Meg Stalter Makes Broadway Debut in 'Oh, Mary' With Jean Smart in Attendance

Meg Stalter took the stage at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City on Monday evening (July 6) for her Broadway debut in the acclaimed comedy Oh, Mary!

The 35-year-old Hacks actress is taking on the lead role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Cole Escola's Tony-winning play. The production has become a major commercial success on Broadway, becoming the first show of the 2024-25 season to recoup its investment and shattering its own box office records 13 times over.

Stalter's opening night drew support from her television co-star Jean Smart, who attended the performance.

Oh, Mary! centers on a darkly comedic portrait of Mary Todd Lincoln during the final weeks before Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The one-act play explores the historical figure's struggles with unrequited longing, substance abuse, and hidden yearnings, examining her largely overlooked personal story and inner life.

In a statement about joining the production, Stalter reflected on her connection to the material: "When I first met Cole Escola, they said, 'I thought I was too old to feel this excited and giddy about a new friend,' and that's exactly how I felt when I met Mary Todd Lincoln for the first time. I've never seen myself in a character the way I see myself in Mary, which is strange because I don't even drink, but that's what Cole's beautiful work does to you – makes you feel incredibly excited and seen at the same time, like a little kid meeting a new friend. I've been in love with Cole's brain, heart, and work since the moment I had the privilege of experiencing it, and it's the prize of a lifetime to get to be in the best play to ever be written! Cole, despite our insane public breakup in 2018, I love you, thank you for making my dreams come true."

The ensemble features new cast additions Barrett Foa as Mary's Teacher and Ryo Kamibayashi as Mary's Husband's Assistant, alongside returning performers Phillip James Brannon as Mary's Husband and Bianca Leigh as Mary's Chaperone.

Stalter's engagement in the role runs through September 12.