Tituss Burgess Takes Over Lead Role in ‘Oh, Mary!’ On Broadway

Tituss Burgess will take over the lead role in Oh, Mary! this spring.

Burgess will play Mary Todd Lincoln for three weeks starting March 18 through April 6. He takes over the role from Betty Gilpin, who took over the role starting Jan. 21. 

Cole Escola, who wrote the play, originated the role of Mary Off-Broadway and through the show’s Broadway transfer. 

Burgess, known for his roles in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Schmigadoon!, has previously appeared on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!, Guys and Dolls, The Little Mermaid and more. 

“Oh, Mary! blew me away when I saw it on Broadway. Cole Escola is a genius!” Burgess said. “The show is fresh and impossibly funny. I understand the role of Mary Todd Lincoln maybe a little too well. I’m over the moon with joy that I get to join the company at The Lyceum Theatre.”

Oh Mary! reimagines the life of Mary Todd Lincoln, depicting her as a wannabe cabaret star with a drinking problem. The play, directed by Tony Award nominee Sam Pinkleton, opened on Broadway on July 11, 2024 at the Lyceum Theatre.

In addition to Gilpin, the play currently stars Phillip James Brannon as Mary’s Husband, Chris Renfro as Mary’s Teacher, Bianca Leigh as Mary’s Chaperone and Tony Macht as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, with Hannah Solow, Martin Landry and Julian Manjerico completing the company.