The production is the brainchild of Tony and Olivier Award winner Cole Escola, directed by esteemed Tony winner Sam Pinkleton. Set against the historical backdrop of Abraham Lincoln’s final days, the play unfolds the tale of a woman whose suppressed dreams of cabaret stardom come to the forefront.
Alaska Thunderf— will kick off the tour, debuting in Hartford, Connecticut, on 19 September 2026. The national tour will run through to 17 January 2027, with Alaska portraying Mary Todd Lincoln while Ghee takes on the role of Mary’s Husband—an amusing twist on the character of Abraham Lincoln. Following this initial leg of the tour, Ghee will step into the lead role in Chicago starting 19 January, making history as the first actor to portray both Mary Todd Lincoln and her husband in the award-winning production.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Alaska shared her excitement about being cast in a role she now considers her dream. “It is an actual dream come true that I, Alaska Thunderf—, get to play Mary F—ing Todd in the greatest play of the generation,” she said. Alaska, a renowned figure in drag performance, gained fame as a standout contestant on *RuPaul’s Drag Race* and has continued her success by releasing multiple albums and launching a podcast.
Alaska’s resumé is rich with accolades, including her recent co-write and starring role in the Off-Broadway sensation *Drag: The Musical*. Her versatility as a performer spans various platforms, including notable television appearances in series like *Hulu’s Drag Me to Dinner* and *The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time*.
J. Harrison Ghee, who made history in 2023 as the first openly nonbinary recipient of the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, is equally thrilled about the upcoming tour. Known for their powerful performance in *Some Like It Hot*, Ghee expressed their joy at returning to *Oh, Mary!* in this unique capacity. “Playing both Mary’s Husband and Mary Todd Lincoln is a dream come true,” they commented, highlighting the creative potential of embodying two distinct characters within the same production.
Ghee’s portfolio boasts impressive roles, including Lola in *Kinky Boots* and Andre Mayhem in *Mrs. Doubtfire*. Their recent work extends beyond stage productions, encompassing roles in popular television series such as *Raising Dion* and *Accused*.
Both performers are eager to bring a new energy to the national tour, anticipating that their collaboration will create memorable experiences for audiences across the country. The tour will also make stops in several major cities, including San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, D.C., concluding in West Palm Beach in May 2027.
*Oh, Mary!* has proven to be a monumental success since its debut at the Lyceum Theatre in July 2024. Not only has it broken box office records, but it also became the first show of that Broadway season to recoup its investment. Following its London premiere in late 2025, the production received the 2026 Olivier Award for Best New Entertainment or Comedy Play, solidifying its status as a significant theatrical achievement.
As anticipation builds for the national tour, further casting announcements are expected in the coming months. With its blend of humour, historical context, and cultural commentary, *Oh, Mary!* promises to captivate audiences as it embarks on its journey across the United States. Tickets and additional information regarding the tour can be found on the official show website.