Review | Oh, Mary!
Oh, Mary!: A Provocative and Hilarious Deconstruction of History
The Lyceum Theatre currently hosts Oh, Mary!, Cole Escola’s audacious reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life in the weeks preceding Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. This is not a traditional historical drama; rather, it’s a darkly comedic, intensely theatrical exploration of a woman grappling with societal expectations, repressed desires, and the impending shadow of national tragedy. While Oh, Mary!‘s unrelenting commitment to its distinctive brand of absurdist humor may not resonate with every audience member, Betty Gilpin’s captivating central performance and the production’s surprisingly poignant undercurrents combine to create a wildly entertaining and ultimately thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Betty Gilpin’s portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln is a remarkable feat of physical and emotional dexterity. She embodies the First Lady as a whirlwind of barely contained energy, oscillating between grand pronouncements and moments of childlike vulnerability. Gilpin embraces the inherent absurdity of the script with an abandon that is both compelling and deeply impressive. Her physicality is particularly noteworthy; her performance evokes the traditions of stage clowning, with controlled tumbles, deliberate stumbles, and an overall mastery of her body that expresses Mary’s internal state with remarkable clarity. There are moments where a simple physical gesture conveys both the comedic and the tragic elements of Mary’s situation, a testament to Gilpin’s nuanced understanding of the character. Her impeccable comedic timing and frequent, direct addresses to the audience further enhance the play’s unique blend of farce and intimacy.
The supporting cast provides a crucial framework for Gilpin’s tour-de-force performance. Phillip James Brannon, as “Mary’s Husband,” offers a striking contrast to the central figure. This is a deliberately unconventional portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, stripped of the usual historical gravitas. Brannon’s understated performance, characterized by dry wit and a weary resignation, serves as a comedic foil to Mary’s extravagance. The dynamic between them—a study in contrasts—is both humorous and subtly poignant. The very choice to identify him solely as “Mary’s Husband” underscores the play’s thematic focus on the personal, often obscured, dimensions of historical figures.
Bianca Leigh, as Mary’s Chaperone, provides a grounded, wry counterpoint to the surrounding chaos. Her performance is a masterclass in comedic restraint, offering a knowing perspective on the unfolding events. Leigh’s delivery, marked by precise timing and subtle gestures, provides a welcome balance to the more overtly theatrical elements of the production.
Tony Macht, portraying Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, navigates the complex dynamics of the household with skillful comedic timing. His interactions with Brannon’s character are particularly noteworthy, providing some of the play’s most genuinely hilarious moments.
Chris Renfro, as Mary’s Teacher, delivers a performance that convincingly portrays the source of Mary’s infatuation. His portrayal of the character adds much to the tension, and the development of the story.
Cole Escola’s script is a bold experiment in theatrical form, and director Sam Pinkleton expertly navigates its challenges. The production’s design elements – set, costumes, lighting, and sound – contribute to a cohesive and deliberately stylized world.
Oh, Mary! is a theatrical experience that defies easy categorization. It is a bold, often hilarious, and surprisingly moving exploration of a complex historical figure. While its unconventional approach may not be universally appealing, the production’s artistic merit, particularly Betty Gilpin’s extraordinary performance, is undeniable. This is a limited engagement that deserves attention and is highly recommended for those seeking a theatrical experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
I purchased my ticket via TDF on my own. It’s 80-minute, no intermission, runtime flew by and I would indeed recommend it for a fun, quick night of side-splitting humor.
