Bowen Yang Is Ready to Raise Hell as Mary Todd Lincoln! Inside Rehearsals for His Broadway Debut in “Oh, Mary!” (Exclusive)

**Bowen Yang Set for Broadway Debut in ‘Oh, Mary!’ as Mary Todd Lincoln**

Bowen Yang, renowned for his tenure on *Saturday Night Live*, is set to make his Broadway debut in the acclaimed comedy *Oh, Mary!* on September 15. The production, held at the Lyceum Theatre, previously featured Meg Stalter in the titular role and has gained accolades for its unique interpretation of the historical figure Mary Todd Lincoln.

In an exclusive preview, shared by *People*, Yang can be seen immersing himself in rehearsals, fully embracing the eccentric world of the show. At 35 years old, he is ready to step into the shoes of Mary Todd Lincoln, depicted in *Oh, Mary!* as a disillusioned figure yearning for freedom from her life in the White House as tensions mount before her husband’s assassination.

The play, crafted by playwright Cole Escola, has gained a reputation for changing its leading actress frequently, with previous performers such as Betty Gilpin, Maya Rudolph, John Cameron Mitchell, and others taking on the dynamic character. Yang, having watched *Oh, Mary!* several times—seven, to be exact—expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead and acknowledged the opportunities he has had to learn from his predecessors.

During a recent appearance on *Good Morning America*, Yang admitted, “I’ve loved this show from the first time I saw it. I’ve had so much runway to prepare for this; if I am anything short of amazing, I will have no excuse.” His eagerness to incorporate elements from previous actors’ performances highlights his commitment to bring a fresh yet familiar approach to the role.

As Yang transitions into this new chapter, he is not only drawing inspiration from the performers who came before him but also receiving valuable advice. Stalter offered practical tips, including vocal care, while Rudolph cautioned him on the physical demands of the role. “There’s a lot of, like, you get on the ground, you use your whole body,” Yang explained, reflecting on the collaborative support he has received.

Despite his extensive background in comedy and television, Yang acknowledges the adjustment required to return to theatre after a long absence. “I haven’t done it since high school, so I’m a little out of practice,” he noted, comparing the experience of performing on *SNL* with live theatre, where repetition allows for refinement and growth.

Surprisingly, Broadway was not part of Yang’s initial career aspirations. Reflecting on his journey, he teased, “This was never on the vision board; Broadway was never on the horizon for me.” His educational background includes studying chemistry at New York University with plans for a medical career before comedy took precedence, a twist he finds both amusing and fortunate.

Yang’s path to achieving this milestone began earlier than this engagement. He was first approached about the role in 2025 but was unable to accept due to commitments to *Saturday Night Live*. Following his departure from the series, he experienced a personal transformation that allowed him to connect with the play and its themes on a deeper level.

With a limited run of twelve weeks ahead, Yang is eager to embrace the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. When asked about potential successors for the role, he playfully named a diverse array of actors including Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh, displaying his light-hearted approach to the production’s future.

Directed by Sam Pinkleton, *Oh, Mary!* became a phenomenon upon its opening in July 2024. The show quickly established itself as one of the season’s highlights, smashing box office records and recouping its investment shortly after its launch. Yang is joined onstage by other notable actors, including Phillip James Brannon and Bianca Leigh, further enriching the production.

As excitement builds for Yang’s Broadway debut, the show is set to expand beyond the Lyceum with a North American tour scheduled to commence soon, featuring talents from *RuPaul’s Drag Race*. For those keen to witness this unique interpretation of Mary Todd Lincoln, tickets for *Oh, Mary!* are available for purchase now, promising a theatrical experience filled with laughter, heart, and a touch of the absurd.