How would it look for an acclaimed drag superstar to take over the lead role in one of Broadway‘s buzziest plays? In the words Cole Escola’s interpretation Mary Todd Lincoln: “Sensational!”
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On Wednesday (June 18), Jinkx Monsoon announced that she will be taking over the lead role of Broadway’s Oh, Mary! starting on Aug. 4. The new casting comes just weeks after Escola, who also wrote the acclaimed comedy, won the 2025 Tony Award for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cole Escola is the funniest person alive. Oh, Mary! is one of the best, funniest, most energizing things I’ve seen in my life,” Monsoon said of her casting in a statement. “To be invited to live in this playground for a time is not only an honor and a privilege, but a lovely chance to showcase the writing talents of one friend, the directorial talents of another, and everything else that comes with this singular production. Happy to trade in one pair of bloomers for another.”
Escola will finish their award-winning run as the former first lady on Saturday (June 21), with Tituss Burgess returning to the role starting the following Monday (June 23).
Monsoon is currently starring alongside David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo in Roundabout Theater Company’s Pirates! The Penzance Musical, a New Orleans-inspired reimagining of the 1879 Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera. The drag performer made her Broadway debut as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago in 2023, and also starred as Audrey in the latest off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors.
Check out the official announcement of Jinkx Monsoon’s casting below:
