Meg Stalter, the talented actress and comedian, is set to make her Broadway debut this summer in the highly acclaimed comedy, *Oh, Mary!*, where she will portray the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. Announcing her engagement, Stalter expressed her excitement, declaring the opportunity as the “prize of a lifetime.” Her stint in the show will run for a limited ten weeks, commencing on July 6 and concluding on September 12.
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Having established herself in the world of comedy, the 35-year-old Stalter has garnered attention for her extensive work, including her role in the hit series *Hacks*. Reflecting on her connection to the character of Mary Todd Lincoln, she noted how unusual it is for her to resonate so strongly with a character: “I’ve never seen myself in a character the way I see myself in Mary, which is strange because I don’t even drink,” she revealed. This sentiment highlights the depth and relatability of the character, created by playwright Cole Escola, who has both written and performed in the role previously.
Stalter’s enthusiasm for *Oh, Mary!* extends beyond the script to her admiration for Escola. She remarked on her joy upon meeting him, likening it to the innocence of childhood friendships. “When I first met Cole Escola, they said, ‘I thought I was too old to feel this excited and giddy about a new friend,’ and that’s exactly how I felt when I met Mary Todd Lincoln for the first time,” she shared. This heartfelt connection strengthens her commitment to the role and the production.
Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, *Oh, Mary!* presents a whimsical and outrageous retelling of Mary Todd Lincoln in the days leading up to the assassination of her husband, Abraham Lincoln. The comedy paints a vivid picture of the First Lady as an overwhelmed, hard-drinking woman who yearns for a life beyond the constraints of the White House, dreaming instead of achieving her true aspiration: stardom in the cabaret scene.
Since its premiere on July 11, 2024, at the Lyceum Theatre, *Oh, Mary!* has taken Broadway by storm, achieving historic box office success. It recently became the first production in the venue’s history to gross over $1 million in just a single week. Following its remarkable debut, the show has shattered its own box office records on 13 separate occasions and is noteworthy for being the first offering of the 2024-25 Broadway season to recoup its original investment, highlighting its popularity with audiences.
The role of Mary Todd Lincoln has seen a variety of talented actors take the stage, including notable stars such as Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, and Betty Gilpin, among others. Current fans will be treated to a performance by Saturday Night Live alum Maya Rudolph, who will lead the cast until July 5. The anticipation of Stalter’s portrayal after Rudolph’s departure builds excitement among Broadway enthusiasts, who are eager to witness her take on the beloved character.
In her statement, Stalter humorously acknowledged her previous public breakup with Escola, thanking him for helping to realise her aspirations. “Cole, despite our insane public breakup in 2018,” she joked, “I love you, thank you for making my dreams come true.” This light-hearted comment underscores the camaraderie and shared history between the two artists, further enriching the narrative surrounding the show.
With Stalter’s dynamic talent and an outstanding production team, *Oh, Mary!* continues to engage audiences with its unique blend of humour, history, and emotional depth. As her debut approaches, Stalter’s excitement is palpable, a sentiment undoubtedly shared by fans eager to see her bring Mary Todd Lincoln to life in what promises to be a memorable and entertaining performance on Broadway.