Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and Emma Stone Visit Maya Rudolph at Broadway’s “Oh, Mary!”

Maya Rudolph’s much-anticipated Broadway debut in the comedy ‘Oh, Mary!’ has garnered significant acclaim, leading to an extension of its run through July 5. This production, which opened at the historic Lyceum Theatre on July 11, 2024, has received rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike, solidifying its status as one of the hottest tickets on Broadway.

Rudolph, best known for her work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), has brought new life to the character of Mary Todd Lincoln. The play offers an audacious reinterpretation of the First Lady, portraying her as a disenchanted and hard-drinking individual yearning to escape the confines of the White House in pursuit of her ultimate dream: a career as a cabaret star. Her performance has not only resonated with theatre-goers but has also repeatedly shattered box office records since her arrival in the role on April 28.

Friends and former colleagues from SNL, Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones, showed their support for Rudolph during a recent performance. They made a memorable appearance backstage, donning T-shirts featuring Rudolph’s likeness, which they bought from the theatre’s merchandise shop. Joining them was Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone, along with the entire cast of ‘Oh, Mary!’ The camaraderie among these stars highlights the strong connections formed during their time working together on various projects.

The performance on June 9 particularly stood out, showcasing not only Rudolph’s comedic prowess but also the playful energy that permeated backstage. The longstanding friendship between Poehler and Rudolph dates back to their tenure on SNL, where they first forged their creative partnership. Over the years, they’ve collaborated on a range of projects, including films like ‘Sisters’ and ‘Wine Country,’ as well as providing voices for Pixar’s acclaimed ‘Inside Out’ series.

As ‘Oh, Mary!’ continues its successful run, it has broken box office records 14 times, including record-breaking figures during Rudolph’s inaugural week in the production. On May 1, the show set a new house record by grossing $199,935 for a single performance. The week ending May 3 saw the production achieve an astounding total of $1,540,979.58, reinforcing its status as a box office juggernaut.

The play’s creative team consists of writer Cole Escola and director Sam Pinkleton, who have crafted a narrative that is both bold and provocative. ‘Oh, Mary!’ captures the essence of a turbulent period in American history while also providing a comedic lens through which to view the struggles of its protagonist. It offers audiences a lighthearted yet insightful look into the life of a woman often overshadowed by her husband’s legacy.

Broadway currently boasts a remarkable year for alumni from SNL, with multiple productions featuring familiar faces. Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch have received Tony nominations for their respective performances in ‘Schmigadoon!’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Show.’ The season has also seen contributions from a variety of other SNL veterans, with Molly Shannon, Kenan Thompson, and Bobby Moynihan among those involved in notable productions.

The camaraderie among these performers adds to the vibrancy of Broadway, with Dratch previously expressing enthusiasm about the current wave of SNL talent gracing the stage. “It’s fun that we all happen to be doing it at the same time,” she remarked. “Ana and Maya and I are close friends too, so we’re still waiting until we’re not too tired to go out for drinks afterwards.”

With high demand for tickets, ‘Oh, Mary!’ is continuing to make waves, providing audiences with laughter and a unique take on a significant historical figure. As Maya Rudolph shines in her Broadway debut, her friends and fans alike eagerly anticipate what she will bring to the stage as the run progresses. Tickets for the remaining performances are currently available, and the production seems set to maintain its momentum in the weeks leading up to its extended closing date.