Conrad Ricamora Discusses Well-Deserved Break from ‘Oh, Mary’ (Exclusive)
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Tony nominee Conrad Ricamora recently opened up about the much-needed break he took from the Broadway show ‘Oh, Mary’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Tony Awards’ ‘Meet the Nominees’ event, the 46-year-old actor revealed that he was struggling with “rage nightmares” while playing the role of Mary’s Husband in Cole Escola’s comedy. Ricamora, who received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln in the production, took a temporary departure from the show on January 19. Along with him, playwright Cole Escola and actor James Scully also left before returning on April 8, just in time for the Tony nominations in May.
During his time away from the show, Ricamora reflected on how deeply the role had affected him. He shared, “I didn’t realize how the show had affected me. We had been doing it for a little over a year when I took my break.” Ricamora admitted to experiencing “rage nightmares” due to the challenges of portraying Cole Escola’s unpredictable Mary on stage every night. Despite the comedic nature of the play, the actor found the role to be incredibly frustrating and mentally taxing.
Ricamora’s break allowed him to reset and recharge, with even his husband noticing a positive change in his demeanor upon his return. The actor spent his time off travelling with his husband, visiting Canada, Europe, and exploring new Broadway productions. Reflecting on his experience working with Cole Escola, Ricamora praised the writer and actor, acknowledging the challenges presented by his scene partner’s portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln.
The Broadway hit ‘Oh, Mary!’ directed by Sam Pinkleton, follows the troubled life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the lead-up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The play premiered Off-Broadway in February 2024 before moving to the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway, where it has broken box office records. Ricamora’s Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor comes after years of dedication to the New York theatre scene, with notable roles in productions like ‘The King and I’ and ‘Here Lies Love’.
The actor expressed gratitude for the honour, reflecting on his journey in New York theatre over the past 13 years. He acknowledged his fellow nominees and friends, highlighting the sense of community and camaraderie within the industry. Ricamora’s return to ‘Oh, Mary!’ marked a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place among Broadway’s finest talents.
‘Oh, Mary!’ tickets are now available for purchase, and the 2025 Tony Awards, where Ricamora is nominated, will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. As the Broadway community celebrates the achievements of its talented artists, Conrad Ricamora stands out as a shining example of dedication and passion for the craft.
In conclusion, Conrad Ricamora’s experience with ‘Oh, Mary!’ highlights the emotional and physical toll that theatre performances can take on actors. His dedication to the role of Mary’s Husband showcases the challenges and rewards of working in live theatre, and his Tony nomination is a testament to his talent and perseverance in the industry.