Meg Stalter Makes Sensational Broadway Debut in ‘Oh, Mary!’
Photo Credit: Evan Zimmerman
by Chris Tremblay Jul 9
4 MIN READ
On Monday, July 6, 2026, the historic Lyceum Theatre in New York City became the site of one of the most anticipated Broadway debuts of the summer season . Meg Stalter, the breakout comedian and actress widely known for her role as the chaotic assistant Kayla in the HBO series “Hacks,” stepped into the iconic, bratty curls of Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola’s critically acclaimed comedy, “Oh, Mary!” . Stalter’s debut follows a highly successful run by Maya Rudolph, who concluded her performance in the lead role on July 5, 2026 .
The evening was not just a milestone for Stalter but also a moment of public support from her television family. Jean Smart , the Emmy-winning lead of “Hacks,” was present at the Lyceum to support her costar, reinforcing the close-knit bond between the cast members of the hit series . Smart was observed by attendees cheering enthusiastically during the curtain call, a testament to the mentorship and camaraderie shared between the veteran actress and Stalter .
“Oh, Mary!” has become a theatrical phenomenon since its transfer to Broadway on July 11, 2024 . Written by and originally starring the non-binary performer Cole Escola, the play provides a revisionist, camp-infused look at the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln . This version of Mary is not the somber historical figure often depicted in textbooks; instead, she is a frustrated, hard-drinking woman whose primary ambition is to become a cabaret star .
The production has been praised for its unapologetic queerness and its subversion of traditional historical narratives. The cast includes Phillip James Brannon as Mary’s husband and Bianca Leigh—a prominent transgender actress—as Mary’s Chaperone, further cementing the show's status as a cornerstone of inclusive and diverse modern theater . Joining Stalter on the night of July 6 were new cast members Barrett Foa, who took over the role of Mary’s Teacher, and Ryo Kamibayashi, who joined as the Husband’s Assistant .
The professional relationship between Meg Stalter and Jean Smart has often been a point of interest for fans of “Hacks,” where their characters Kayla and Deborah Vance share a friction-filled yet increasingly affectionate dynamic. Stalter’s transition to Broadway marks a significant step in her career, moving from supporting player to a leading lady in a major Broadway production. Smart’s presence at the debut was not just a personal gesture but a public endorsement of Stalter’s versatility as a performer.
Industry analysts have noted that the success of “Hacks” has provided a significant platform for its supporting cast. Stalter, in particular, has leveraged her "scene-stealing" reputation to secure roles in both major television projects and high-profile stage productions . In a recent interview, Stalter expressed her long-standing dream of playing Mary Todd Lincoln, joking that if she were allowed to portray the character, she would "provide every person in Ohio with a car" .
“Oh, Mary!” initially premiered off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre before making its surprise move to the Lyceum . Since its Broadway opening, it has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and has consistently performed well at the box office . The play has seen a revolving door of high-profile actors taking on the titular role, including Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, and Jinkx Monsoon, each bringing a unique energy to Escola’s sharp, comedic script .
Stalter’s engagement is scheduled to run for 10 weeks, ending on September 12, 2026 . The production is currently slated to continue at the Lyceum Theatre through January 3, 2027, with ticket prices starting at approximately $85.99 .
As the Broadway community continues to strive for greater representation, the success of "Oh, Mary!" stands as a prime example of how queer-led and queer-themed content can achieve mainstream commercial success without sacrificing its core identity. The inclusion of transgender people in the cast and the non-binary authorship of the work provide a blueprint for future productions . Stalter herself has been an advocate for authentic and diverse storytelling, often using her comedic platform to challenge societal norms.
During her first performance, Stalter’s interpretation of Mary Todd Lincoln was met with standing ovations. Fans described her performance as "electric" and "uniquely chaotic," fitting perfectly within the established tone of Escola's work . With Jean Smart's support and a strong ensemble cast, Stalter’s Broadway debut is poised to be one of the defining cultural moments of the summer 2026 season.
While Stalter’s run is limited, the momentum for "Oh, Mary!" shows no signs of slowing down. As theatergoers flock to the Lyceum to see Stalter’s take on the "bratty" Mary Todd Lincoln, the production continues to offer accessible options for audiences, including a digital lottery and $43 same-day rush tickets available at the box office .
