Maya Rudolph Brings Humor to Broadway

Comedian Maya Rudolph brings her unique comedic style to her Broadway debut in the play, ‘Oh, Mary!’. Describing the production as ‘so stupid it verges on brilliant,’ Rudolph immerses herself in the role with her characteristic humor.

Role of Mary Todd Lincoln

‘Oh, Mary!’ is a play that reimagines the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in a wildly inaccurate manner. Mary is portrayed as a self-absorbed, hard-drinking cabaret singer, longing for stardom while feeling stifled by her husband, Abraham Lincoln. The play capitalizes on Rudolph’s talents by utilizing physical comedy and expressive facial expressions, contributing to the slapstick humor.

“The biggest compliment I can give sometimes in comedy is, it’s so dumb. Oh, it’s so stupid. It just is silly,” Rudolph said.

A Stage Beast

Director Sam Pinkleton praises Rudolph as a natural on stage, citing her ability to engage with the audience and adapt to the moment as integral to her performances. “She is, at her core, a stage beast,” Pinkleton stated, highlighting her ease in improvisation.

Joining a Legacy of Comic Performers

Rudolph is the eighth actor to play the role of Mary Todd Lincoln, following other notable performers like Cole Escola and Jane Krakowski. She quickly joined the production in late April, rehearsing for just 10 days before stepping into the role. Her performance run has been extended through July 5.

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