‘Oh, Mary!’ | The BSB Podcast!
There are some Broadway plays that seem impossible to describe, and Oh, Mary! is absolutely one of those shows. While it is most definitely a historical comedy, this show uses history more as a guiding aspiration than a hard-and-fast rule to operate by. It relishes the wicked delight of looking at the life and times of Mary Todd Lincoln through a lens that isn’t often used in history: comedy. There’s more bounce in this show than Mary’s bratty curls, as creator Cole Escola has created something that not only explores a historical figure but also reinvents what it means to be a part of American history. By exaggerating the past to the point of collapse, the production exposes the fragile myths we cling to, proving that sometimes the fastest way to understand history is to drag it into the spotlight and let it misbehave, making it the perfect show to kick off our podcast coverage from our 2026 New York City trip!
In this episode of the BSB podcast, hosts Brian Kitson and RJ Miller-Zelinko explore the absurdity of Oh, Mary! and the genius behind this one-of-a-kind Broadway play! From staging and direction to casting (which largely shapes the audience’s experience), nothing is off-limits in this discussion. Which performances outshone the others on stage? How does this Broadway play not only embrace the farcical nature but also expand upon it? Listen to this podcast to find out all those answers and more!
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78th Tony Awards (2025): Broadway Takes a Breath
Podcast credits and show notes for this podcast
- RJ Miller-Zelinko
- Brian Kitson
Recorded on 01/27/2026
78th Tony Awards (2025): Broadway Takes a Breath
