Meg Stalter Looks Right at Home in the Madness of “Oh, Mary!” Inside Rehearsals for Her Broadway Debut (Exclusive)

**Meg Stalter Makes Broadway Debut in ‘Oh, Mary!’ This July**

Meg Stalter, the breakout star from the hit series ‘Hacks,’ is set to grace the Broadway stage for the very first time in ‘Oh, Mary!’ The show will officially kick off its latest run at the Lyceum Theatre on 6 July.

The comedy, written by Cole Escola and directed by Sam Pinkleton, provides a unique and comedic reimagining of the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, presenting her as a heavy-drinking woman aspiring to become a cabaret performer. This light-hearted approach to a historical figure follows her during the tense days leading up to the assassination of her husband, Abraham Lincoln.

In exclusive rehearsal footage shared with PEOPLE, Stalter, aged 35, appears to embody the role with remarkable energy. The photos, snapped by well-known photographer Jenny Anderson, showcase Stalter’s expressive comedic style, suggesting that theatre-goers can anticipate an evening filled with laughter as the comedic star prepares for her debut.

Throughout the rehearsal process, Stalter has been seen in various playful poses, hinting at the vibrant performance she is set to deliver. She is joined in these training sessions by Barrett Foa, a seasoned performer renowned for his roles in productions like ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and ‘The Residence.’ Foa will portray Mary Todd’s teacher as part of the new casting beginning 6 July.

Stalter’s engagement in ‘Oh, Mary!’ is scheduled to run until 12 September, after which Foa will remain in production until 6 December. Joining them will be Ryo Kamibayashi, who takes on the role of Mary’s Husband’s Assistant through 13 September, before original cast member Tony Macht returns to the part on 15 September.

The ensemble features several returning talents, such as Phillip James Brannon, who plays Mary’s Husband, and Bianca Leigh, acting as Mary’s Chaperone. Both have extended their roles through 6 December. The overall cast is completed by Hannah Solow, Martin Landry, Julian Manjerico, and Jackie Sanders.

Since its premiere at the Lyceum Theatre in July 2024, ‘Oh, Mary!’ has soared to popularity, setting box office records and even leading to a successful transfer to London’s West End. As Stalter and the new cast prepare to take the stage, the anticipation builds, particularly as the show bids farewell to its outgoing stars—six-time Emmy winner Maya Rudolph and Grammy nominee Cheyenne Jackson—who will perform their final shows on 5 July.

Rudolph has herself made a stellar Broadway debut in this production, stepping into the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in a lineage of notable artists that includes Jane Krakowski, Tituss Burgess, and two-time winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ Jinkx Monsoon. It was Monsoon’s portrayal that inspired Stalter to audition for the role. “When I saw Jinkx do it, I’d never felt more connected to a character,” she recounted previously.

In a statement made during her casting announcement, Stalter expressed a deep personal connection to Mary Todd Lincoln. She explained how meeting Escola felt like discovering a kindred spirit. “I’ve never seen myself in a character the way I see Mary,” she affirmed.

Despite her excitement, Stalter has approached this opportunity with a seemingly relaxed philosophy, quipping to PEOPLE that she intends to “wing it” during her performances. “I don’t think I’m going to even learn the lines because I feel like you just get up there and kind of do it,” she laughed, declaring herself “the queen of improv.”

For those wishing to witness Stalter’s Broadway debut, tickets for ‘Oh, Mary!’ are currently available for purchase. With a blend of comedy and historical context, this production looks set to be a memorable addition to London’s rich theatrical landscape.