As Stalter prepares for the remainder of her 10-week run, the focus remains on her ability to balance the absurdist comedy of the play with the grounded reality of a performer making her mark on one of the world's most prestigious stages. With the backing of her "Hacks" costars and the Broadway community, Meg Stalter has officially arrived in New York theater.
Reimagining History with a Queer Lens
“Oh, Mary!” has become a theatrical phenomenon since its transfer to Broadway on July 11, 2024 . Written by and originally starring the non-binary performer Cole Escola, the play provides a revisionist, camp-infused look at the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln . This version of Mary is not the somber historical figure often depicted in textbooks; instead, she is a frustrated, hard-drinking woman whose primary ambition is to become a cabaret star .
The production has been praised for its unapologetic queerness and its subversion of traditional historical narratives. The cast includes Phillip James Brannon as Mary’s husband and Bianca Leigh—a prominent transgender actress—as Mary’s Chaperone, further cementing the show's status as a cornerstone of inclusive and diverse modern theater . Joining Stalter on the night of July 6 were new cast members Barrett Foa, who took over the role of Mary’s Teacher, and Ryo Kamibayashi, who joined as the Husband’s Assistant .
The Impact of the “Hacks” Connection
The professional relationship between Meg Stalter and Jean Smart has often been a point of interest for fans of “Hacks,” where their characters Kayla and Deborah Vance share a friction-filled yet increasingly affectionate dynamic. Stalter’s transition to Broadway marks a significant step in her career, moving from supporting player to a leading lady in a major Broadway production. Smart’s presence at the debut was not just a personal gesture but a public endorsement of Stalter’s versatility as a performer.
Industry analysts have noted that the success of “Hacks” has provided a significant platform for its supporting cast. Stalter, in particular, has leveraged her "scene-stealing" reputation to secure roles in both major television projects and high-profile stage productions . In a recent interview, Stalter expressed her long-standing dream of playing Mary Todd Lincoln, joking that if she were allowed to portray the character, she would "provide every person in Ohio with a car" .
Production History and Continued Success
“Oh, Mary!” initially premiered off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre before making its surprise move to the Lyceum . Since its Broadway opening, it has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and has consistently performed well at the box office . The play has seen a revolving door of high-profile actors taking on the titular role, including Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess, and Jinkx Monsoon, each bringing a unique energy to Escola’s sharp, comedic script .
Stalter’s engagement is scheduled to run for 10 weeks, ending on September 12, 2026 . The production is currently slated to continue at the Lyceum Theatre through January 3, 2027, with ticket prices starting at approximately $85.99 .
A Milestone for Inclusive Performance
As the Broadway community continues to strive for greater representation, the success of "Oh, Mary!" stands as a prime example of how queer-led and queer-themed content can achieve mainstream commercial success without sacrificing its core identity. The inclusion of transgender people in the cast and the non-binary authorship of the work provide a blueprint for future productions . Stalter herself has been an advocate for authentic and diverse storytelling, often using her comedic platform to challenge societal norms.
During her first performance, Stalter’s interpretation of Mary Todd Lincoln was met with standing ovations. Fans described her performance as "electric" and "uniquely chaotic," fitting perfectly within the established tone of Escola's work . With Jean Smart's support and a strong ensemble cast, Stalter’s Broadway debut is poised to be one of the defining cultural moments of the summer 2026 season.
Looking Ahead
While Stalter’s run is limited, the momentum for "Oh, Mary!" shows no signs of slowing down. As theatergoers flock to the Lyceum to see Stalter’s take on the "bratty" Mary Todd Lincoln, the production continues to offer accessible options for audiences, including a digital lottery and $43 same-day rush tickets available at the box office .
As Stalter prepares for the remainder of her 10-week run, the focus remains on her ability to balance the absurdist comedy of the play with the grounded reality of a performer making her mark on one of the world's most prestigious stages. With the backing of her "Hacks" costars and the Broadway community, Meg Stalter has officially arrived in New York theater.
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