Cole Escola's 'Oh, Mary!' Makes a Bold Leap from Stage to HBO

When the Stage Meets the Screen

There's something magical about a play that not only survives but thrives on the stage, then finds its way to television. Cole Escola's Oh, Mary! is no exception. The dark comedy, which has been wowing audiences in both New York and London, is now heading to HBO in 2027 with a filmed version that promises to bring the chaos, heart, and hilarious absurdity of its stage performances directly into viewers' homes.

"I'm so happy to share this show with a wider audience and spread 'Oh, Mary!' awareness," said Escola. "Knowing about 'Oh, Mary!' is the first step in getting rid of it."

— Cole Escola

This isn't just a simple adaptation—it's a full theatrical experience reimagined for television. And with a teaser that introduces us to Mary Todd Lincoln (played by Escola) and her rather unconventional cast of characters, we're immediately pulled into the world of this one-act play that has been described as "80 minutes of pure theatrical brilliance."

The Teaser: A Theatrical Love Letter

The teaser trailer for the HBO special is a delightfully absurd and witty piece of work. It begins with Escola's character, Mary Todd Lincoln, barging into an HBO office, introducing herself in all her theatrical glory. The moment she starts talking to Sarah Jessica Parker, we're reminded that this is no ordinary play—it's a love letter to both theater and pop culture.

As the scene unfolds, Parker and Cynthia Nixon appear, offering Mary water—only to find out that Escola's character has been having a conversation with them for the entire time. It's a moment of pure comedic brilliance that perfectly encapsulates the tone and wit of Oh, Mary!. The teaser also showcases the play's cast including Giles Terera as Abraham Lincoln, Bianca Leigh, Tony Macht, and Michael Urie.

A Play About a Forgotten Figure

At its heart, Oh, Mary! is an unconventional take on a historical figure—Mary Todd Lincoln. It explores her life and dreams through the lens of an idiot, played by the brilliant Cole Escola himself. The play delves into themes of unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires during the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

Per the official logline:

"A miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute, one-act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln, through the lens of an idiot (playwright Cole Escola)."

This isn't just a political commentary or a biographical drama—it's a deeply personal look at a woman who has been largely overlooked in history, given her role in one of America's most defining moments.

The Artistry Behind the Magic

Sam Pinkleton, who originally directed the play on Broadway, also directed the filmed version. His experience with the play's evolution from stage to screen gives us confidence that this adaptation will be nothing short of spectacular. Pinkleton's vision and passion are evident in his statement:

"Shepherding 'Oh, Mary!' through its many lives (and Marys) has been an ecstatic experience and I'm giddy that the genius of original idiot Cole Escola will now be immortalized on televisions across America and beyond."

— Sam Pinkleton

The play's executive producers include Escola, Alex Bach and Daniel Powell for Irony Point, Carlee Briglia and Mike Lavoie for Mike & Carlee Productions, and Kevin McCollum and Lucas McMahon for Alchemation. Their involvement guarantees a high level of quality and artistic integrity.

The Play's Cultural Impact

As we prepare for this HBO premiere, it's worth reflecting on how Oh, Mary! has already made waves in the theater world. From its inception as a small, intimate performance to its current status as a must-see show, the play has captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike.

Escola's unique voice, combined with his fearless approach to storytelling, has given us something truly special. His ability to blend historical narrative with comedic absurdity creates a theatrical experience that's both thought-provoking and deeply entertaining. Oh, Mary! isn't just a play—it's a cultural phenomenon.

What's Next for Mary Todd Lincoln?

With its HBO debut scheduled for 2027, we're eager to see how the theatrical experience translates to television. The play's blend of dark humor and emotional depth should translate beautifully to screen, offering viewers a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

We're already excited about what this means for the future of television storytelling—especially when it comes to bringing unique, theatrical voices into mainstream media. Oh, Mary! is more than just entertainment; it's a celebration of artistry and imagination. And with HBO's backing, we're confident that this play will reach even more people who deserve to experience its brilliance.

Looking Forward

The journey from stage to screen for Oh, Mary! is a testament to the power of innovative storytelling. As Escola and his team continue to build anticipation for this HBO special, one thing is clear: we're about to witness something truly extraordinary.

In a landscape where many productions struggle to find their voice, Oh, Mary! stands out as a bold, fresh take on history that refuses to be ignored. So here's to Mary Todd Lincoln, and to the brilliant mind behind her story—Cole Escola. Here's to a theatrical revolution that's about to hit our screens in 2027.