Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bowen Yang Takes Center Stage as Mary Todd Lincoln
Bowen Yang Takes Center Stage as Mary Todd Lincoln
4 Aug
Summary
- Bowen Yang makes his Broadway debut on September 15.
- The play features a rotating cast of notable performers.
- The show's creator and director initially didn't plan for a replacement.
Starting September 15, Bowen Yang will make his Broadway debut in "Oh, Mary!," taking on the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. The production has a history of featuring a diverse and notable roster of performers, including Betty Gilpin, John Cameron Mitchell, and Maya Rudolph.
Creator Cole Escola and director Sam Pinkleton initially planned for a limited run with Escola in the central role. However, the show's unexpected success and extended run necessitated a strategy for replacing Escola, who departed in January 2025.
This led to a unique casting process, seeking performers who could embody the character distinctively. Casting director Henry Russell Bergstein emphasized the need for unique talents capable of handling eight shows a week. Yang plans to portray Mary with a more masculine and intense demeanor, viewing the character's delusion as relatable.
The casting team, including Bergstein, Escola, and Pinkleton, continuously discusses potential performers, considering availability and a performer's ability to convey hidden qualities. The production aims to maintain its momentum through exceptional casting choices, ensuring the play's continued success.
