John Cameron Mitchell, a celebrated Tony and Obie Award-winning actor, is set to make his much-anticipated return to Broadway. He will star in the hit play Oh, Mary! by Cole Escola for a limited engagement of 12 weeks this winter. Mitchell will portray the iconic role of Mary Todd Lincoln, initially played by the playwright himself.
Performance Details
Performances are scheduled to commence at the Lyceum Theatre on February 3, 2026. Mitchell will be in the role through April 26, 2026. This marks a significant return to the Broadway stage for Mitchell, known for his groundbreaking work in theater.
Mitchell’s Statement
In a statement, Mitchell expressed his excitement, saying, “Cole Escola and director Sam Pinkleton are the wild horses that dragged me back to drag and I couldn’t be happier!” He added humorously about mastering his role and preparing for the audience’s reactions.
Praise from Industry Peers
Director Sam Pinkleton shared his enthusiasm as well, stating, “Welcoming John into this cast feels both delicious and somehow inevitable.” He acknowledged Mitchell’s influence on the live performance landscape and his role as a queer trailblazer.
History of Oh, Mary!
- Opening Date: July 11, 2024
- Theater: Lyceum Theatre
- Box Office Records: Grossed over $1,000,000 in a single week, breaking its own box office record twelve times.
- Investment Recoupment: First show of the 2024-25 season to recoup its investment.
Notable Cast History
Mitchell will join a list of distinguished actors who have portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln, including:
- Tituss Burgess
- Betty Gilpin
- Hannah Solow
- Jinkx Monsoon
Jinkx Monsoon will return for an encore engagement starting on January 8, 2026, and Hannah Solow will fill in on January 6 and 7.
Background on John Cameron Mitchell
Known for his original co-creation with Stephen Trask of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Mitchell gained acclaim both on stage and in the 2001 film adaptation. He has also starred in numerous other Broadway productions, including The Secret Garden, Six Degrees of Separation, and Big River.
Mitchell’s return to Broadway in Oh, Mary! looks to promise an unforgettable experience for audiences this winter at El-Balad.
