Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Cole Escola has made a notable return to Broadway, reprising their acclaimed role as Mary Todd Lincoln in the production of Oh, Mary!. This production is concluding its successful run featuring the original cast members. In a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Escola discussed their experiences with the play and hinted at future artistic endeavors.
Reflecting on the overwhelming success of Oh, Mary!, Escola expressed a mix of astonishment and uncertainty, stating, “It’s still surprising to me. I don’t know what to make of it. And if I knew how to process my feelings in real time, I wouldn’t be in show business, would I?” Despite originating the concept back in 2009, they noted the lengthy journey to its realization was primarily hindered by apprehension. “I was so scared that, once I got it on paper, I would be faced with my own mediocrity,” Escola confessed.
When asked about their next creative project, Escola mentioned a desire to portray a more conventional character, humorously adding, “People never think to cast me as a straight guy.” They even provided a comedic impression of how they envisioned a straight male character would sound, playfully suggesting that “[a] straight guy’s number one fear is being understood.” View the complete interview to catch Escola’s insights in their own words.
Guided by the vision of Tony Award nominee Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary! made its Broadway debut on July 11, 2024, at the Lyceum Theatre, following a successful off-Broadway run that included two extensions and sold-out performances at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The production has made a historical mark at the Lyceum, becoming the first in the venue’s 121-year history to achieve over $1,000,000 in single-week gross earnings, and has surpassed its own box office records on eleven occasions.
After initially stepping away from the role on January 19, 2025, Escola’s absence was briefly filled by actors Betty Gilpin and Tituss Burgess, who also donned the character’s renowned curls. However, Escola returned on April 8, 2025, joining the original cast for an encore presentation through June 28, 2025. Their performance has garnered significant recognition, including an Obie Award, Drama Desk Award, Theatre World Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com